The House of the Wolfings: A Tale of the House of the Wolfings and All the Kindreds of the Mark Written in Prose and in Verse

“The House of the Wolfings” by William Morris is a historical novel written in the late 19th century that weaves a tale steeped in Norse mythology and early medieval culture. The book centers on the Wolfings, a warrior folk who reside in the Mid-mark, an area surrounded by dense woodland. The story explores themes of kinship, warfare, and the interplay between fate and free will, with the prominent character Thiodolf, a noble warrior of the Wolfing clan, who is faced with the impending challenges of battle against formidable foes. At the start of the tale, readers are introduced to the world of the Wolfings, their home beside the Mirkwood-water, and their way of life enriched by nature and tradition. The opening presents a vivid description of their settlement, the significance of kinship among the kindreds, and the preparations for war after receiving urgent tidings of an impending threat. The narrative then follows the events leading up to their departure for battle, outlining the array of warriors, their weapons, and their deep connections to their past and to each other. Thiodolf's interaction with the Hall-Sun, a mystical figure, hints at deeper themes of destiny and love, setting the stage for a rich saga of conflict and heroism.