The House of the Wolfings · Chapter
The Goths Are Overthrown by the Romans explained
Thiodolf returns to the battle but is strangely altered by the dwarf-wrought hauberk, falling into a dreamlike state that hinders his leadership.
What happens
Thiodolf returns to the battle but is strangely altered by the dwarf-wrought hauberk, falling into a dreamlike state that hinders his leadership. The Goths fight valiantly but are overwhelmed by fresh Roman reinforcements. Thiodolf collapses, and the Markmen, now led by Arinbiorn, retreat to a defensive position as night falls, saved by the Romans' hesitation.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Prophecy
Thiodolf's dreamlike state and collapse suggest a curse or fate working against him, undermining his heroic agency.
Sacrifice and Loss
Many Goths are slain, fighting to the death; the host is heavyhearted and hope grows dim.
The Cycle of War and Return
The Goths are driven back but not destroyed, saved by nightfall and Roman hesitation, setting the stage for a possible return.
Characters to notice
- Thiodolf
Returns to battle but is ensnared by the hauberk's curse, falling into a dreamlike stupor; he collapses and is carried from the field.
- Wood-Sun
Appears as a vision to Thiodolf, distracting him and deepening his dreamlike state during the battle.
- Arinbiorn
Takes command of the Markmen after Thiodolf's collapse, leading the retreat to a defensive position.
- Otter
Mentioned as having led a company earlier; the Roman captain mistakenly thought Otter's force was the whole power of the Markmen.
- Jorund
The old man who rebuked Thiodolf and returned the hauberk to him at the start of the chapter.
Key passages
“Now rose up a mighty shout when Thiodolf came back to the battle of the kindreds, for many thought he had been slain; and they gathered round about him, and cried out to him joyously out of their hearts of good-fellowship”
The warriors cheered loudly when Thiodolf reappeared, as many believed he had died; they surrounded him with joyful cries of comradeship.
Thiodolf's return lifts the spirits of the Goths.
“he seemed to be in a dream indeed, and, as men do in dreams, to be forever striving to be doing something of more moment than anything which he did, but which he must ever leave undone.”
He felt as if trapped in a dream, always trying to accomplish something important yet never able to finish it.
Thiodolf's hauberk-induced stupor paralyzes his will.
“the weakness took him again, Throng-plough tumbled from his hand, and he fell to earth as one dead.”
His strength failed him once more; Throng-plough dropped from his grasp, and he collapsed as if lifeless.
Thiodolf's collapse marks a turning point in the battle.