The Ballad of the White Horse
The Ballad of the White Horse is an epic poem written by G.K. Chesterton in 1911. It tells the story of King Alfred and his battle against the Danes in the ninth century. The poem is divided into twelve books, each representing a different stage in the conflict. The central theme of the poem is the idea of heroism and sacrifice for one's country.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1911 · Genre: Epic Poetry, Historical Fiction, Christian Allegory · 8 chapters · 24,989 words
First lines
Before the gods that made the gods Had seen their sunrise pass, The White Horse of the White Horse Vale Was cut out of the grass.
Before the gods that made the gods Had drunk at dawn their fill, The White Horse of the White Horse Vale Was hoary on the hill.
What this Textopian page supports
The Ballad of the White Horse is listed on Textopian as a novel by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1911 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1911 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Epic Poetry, Historical Fiction, Christian Allegory, Adventure, Philosophical Literature
- Length: 24,989 words
- Structure: 8 chapters, 519 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Ballad of the White Horse by G.K. Chesterton
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Ballad of the White Horse?
- How does this novel by G.K. Chesterton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Epic Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Wild Knight And Other Poems The Ballad Of The Battle Of Gibeon by G. K. Chesterton
- King Byrge And His Brothers by George Borrow
- The Longbeards Saga A D 400 by Charles Kingsley
- Regulus 1917 by Rudyard Kipling
- St George And St Michael Volume Iii by George Macdonald
- Helgi Of Lithend by Frederic Manning
Genres
- Epic Poetry — The work is structured as a long narrative poem, recounting heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, specifically during the reign of King Alfred the Great, blending historical facts with fictional elements.
- Christian Allegory — The poem incorporates Christian themes and symbolism, reflecting on faith and divine intervention in human affairs.
- Adventure — The plot involves adventurous elements, including battles and quests, as King Alfred seeks to defend his kingdom.
Tags
epic · poetry · historical · mythology · England · heroism · Christianity · allegory · conflict · nationalism · chivalry · medieval
Contents
- The Vision of the King
- The Gathering of the Chiefs
- The Harp of Alfred
- The Woman in the Forest
- Ethandune: the First Stroke
- Ethandune: the Slaying of the Chiefs
- Ethandune: the Last Charge
- The Scouring of the Horse