# Of the Storm of Dawning explained — The House of the Wolfings

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

## What happens

At dawn, Thiodolf leads the Wolfings in a surprise attack on the Romans and their Gothic allies near the Thing-stead. The Romans are caught between Thiodolf's half-moon formation and a second battle of Markmen from the Nether-mark and Mid-mark. Arinbiorn, enraged by Otter's death, charges recklessly into the Roman ranks and is slain. Thiodolf and his men fight fiercely, driving the Romans back to their garth. The battle is joined with great slaughter, and the Romans are forced to retreat behind their defenses.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Heroism

Arinbiorn's reckless charge and Thiodolf's leadership exemplify the heroic ideal of facing death in battle for glory and vengeance.

### Sacrifice and Loss

Arinbiorn's death and Thiodolf's lament highlight the personal cost of war and the theme of sacrificial loss.

### The Cycle of War and Return

The chapter focuses on the morning battle, part of the ongoing cycle of conflict between the Markmen and Romans.

## Character check-ins

### Thiodolf

Leads the Wolfings in the dawn attack, orders the half-moon formation, and mourns Arinbiorn's fall.

### Arinbiorn

Charges recklessly into the Roman ranks, casting aside his shield, and is slain after a furious onslaught.

### Otter

Mentioned as having been slain earlier, his death fuels Arinbiorn's wrath.

### Fox

Sent by Thiodolf to scout the Roman positions and reports on the second Roman company.

## Key lines

> Woe’s me, Arinbiorn! that thou wouldest not wait for me; for the day is young yet, and over-young!

Thiodolf laments Arinbiorn's death, wishing he had waited for support.

_Expresses Thiodolf's grief and the tragedy of Arinbiorn's impulsive charge._

> Now, now, ye War-sons! Now the Wolf waketh! Lo how the Wood-beast Wendeth in onset. E’en as his feet fare Fall on and follow!

Thiodolf rallies his men with a war cry, comparing himself to a wolf leading the attack.

_Highlights Thiodolf's role as a war-leader and the tribal symbolism of the wolf._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_the_wolfings_se/chapters/xxviii-of-the-storm-of-dawning
- 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