The Ballad of the White Horse by G. K. Chesterton

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Author Chesterton, G. K. (Gilbert Keith), 1874-1936
Title The Ballad of the White Horse
Note Reading ease score: 73.8 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
Credits Produced by Paul Bonner, Martin Ward, and David Widger
Summary "The Ballad of the White Horse" by G. K. Chesterton is a poetic narrative written in the early 20th century. The work encompasses a mythical retelling of the story of King Alfred the Great, blending history and legend to explore themes of faith, struggle, and national identity amid the backdrop of Alfred’s battles against the Danish invasions. Through rich imagery and allegorical references, it elevates Alfred from a mere historical figure to a symbol of Christian virtue and resilience. The opening of the poem sets the tone by emphasizing its fictionalized nature, clearly stating that the legends surrounding King Alfred are essential to understanding his significance rather than being historical records. Chesterton outlines how the tales of Alfred—ranging from his famed encounter with cakes to the symbolic White Horse of Berkshire—stir the collective imagination. It highlights the Christian fight against paganism, ultimately seeking to unify the diverse cultural elements of the time. In this introduction, we find the author reflecting on the timelessness of myths and the power of tradition, using Alfred as a lens through which to view the struggle between light and darkness, both in a historical context and as a continuing narrative relevant to any time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
Subject White Horse, Vale of (England) -- Poetry
Subject Epic poetry
Subject Alfred, King of England, 849-899 -- Poetry
Subject Great Britain -- History -- Alfred, 871-899 -- Poetry
Subject Historical poetry
Subject Christian poetry
Category Text
EBook-No. 1719
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Apr 18, 2023
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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