“De Koonincklyken Tweelinck in Stryd”
Twin Kings quarrel
A MOST POPULAR CYCLE OF SAGAS among noble families is the Neegenbloede.
IT IS THE EPIC of 9 interrelated, mythical Kings who supposedly ruled -and fought- over the lands of Bos in distant times. This illustration shows us that frightful killing blow, delivered by Belgger to his own brother Bolgger†. It is the heart wrenching closure to a rivalry that spanned many lands and many tales.
FROM THEIR EARLY days as Kribbelinghen to skilled Ruyters# we laugh and chuckle as they tumble & stumble into many an adventure. As they grow older & wiser their antics change in tone. We notice how their lives become more grim; banners are woven, weapons are carried by many and war is waged. The world is changing. They hold up and gain strength from eachother but eventually the pressures of war, vital struggle and venomous sorrow catch up to them.
THEIR FATEFUL STORY ends abruptly when in uncharacteristic fashion it is Belgger, the lenient, who slays his brash brother
in a fit of mad confusion.
THE BIRCH AND OAK are pulled apart.
And after the bitter deed, a fitting end?
Belgger is left entombed with his brother, where he mourns for ages untold, through anguish and regret.
Always in pain.
Forever split.
SURPRISINGLY, this heroic and bashful rivalry never involves a love triangle nor extravagant martial scenes. With the exception of raunchy tales where the glitter and shine of those ancient paladins is twisted into an oft funny, sometimes exhilarating, but mostly debauched allegory on the whimsicality of royal offspring. Nonetheless, they are accepted as footnotes to the saga, even if it is mostly the common folk who take joy in them.
Notes
The caption reads: “The royal twins in combat.“
Den Tweekooninck — The Two-King, or Twin Kings; used to reference the assortment of stories centering on Bolgger & Belgger.
Neegenbloede — literally translates to ‘Nine-Blood’; this collection of works features the history of 9 legendary kings and their extended entourage. It is especially venerated and extensively referenced at the courts of contemporary rulers. Many of them utilize it as a source of legitimacy by tracing back their lineage to one king or the other. Most folk, however, see the Neegenbloede as just another sweeping tale to be told, even if they respect its ancient origins.
Kribbelinghen (or Kribbedeelers) — ”Criblings”, not solely meant for twins but any children who grew up together since early age.
From Dutch: ‘kribbe’ (cradle), and ‘delen’ (to share)
Ruyter(s) — Riders; any type of rider with military function. Also a noble title that is not inheritable, sometimes used as catch-all term for armored combatants, wether mounted or not.
From Dutch: ‘ridder’ (knight, or mounted nobleman), ‘ruiter’ (horseman, rider) and German: ‘Ritter’, ‘Reiter’ (idem)
Belgger & Bolgger = both derived from Dutch: ‘verbolgen’ (cross, angry, enraged)
