The Lay of Havelok the Dane

A rare medieval romance, this poem brings the 13th‑century world of England and Denmark to life. It tells the story of Havelus, a young Dane who is forced to flee his homeland and grow up far from his throne. The text was rescued from a forgotten Bodleian manuscript and now arrives with scholarly notes that illuminate its language and history.

The narrative opens with Havelus living as a modest farmer while his noble bearing hints at a hidden lineage. When he meets the steadfast Goldborow, a lady of high birth, the two discover a shared destiny that promises both love and the restoration of a lost kingdom. Their early encounters set the stage for adventure, loyalty, and the subtle politics of a land in transition.

Listeners will enjoy the poem’s flowing alliterative verse and vivid medieval atmosphere, while the accompanying commentary helps decode archaic words and occasional French passages. The result is an engaging, historically rich listening experience that feels both timeless and freshly accessible.