Heirloom Audio Adventures are based on historical adventure novels by author G.A. Henty. In each adventure, George Henty ("Mr. George") is the story narrator. His stories are being told to 3rd parties, and quickly each story jumps right into gripping adventure. At the end, each story returns to Mr. George and the individual(s) the story is being told to.
Wulf the Saxon is divided into numerous tracks on the two CDs. The story begins on board a ship. Mr. George begins a conversation with Etienne and Leon. Mr. George answers a question about the difference between an English Duke and Earl (which the French boys don't quite understand), and I am already wishing I had a printed study guide to go with this adventure! Mr. George explains that in the British monarchy the king is at the top. Below the king a Duke is the highest office in the land, is someone who rules over a large piece of land. An Earl is the ruler of a county, what the French would call a Count. A Thane is the lowest of the noblemen, usually granted land in exchange for military service to the king.
Mr. George then shows the boys a history book, and then goes on to explain the meaning behind a valuable historical tapestry. One of the boys remembers the British King Harold and William the Conqueror, the Battle of Hastings, 1066. The tapestry depicts the history leading up to the battle. The boys ask Mr. George to tell them the story.
The story begins in London when Wulf is a paige, aged 16. Wulf is a Saxon. King Edward the Confessor was on the throne. Harold, in his office, sends for Wulf. Wulf has had an incident with a Paige of the Lord Bishop, having spoken insolent words. It is important that there be peace with the Normans. Then my favorite line in the entire adventure, "It is not always good to let others know what we think." Also, Wulf's actions and words might be attributed to Harold. Wulf did not use restraint.
As a result, Wulf is being sent away from the court for a time, back to his family's estate. He is to use this time to put aside his youthful exuberance, while he comes to know the individuals living on the land over which he will one day be Thane.
The time spent on the family land seems long to Wulf while it lasts, but he uses the time wisely, studying history and working diligently on military technique, sword, long-bow and axe, gaining physical strength all the while. Wulf is joined at this time by his friend, the metal smith's son, Osgood, who become's his lifelong friend and squire. Wulf promises the people of his land fair treatment, and his people come to love and respect him.
After only a year, Wulf gets word that Earl of Wessex, Harold Godwin, has pardoned him. Wulf and Osgood return to London. Wulf will no longer be a Paige, but will rather now be a Ward of Harold.
Earl Harold takes a large contingent traveling by ship. They spend some time hunting, then set sail again. They are caught at sea in a storm. After efforts to stay safe, the ship is unable to avoid rocks and while attempting to maneuver through a narrow space between rocks, the vessel is dashed against submerged rock again and again. Men and cargo are thrown into the sea. The survivors are organized into a chain to get safely to shore. Harold organizes work parties to find shelter, fire and food. They have landed on French land, which might be hostile. Initially the men are assisted, but ultimately they are imprisoned.
Wulf and Bayorn manage to escape and get help to free Harold and the rest of his group. Wulf is instructed to get news to Duke William that Harold is being held prisoner by Count Conrad. Wulf and Bayorn reach Count deBurg where he is able to get help. This is also where he meets Guy, a new lifelong friend, as well as Guy's sister, Lady Agnes, who becomes a good friend of Wulf as well. Harold and his men are rescued, and Wulf is reunited with Osgood.
While Harold and his men are still with Count deBurg, there is insurrection with the Bretons. Harold and his men assist the Count in fighting the Bretons. This is the first time Wulf has a chance to show his ability in battle, and his skill does not go unnoticed, as he saved the lives of others. Guy is seriously injured in the battle. Wulf and Osgood fight until they can no longer stand, but the Bretons are fought off. Guy loses his arm as a result of his injuries.
Wulf and Guy recover from their injuries at the home of the Baron. When Wulf is well again, he joined Harold in court once more in England. Before leaving, as Wulf chats with Guy, we begin to see some of the pressures of the time regarding marriage between monarchies in the effort to maintain peace between kings and peoples. There is some deceit by King William as he pressures Harold to swear loyalty over a covered table that we later learn contained holy relics. The meaning of this is somewhat lost on me, but apparently this was a big deal to the people of the time as having serious importance, which could result in expulsion from the church if the vow is later broken.
Wulf is of marriageable age, and an underlying theme keeps surfacing throughout the story of who will Wulf one day marry. This frequently surfaces at times when Wulf knows he needs to stay focused on the military battles at hand. It is almost frustrating to have it continually resurface, but it is not in the least unrealistic.
Next the Welsh people begin to cause disruption. Harold rallies 500 of his people and anticipates another king will rally another 500 to help as well. It becomes clear, here, that Wulf's history studies will be very helpful as he is aware that the Welsh do not fight using normal battle conventions. Wulf lets people know to prepare them for a different type of battle, and it serves them well. The battle is fierce, but Harold's men successful until they were able to move where they would without encountering any resistance.
Wulf is sent to observe a castle to make a determination if capture of the castle might be possible. After observing the castle, Wulf and his men determine not only that capture is possible, but also that it should be done immediately (rather than reporting back to Harold as to the feasibility).
Wulf and his men overtake and hold the Llewellyn Castle. Wulf and his men repulse an effort by the Welsh to enter the castle by a secret passage, and even imprison Llewellyn! Wulf is able to negotiate peaceful terms with Llewellyn in exchange for favorable considerations for King Harold.
The Saxons return to their lands. Conversations continue about political tensions between the different factions and ways to procure peace. Within England there is a feud between two families (brothers) both vying for the throne. Harold and his fiance, Edith, come to the conclusion that they must break off their engagement so that Harold can marry into the family of either Morcar or Edwin to procure peaceful support of Harold's kingship. Morca and Edwin, leading Mercia and North Umbria, seek to have not only the Welsh lands but also England.
William dies and leaves the kingdom to Harold. Harold plans to marry Lady Ilgith, and the issue arises of the oath Harold swore to William over the covered table of religious relics. There is also intrigue, a boy spy, and an attempt on King Harold's life (which is unsuccessful thanks to Wulf and his men).
Much of the adventure in the second half of the story, while making a great adventure story, goes well over my head. Sad that I have so little understanding of British history. It would make my British grandparents sad, but I am American through and through. My public school education led me to believe that history began with Columbus discovering America, and then progressed from the pilgrims in Massachusetts to the settling of the 13 Colonies. I am glad that we home schoolers can work to give our children a better grounding in world history. I am also glad we have resources like Wulf the Saxon to bring this history to our children in a way that is interesting and might spark an interest in further study!
Heirloom Audio Adventures offers more resources through their website, the Live the Adventure Club.
I have also been blessed to review the following audio adventures by Heirloom Audio Adventures:
- Under Drake's Flag
- In Freedom's Cause
- With Lee in Virginia
- The Dragon and the Raven
- Beric the Briton
- The Cat of Bubastes
- Captain Bailey's Heir
- In the Reign of Terror
Other members of the Homeschool Review Crew also reviewed Wulf the Saxon. To read more reviews of this product, please click the button below.
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