Mistig Waetru – Anglo-Saxon for “misty waters.” Our Shire derives its name from the giant White Wyrm of fog, sometimes fifty feet in height, that wends its way down the Keweenaw Waterway every morning, here in the beautiful North Woods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The Shire dates officially from April Fool’s Day 1988, though meetings had been held since the Ides of March or thereabouts. Michigan Tech had a medieval theme for its Arts Fair that year, giving members the ideal venue for its first demo. Gentles from Pentamere in the Midrealm came to our aid with armored combat, juggling and brewing/vintning demonstrations, followed by a medieval buffet. Under the tutelage of Baron Fum of Andelcrag, we became the Canton of the College of Northern Highlands, with Jasmine, Ulfin, V’larishtahl (later Toshikage), Connor, Dugh, Marcus, Gilcrest and Ivan as our first slate of officers. Two dozen members attended Border Wars dressed in grey tabards and were recognized in Court by Her Highness Brunhildr for their notable courtesy in bowing to Her and to His Highness Reynard all day. Members began training in heavy weapons and archery, brewing, building siege engines and engaging in bardic activities, including a mummer’s play for Wassail. Dancing followed shortly thereafter.
Because of the transient nature of the local area and the predominantly student population, Mistig Waetru (as the incipient Shire soon became known) has long considered service and the training of gentles in courtesy and chivalry two of its most important missions. The Shire numbers among its alumni a former landed Baron and Baroness, a Kingdom Great Officer, and many other notable personages across the Known World. In 1995-96 we petitioned Andelcrag for permission to join the new Principality of Northshield, a move that made geographical sense, and by 1998, largely due to the efforts of our Seneschal Elsbeth, we were honored with full status.
In company with our nearest neighbors, the Shires of Skerjastrond (Marquette, MI) and Darkstone (Ashland, WI), Mistig Waetru continues to maintain its tireless vigil on the northeastern borders of our Kingdom. We host two to three events per year and invite any and all gentles of the Known World to come and partake of our stellar northern hospitality!
