As we draw closer to our bardic competition at Black Gryphon Inn, I was excited to hear that one of my favorite local bards was coming to compete this year. I have had the pleasure to hear several of his pieces and am excited to see what he brings next month. Úlfarr Gyldir is a bard that tells incredible stories. Outside of the bardic circles, you may have seen him and his wife at a Ren Faire or even at a thrown weapons range. Be sure to come to Black Gryphon Inn to see Úlfarr and the other bards present their tales, songs, and poems for everyone. His performances are sure to be a treat.

1. What is your favorite word? Why?
Immolation – It’s full of layers; it’s a nice big fancy word, but it hides a dark meaning underneath.  Plus the first time I came across it was on a “Star Wars” soundtrack, so there’s that.

2. What is your least favorite word? Why?
Can’t – As in “It can’t be done” or “You can’t do it” in reference to a project or endeavor.  Few things motivate me more than the impossible.

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
An enraptured audience.  There is nothing better than being able to completely ensnare an audience with your performance, whether through Bardic or on the stage.  It’s that perfect moment where they no longer see you as a performer and only see you as your character (or characters.). I once went to a two man show of “Stones in His Pockets” where each actor played multiple parts and I still remember it as having a cast of more than two people.

4. What turns you off?
Dead pan silence – they are few things that are harder to perform to than a audience that doesn’t react.

5. What is your favorite curse word (bonus points if it is a period appropriate slur)?Fuckstockings!  Not a period appropriate curse per se, but from a parody of period literature.  I came across this gem in Christopher Moore’s Fool, a delightfully tongue-in-cheek retelling of King Lear from Pocket’s, Lear’s fool, perspective.

6. What bardic-related sound or noise do you love?
Laughter – provided I’m telling a tale with comedic elements. It’s a sign of a job well done. 

7. What bardic-related sound or noise do you hate?
People talking during other’s performances.  Everyone deserves respect when they step up to perform no matter whether they are a novice or a master.

8. What area of bardic performance (other than those that you already working in) would you like to attempt?
I’d definitely like to start working on original compositions in a period style.  I’m also constantly flirting with the idea of learning to play the lute, though first I would need to acquire a lute.

9. What area of bardic performance (other than those that you already working in) would you not like to attempt?
I’m not much of a singer honestly.  I’m not opposed to the idea of trying it someday, but I prefer poetry and prose.

10. Your name is called to appear in court. What would you hope to hear Their Majesties say?
“Your tales have captured our imagination.”

Lastly, what are you currently working on?

Currently I’m working on two pieces: one story and one Eddic Poem for the upcoming Baronial Champion competition at Black Gryphon Inn.