Castle of Chaos
Bunratty Castle in Ireland has a rich history. In its halls, kings were murdered. On its grounds, armies clashed. Yet, there, I found myself enveloped by my first medieval feast. The music, the hearth, and the armor called to me like a siren’s song—no touching! Laughter filled the air along with the smell of salted meats. I had finally arrived home.
I sat down at the table with my friends. The servers slammed down platters, loudly announcing each dish. There were plays, stories, and even a jester. I laughed my way through my meal… until I noticed something bigger was happening.
The servers began pouring our drinks. No, not water, not sweet tea, no cola, but honey mead. Was this a joke, a test, a cruel ruse? We were only eighteen and confused… until one of my friends happily announced we can legally drink at eighteen in Ireland.
We grabbed our mead as the music played and lifted our glasses to Ireland—Huzzah! Without any supervision to halt me in my misadventure, I was free to enter adulthood. I quickly placed the cup against my lips. The mead was sweet at first with a hint of honey, and then I could taste the alcohol—not for me. I set the drink aside as the night continued with wholesome fun.
The Bible speaks often about alcohol and wine, reminding Christians to remain sober. Jesus also taught that no one puts new wine into old wineskins, because the new wine will burst the old skins; new wine must be put into new wineskins (Mark 2:22).
The wineskins are our old and new life, and the new wine is the new identity and Spirit‑filled life Christ pours into us. In LOTKJ (Chapter 1), this moment is portrayed through Badden. He is given a new horn (the new wineskin) and new wine (the king’s stout). He is a new creation—but still a dwarf in a fantasy story—so he may enjoy his mead at times. But as for us, the parable of the wineskin holds. Remain in Christ, and He will remain in us (John 15:4).
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise."
Proverbs 20:1
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