Harold, the Last of the Saxon Kings Book I: The
The story begins with the introduction of Harold Godwinson, the powerful Earl of Wessex and the rightful heir to the throne of England. The narrative then shifts to Normandy, where William, Duke of Normandy, is plotting to invade England and claim its throne. Meanwhile, in Denmark, a mysterious prophetess named Hilda foresees the impending doom of the Saxon kingdom. As tensions rise between Harold and William, the stage is set for a monumental conflict that will shape the fate of England.
By Edward Bulwer-lytton · First published 1848 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure · 5 chapters · 14,375 words
First lines
Merry was the month of May in the year of our Lord 1052. Few were the boys, and few the lasses, who overslept themselves on the first of that buxom month. Long ere the dawn, the crowds had sought mead and woodland, to cut poles and wreathe flowers. Many a mead then lay fair and green beyond the village of Charing, and behind the isle of Thorney, (amidst the brakes and briars of which were then rising fast and fair the Hall and Abbey of Westminster; ) many a wood lay dark in the starlight, along the higher ground that sloped from the dank Strand, with its numerous canals or dykes; -- and on either side of the great road into Kent: -- flutes and horns sounded far and near through the green places, and laughter and song, and the crash of breaking boughs.
What this Textopian page supports
Harold, the Last of the Saxon Kings Book I: The Norman Visitor, the Saxon King, and the Danish Prophetess is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edward Bulwer-lytton, dated 1848 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Edward Bulwer-lytton
- Date: 1848 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, Drama
- Length: 14,375 words
- Structure: 5 chapters, 165 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Harold, the Last of the Saxon Kings Book I: The Norman Visitor, the Saxon King, and the Danish Prophetess by Edward Bulwer-lytton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- Harold The Last Of The Saxon Kings Book Vii The Welch King by Edward Bulwer Lytton
- Harold The Last Of The Saxon Kings Book V Death And Love by Edward Bulwer Lytton
- Harold The Last Of The Saxon Kings Book Ii Lanfranc The Scholar by Edward Bulwer Lytton
- Harold The Last Of The Saxon Kings Book Xi The Norman Schemer And The Norwegian Sea King by Edward Bulwer Lytton
- Harold The Last Of The Saxon Kings Book Ix The Bones Of The Dead by Edward Bulwer Lytton
- Domitia by Sabine Baring Gould
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical context (England in 1052) and explores the lives and conflicts of characters based on historical figures and events.
- Fantasy — Elements of magic, prophecy, and supernatural themes are present, particularly through the character of Hilda, the heathen prophetess.
- Adventure — The story involves quests, conflicts, and the exploration of personal and political struggles, typical of adventure narratives.
- Romance — The relationships between characters, particularly between Edith and Harold, suggest romantic themes and emotional connections.
Tags
historical fiction · Saxon history · Norman conquest · Danish mythology · prophecy · kingship · medieval · political intrigue · warfare · cultural conflict · heroism · adventure