Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Hereward the Wake explained
This chapter introduces Hereward the Wake, a Saxon patriot hero from Lincolnshire who flourished around 1070.
What happens
This chapter introduces Hereward the Wake, a Saxon patriot hero from Lincolnshire who flourished around 1070. It describes his role in the Danish attack on Peterborough, his defense of the Isle of Ely against William the Conqueror, and his status as an ideal of Anglo-Saxon manliness. The chapter then recounts a youthful adventure in Cornwall where Hereward kills a giant, rescues a princess, and helps her reunite with her true love, Prince Sigtryg of Waterford, by ambushing the rival bridegroom Haco.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and the Quest
Hereward's adventures embody the heroic quest: he rescues a princess, defeats a giant, and restores rightful love, mirroring the archetypal hero's journey.
Love and Transformation
The princess's love for Sigtryg drives the plot, leading to her rescue and a happy marriage, transforming her fate from forced union to true love.
Hospitality and Its Violation
King Alef violates the sacred bond of betrothal, and Haco's wedding feast is disrupted by Hereward's disguised entry, highlighting the breach of hospitality.
Characters to notice
- Hereward the Wake
The Saxon hero, known for his chivalry and prowess; he kills a giant, rescues a princess, and orchestrates an ambush to reunite her with Prince Sigtryg.
- Prince Sigtryg of Waterford
The Danish prince betrothed to King Alef's daughter; he is aided by Hereward to rescue his bride from the giant and later from Haco.
- Haco
A wild Cornish hero who marries the princess by force; he is slain by Hereward during the ambush.
- King Alef
A petty British chief who betroths his daughter to a giant and later to Haco, breaking her troth with Sigtryg.
- William the Conqueror
The Norman king who besieges Hereward at Ely, forcing his surrender.
Key passages
“The folklore of primitive races is a great storehouse whence a people can choose tales and heroic deeds to glorify its own national hero, careless that the same tales and deeds have done duty for other peoples and other heroes.”
Primitive folklore provides a common pool of stories that different cultures adapt to celebrate their own heroes, even if those stories were originally told about others.
Explains how Hereward's legend incorporates universal mythological elements.
“If Roland is the ideal of Norman feudal chivalry, Hereward is equally the ideal of Anglo-Saxon sturdy manliness and knighthood.”
Just as Roland represents Norman chivalry, Hereward embodies the Anglo-Saxon virtues of strength and knighthood.
Contrasts the two heroes as cultural ideals.
“I thank thee, lady, and would reward thee for thy gentleness to a wandering minstrel; I give back the cup, richer than before by the kind thoughts of which it bears the token.”
Hereward, disguised as a minstrel, returns the cup to the princess with her betrothal ring inside, signaling his identity and her rescue.
Key moment of recognition and plot advancement.