The House of the Wolfings · Chapter
XXVII: They Wend to the Morning Battle explained
Thiodolf returns to camp at dawn, arms himself with Ivar's war-gear despite his earlier oath, and orders the host into three battles.
What happens
Thiodolf returns to camp at dawn, arms himself with Ivar's war-gear despite his earlier oath, and orders the host into three battles. He shares a poignant farewell with the Hall-Sun, who prophesies her own role as the Ransom and Mother of happy days. The Wolfings and their allies march through the wood to engage the Romans in the final battle.
Themes in this chapter
Sacrifice and Loss
Thiodolf knowingly goes to his death, and the Hall-Sun accepts her role as the Ransom, embodying personal sacrifice for the folk.
Fate and Prophecy
The Hall-Sun prophesies the outcome of the battle and Thiodolf's death, and Thiodolf himself foresees his end.
Honor and Heroism
Thiodolf breaks his oath to the Gods to fight effectively for his people, and the warriors prepare for a decisive, heroic stand.
Characters to notice
- Thiodolf
Returns to camp, arms himself with Ivar's gear, breaks his oath to the Gods, orders the battle formation, and shares a farewell with the Hall-Sun.
- Hall-Sun
Sits under the Hall-Sun, gives instructions to Steinulf, Athalulf, and Grani to quench fires, and shares a prophetic farewell with Thiodolf.
- Arinbiorn
Questions Thiodolf about his oath, helps array the host, and joyfully hails Thiodolf as War-duke.
- Grani
One of three warriors chosen by the Hall-Sun to follow Thiodolf and quench fires in the Hall.
- Steinulf
One of three warriors chosen by the Hall-Sun to follow Thiodolf and quench fires in the Hall.
- Sorli
Sits by the Hall-Sun clad in war-gear during the council.
Key passages
“Short is my journey henceforth to the door that ends my days, And long the road that lieth as yet before thy feet.”
Thiodolf tells the Hall-Sun that his life is nearly over, while hers stretches ahead.
Thiodolf's farewell to his daughter, acknowledging his imminent death.
“Though today the grief beginneth yet the bitterness is done.”
The Hall-Sun says that although sorrow starts now, the worst is over.
The Hall-Sun accepts her fate and the coming loss.
“I am not called foresighted, and yet meseems I see somewhat how this day shall go; and it is not to be hidden that I shall not see another battle until the last of all battles is at hand.”
Thiodolf claims he is not a prophet but foresees his death in this battle.
Thiodolf's prophecy of his own death.