Tag Archives: Anglo-Saxons
From my blog...
Tolkien and the Anglo-Saxons
Where has the horse gone? Where is the rider? Where is the giver of gold? Where are the seats of the feast? Where are the joys of the hall? O the bright cup! O the brave warrior! from The Wanderer, … Read More
The Death of Æthelred
Æthelred II, Anglo-Saxon king of England, died on 23 April, 1016. His passing was noted in The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, in an entry that was probably written within a decade of his death: He ended his days on St. George’s day; having held … Read More
Emma of Normandy Through Time
Emma, a gem more splendid through the splendors of her merits… So begins the epigram written late in the 11th century by Godfrey, prior of Winchester, commemorating Emma, Queen of England. Queen Emma died on 6 March, 1052, and was … Read More
A Story in Three Parts
My current work in progress is the third book of a trilogy about the 11th century queen of England, Emma of Normandy. Why write a trilogy, you may wonder. Why not put the entire story into one book? Maybe, you … Read More
Vikings 5 Recap, Episode 8: THE JOKE
Most of this episode takes place in Norway. The few scenes set in Wessex and Iceland are essentially place holders, to remind us that, yes, we have characters of interest there. In Wessex King Æthelwulf is still training his eldest … Read More
Vikings 5 Recap, Episode 5: THE PRISONER
Was the ground underneath 9th century York really honeycombed with Roman tunnels? Read More
Vikings 5 Recap, Episode 3: HOMELAND
I’m always intrigued by the titles chosen for the episodes of VIKINGS. This week it’s HOMELAND, and the episode seems to explore what that means to various characters in this 10th century saga. We begin with Floki who, looking younger … Read More
The Great-Sea Flood
A.D. 1014 This year on the eve of St. Michael’s Day, came the great sea-flood, which spread wide over this land, and ran so far up as it never did before, overwhelming many towns, and an innumerable multitude of people. … Read More
THE LAST KINGDOM 2, Episode 8
THE POWER OF LOVE Warning: Spoilers ahead. The final episode of The Last Kingdom, Season 2, is filled with action and conflict: King vs. ealdormen, brother vs. brother, Saxons vs Northmen. Although I’m not particularly fond of battle scenes, I … Read More
THE LAST KINGDOM 2, Episode 7
THE KING’S DAUGHTER Warning: Spoilers ahead. In the opening scene, Uhtred and his companions arrive at the Saxon camp to find no one left alive. It is heartrending to watch Beocca calling Thyra’s name over and over and getting no … Read More