Friday — May 14, 2004

Ancient lore captivates valley youth

Medieval fantasy fighting invades Hailey

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By MICHAEL AMES
Express Staff Writer

For some fantasy fans, the suspense and action of J.R.R. Tolkien’s words are not enough. Even the graphic imagery of the recent "Lord of the Rings" trilogy does not sate the appetite of true Tolkien followers.

Jhon Babbcock, left, goes after Grady Goodenough in a Latnemir gathering in Hailey’s Heagle Park.

In steps Belegarth, the Medieval Combat Society. Founded in 1975 by a Tolkien-obsessed college student. Belegarth aims to integrate "a love of the outdoors, improvisational acting, and high energy events," according to the Belegarth Web site’s mission statement.

The society is the actualization of the founder’s dream to "catapult people from the 20th century into the midst of an intense battle during the Dark Ages." The main draw is the sport, "where participants wear medieval or fantasy themed clothing and fight with foam padded weapons."

Belegarth has expanded to include many branches, or "realms," around the country and the world.

Here in the Wood River Valley, a realm titled "Latnemir" was spawned in 2003. Latnemir holds practices in Hailey’s Heagle Park every Wednesday and Sunday. The group gave a demonstration at the Sun Valley Renaissance Fair last summer, and travels to regional battles, where various realms gather to exchange information, battle scenarios, and even food.

Latnemir boasts roughly 20 members, ranging in age from 9 to 19. They follow the strict rules of battle and hierarchy as laid out by Belegarth.

Trips are planned; Indian Springs Campground outside of American Falls, Idaho, hosts an August battle. The battles are social events as well, with members who don’t wish to fight hosting feasts for the battle-famished hordes.

For now, these young medieval enthusiasts are content with their status in Belegarth. Still, Latnemir organizer Robbie Laschek, 16, thinks about attending "Armageddon," the national festival held in Illinois that attracts hundreds each year.

Still, the Sunday battles can be quite epic. "When only a couple of people show up, we only fight for a couple of hours," says Laschek. "But when we get a lot people, the fighting can go on for four to six hours," he says.

To see more, cruise by Heagle Park on a Wednesday or Sunday afternoon. Also, check www.belegarth.com for an exhaustive look at the extent of this anachronistic pastime.

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