The moments immediately preceding the battle gave me an opportunity to describe the equipment and tactics that both the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings shared. They used the same weapons, straight swords, spears, and axes, as well as large wooden shields made to a circular pattern and often decorated with painted designs. I undertook a lot of research on this subject, a fact that more than one reviewer has congratulated me for.
discussion
The War Wolf: Read and Discuss 13
This is not a long piece but I think it is important. Not only does it explain the manoeuvres of the Norsemen from a military perspective it also allows for a vivid interaction between some of the key characters in their ranks.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 12
This chapter gave me an opportunity to enjoy some Anglo-Saxon poetry. Unfortunately, I lacked both the knowledge and the time to make an acceptable translation of the poem, The Wanderer, so I approached Rick McDonald who had published a very accessible version. He graciously gave me permission to use it.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 11
This is a very reflective piece, an opportunity to examine the thoughts of both Tostig Godwinson and Harald Hardrada on the eve of battle. I wanted to represent them both as real people, not just historical personages. Of course, there is a degree of artistic licence on my part.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 09
Although the politics are interesting I did not write this scene to explore them. Rather, I was interested in supposing what Harold's relationship with his new wife Eadgyth might have been like. Contemporary sources suggest that they were fond of each other, despite the political inspiration for their marriage.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 04
If you are going to have a female character who has a genuine role in the story then she is going to need an antagonist.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 03
In 1066, King Harold of England faced two enemies, Duke Guillaume of Normandy and King Hardrada of Norway. Both had only weak claims to the English crown but it appears that Harold underestimated Hardrada and, coincidentally, the thirst for vengeance of his own brother, Tostig Godwinson. King Harold spent the summer watching the movements of … Continue reading The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 03
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 02
Very early on in working on The War Wolf I realised that only a warrior could link all three books together. Originally, I had thought of writing more of an historical account of 1066, but, in my opinion, there was too much separation between the main historical figures to make that work. I needed to create a character who could logically appear in all three battles.
I had a thought about my books
I had a thought about my books that concerned discussing them in detail, something that I have not been able to do with any regularity. My idea is simple, I will post a chapter from one of my novels and then invite comments and, hopefully, get a discussion going. This will be followed by each … Continue reading I had a thought about my books
Peter C Whitaker 