# XXVII: They Wend to the Morning Battle explained — The House of the Wolfings

> Chapter companion for The House of the Wolfings by William Morris.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_the_wolfings_se/chapters/xxvii-they-wend-to-the-morning-battle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_the_wolfings_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_the_wolfings_se/chapters