The House of the Wolfings / A Tale of the House of the Wolfings and All the Kindreds of the Mark Written in Prose and in Verse

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

2885

Title

The House of the Wolfings / A Tale of the House of the Wolfings and All the Kindreds of the Mark Written in Prose and in Verse

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

William Morris's epic tale of the Wolfings, a Gothic tribe in the Mirkwood, chronicles their struggle against Roman invaders. Blending prose and verse, this mythic narrative explores themes of kinship, war, and the enduring spirit of a people defending their ancient home.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the ancient Mirkwood, William Morris's *The House of the Wolfings* chronicles the life of the Wolfings, a kindred dwelling in the Mid-mark, an island-like clearing surrounded by dense woodland. The narrative establishes the tribe's customs: warriors bear wolf signs, women manage looms, and strict laws govern marriage and kinship. The story unfolds against the backdrop of rising tensions between the Goths and the encroaching Romans. Central to the tale is Thiodolf, the mighty War-duke, whose leadership defines the tribe's spirit. His journey is intertwined with that of the Wood-Sun, a shape-shifting figure who embodies both divine sorrow and human love. As conflict escalates, Thiodolf leads his people into a fierce battle against the Romans. In this climactic struggle, tragedy strikes as Thiodolf and his brother, Otter, fall in combat. The narrative captures the brutal reality of war, contrasting the joy of life in the clearing with the sudden loss of champions. Following the battle, the survivors gather to honor the dead. The tribe performs solemn rites, burying their fallen heroes in great mounds known as howes. Thiodolf and Otter are laid to rest in a mound called Thiodolf's Howe, where legend suggests they sleep, awaiting a future awakening to aid their people in times of need. The Wood-Sun, mourning the loss of joy amidst the conflict, eventually leads the survivors back to the Great Roof. There, a feast is held to celebrate survival and victory, despite the heavy cost paid in blood. The women cast flowers upon the living and the dead, while the tribe rebuilds their homes and fields. The tale concludes with the Wolfings thriving once more, preserving their history and hope. As the Romans begin to withdraw their dominion, the Markmen continue their toil, cleansing the hall of fire marks and rebuilding their dwellings. The story serves as a poignant meditation on the cycle of life and death, the endurance of the human spirit, and the enduring legacy of the warriors who gave their lives to protect their home and kindred.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Fantasy