Havelok the Dane: Analysis of Major Characters
"Havelok the Dane" is a narrative centered on themes of heroism, loyalty, and betrayal, focusing on the major characters that drive the plot. Havelok, the protagonist, is the exiled son of the Danish king, who grows up in England under the care of Grim, a devoted fisherman. Renowned for his physical strength and gentle character, Havelok’s journey leads him to reclaim his rightful throne. His wife, Goldeboru, is an heiress to the English throne, initially married off to Havelok in secret but ultimately supports him in his quest for justice. Athelwold, Goldeboru’s father, is portrayed as a just king whose deathbed decisions inadvertently set the stage for treachery. Godrich, the ambitious lord, manipulates circumstances for his gain, ultimately meeting a grim fate due to his treachery. Birkabeyn, the good king of Denmark, and Godard, the tyrannical regent, represent contrasting leadership styles, with Godard's malevolence leading to his downfall. Ubbe, a noble lord, further highlights themes of loyalty as he aids Havelok and Goldeboru in their struggle for rightful rule. This rich tapestry of characters reflects the complexities of power, loyalty, and the quest for justice in a historical context.
Havelok the Dane: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Unknown
First published: c. 1350
Genre: Poetry
Locale: England and Denmark
Plot: Romance
Time: Tenth century
Havelok, the son and heir of the king of Denmark. Exiled and reared in England by an old fisherman, he is a typical hero of the popular romances, renowned for his strength, his athletic prowess, his size, and his gentle nature rather than for his intellectual acumen.
Goldeboru, his wife, the lovely heiress to the English throne. Unwillingly married to an unknown kitchen boy, she rejoices to find him in reality a king, and she supports him in his successful attempts to regain his own throne and hers.
Athelwold, Goldeboru's father, the brave, just, and devout king of England. He entrusts his young daughter to his noble-men on his deathbed.
Godrich, a treacherous lord, named regent and Goldeboru's guardian by Athelwold. He marries the rightful queen to Havelok to secure the throne for himself and ultimately is burned at the stake for this act of treason.
Birkabeyn, the good king of Denmark, whose only fault is his lack of judgment in leaving his three children in Godard's hands at his untimely death.
Godard, the Danish regent, who murders two of his charges and sends the third, Havelok, to be drowned. His tyrannical reign is brought to a close by Havelok's return.
Grim, Havelok's loyal guardian, an old fisherman who rears the prince as one of his own children.
Ubbe, a powerful Danish lord. He protects Havelok and Goldeboru when they arrive in his country, and he rallies the gentry and nobility to the cause of their rightful ruler.