The Outlaw of Torn
What is The Outlaw of Torn about?
The Outlaw of Torn, published in 1914, is a historical adventure novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs set in thirteenth-century England during the reign of Henry III. The story begins when the old French swordsman De Vac, driven by a vendetta against the king, kidnaps the young Prince Richard and raises him in secret as Norman of Torn, training the boy to become the deadliest swordsman in England. Unaware of his royal blood, Norman grows into a feared outlaw who commands a band of a thousand fighting men from his castle stronghold. He wages a personal war against the nobles and knights of England, defeating all who challenge him while secretly adhering to a code of honor that forbids harming women and the defenseless. When Norman falls in love with the beautiful Bertrade de Montfort, daughter of the powerful Simon de Montfort, he is drawn into the great baronial rebellion against King Henry. The novel builds toward the revelation of Norman's true identity and the dramatic confrontation with the man who stole his birthright. The Outlaw of Torn is Burroughs's contribution to the historical swashbuckler genre, featuring his trademark breakneck pacing and larger-than-life heroics in a medieval setting.
Main themes in The Outlaw of Torn
Hidden identity and stolen birthright
The theme of hidden identity and stolen birthright weaves through The Outlaw of Torn, adding depth to its narrative.
Vengeance and its consequences across generations
The theme of vengeance and its consequences across generations weaves through The Outlaw of Torn, adding depth to its narrative.
Honor among outlaws
The Outlaw of Torn thoughtfully explores honor among outlaws through its central conflicts.
Medieval chivalry and swordsmanship
The theme of medieval chivalry and swordsmanship weaves through The Outlaw of Torn, adding depth to its narrative.
Why The Outlaw of Torn is still relevant today
The Outlaw of Torn demonstrates Burroughs's versatility as a writer, applying his adventure storytelling skills to a medieval historical setting. The novel draws on the real Baron's War of 1264 and features historical figures like Simon de Montfort and Henry III. Its themes of hidden identity and a nobleman raised in ignorance of his heritage parallel the Tarzan story in a medieval context. As a public-domain work, it appeals to readers who enjoy historical adventure fiction, swashbuckling tales, and stories of hidden royal identity in the tradition of The Prince and the Pauper.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Outlaw of Torn about?
A French swordsman kidnaps Englands Prince Richard and raises him as Norman of Torn, a feared outlaw unaware of his royal blood. Norman becomes the greatest swordsman in England, leading a thousand men while his true identity remains hidden until a dramatic revelation.
Is The Outlaw of Torn based on real history?
The novel is set during the real Barons War of 1264 and features historical figures such as King Henry III and Simon de Montfort. However, the story of the kidnapped prince and the outlaw Norman of Torn is entirely fictional.
How does The Outlaw of Torn compare to Tarzan?
Both stories feature a nobleman raised in ignorance of his true identity who becomes extraordinary through his upbringing. While Tarzan was raised by apes, Norman of Torn was raised by a vengeful swordsman, making The Outlaw of Torn a medieval parallel to the Tarzan concept.
Is this a standalone novel?
Yes, The Outlaw of Torn is a completely standalone historical adventure novel, unrelated to any of Burroughss series. It was one of his earliest works, written around 1911 but not published until 1914.