
T H E W O R D H O R D E
Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something
Old Tongues. New Tales. Unearthing the raw power of Beówulf, the stark beauty of Anglo-Saxon verse, and the thunderous sagas of the Old Norse, this blog is your guide through the ancient words that shaped our world. Join us as we journey into the heart of heroic epics, explore the myths, and decipher the languages that echo through the ages.
Echoes from Heorot
This article explores how the lesser-known Anglo-Saxon poem Widsith offers a crucial, darker perspective on the Danish royal family from Beowulf, particularly the relationship between King Hrothgar and his nephew Hrothulf. Widsith's laconic lines foreshadow Hrothulf's ultimate betrayal–his murder of Hrothgar's…..
The Succession Crisis of Heorot
This article exposes the hidden dynastic struggles within Hrothgar's court, as hinted at in Beowulf and corroborated by Scandinavian sagas. It reveals that the "peace" between Hrothgar and his nephew Hrothulf was fragile, likely leading to Hrothulf's usurpation and possibly the murder of Hrothgar's son, Hrethric…..
The Clash of Kin
The article delves into the historical context of the Danes and Heathobardan feud, a significant underlying conflict in the world of Beowulf often overshadowed by the heroic narrative. It explores how King Hrothgar's attempt to end this cycle of violence through his daughter's marriage to Ingeld was doomed, as prophesied…..
The Mead Hall's Secret
This analysis dives beyond the epic poem Beowulf to explore its historical grounding, particularly concerning the Danish kings and the legendary mead hall, Heorot. It identifies King Healfdane and his son as historical figures dating between 430 and 520 AD, noting the rise of the "Danes" in Latin and Greek records around 500 AD…..