The House of the Wolfings
What is The House of the Wolfings about?
The House of the Wolfings (1889) tells of a Germanic tribe defending their homeland against invading Roman legions. Blending prose and verse in an archaic style, it recreates the heroic atmosphere of Norse saga. The novel directly influenced Tolkien's depiction of Rohan in The Lord of the Rings.
Main themes in The House of the Wolfings
Germanic tribes
The theme of germanic tribes weaves through The House of the Wolfings, adding depth to its narrative.
Roman invasion
The theme of roman invasion weaves through The House of the Wolfings, adding depth to its narrative.
Norse saga
Norse saga emerges as a defining element in The House of the Wolfings, shaping character development.
Heroic culture
The presence of heroic culture in The House of the Wolfings connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Why The House of the Wolfings is still relevant today
A key influence on Tolkien's Rohan. Morris's recreation of Germanic heroic culture pioneered the use of medieval settings in modern fiction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is The House of the Wolfings about?
A Germanic tribe defends against Roman legions — an archaic saga that directly influenced Tolkien's Rohan.
Where can I read it?
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