Harold the Dauntless by Walter Scott



Harold the Dauntless is a rhymed, romantic, narrative-poem by Sir Walter Scott. Written in 1817, it weaves together elements of popular English legends and folklore using dramatic themes.

The poem recounts the exploits and the personal spiritual journey of a doubtful knight errant - Harold the son of Danish Count Witikind: who seeks to recover his lands and wed a suitable spouse.

Cleverly integrated into the plot is the story of how Harold gradually converts from the Norse religion of his ancestors to Christianity. The tale of Harold's conversion alludes to the progressive Christianization of England]]: especially during Anglo-Saxon times and up to and including the Middle Ages.