The Days of King Alfred, also known as The Dragon and the Raven, is a historical adventure novel by G. A. Henty. Here's a breakdown of the story:
Setting: 9th century England, during the reign of King Alfred the Great. The land is under constant threat from Viking invaders, the Danes.
Main Characters:
- King Alfred: A wise and courageous Saxon king determined to unite England and drive out the Danes.
- Edmund: A young Saxon nobleman who becomes a close friend and ally to King Alfred. He witnesses the horrors of the Danish raids firsthand and grows into a skilled warrior.
Plot:
- The story follows Edmund's journey as he fights alongside King Alfred in various battles against the Danes.
- The Saxons suffer initial setbacks due to disunity and Viking brutality.
- Edmund, along with King Alfred, strategizes new tactics to counter the Viking advantage.
- The novel explores themes of patriotism, courage, leadership, and the struggle for freedom.
- King Alfred's efforts to rebuild and reform England after the war are also highlighted.
Possible themes:
- Importance of unity in the face of adversity
- The rise of a legendary king and his impact on a nation
- Transformation of a young man into a war hero
Keep in mind:
- The novel is known for its exciting battle scenes and focus on heroism.
- It portrays a clear distinction between the "good" Christian Saxons and the "evil" pagan Danes. This reflects the common view of the time period but might be considered simplistic by modern readers.
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