The House of the Wolfings · Question
How does The House of the Wolfings develop the theme of Tribal Identity and Kinship?
Answer
The House of the Wolfings by William Morris develops Tribal Identity and Kinship across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrative centers on the Wolfings and other Markmen tribes, emphasizing their deep bonds of kinship, shared ancestry, and collective identity as a 'House' or 'Folk' that defines their values, laws, and loyalty in opposition to the Roman invaders.
The Wolfings are defined by their kinship ties and loyalty to the tribe, as seen in their response to the war-arrow.
The chapter details the kinship structure of the Markmen, the Wolfing House, and the laws of exogamy that define their social order.
The Wolfings gather as a kindred under the Roof, and the war-arrow unites them with neighboring tribes like the Elkings and Hartings.
Evidence in the book
- The House of the Wolfings
The Wolfings are defined by their kinship ties and loyalty to the tribe, as seen in their response to the war-arrow.
- The Dwellings of Mid-Mark
The chapter details the kinship structure of the Markmen, the Wolfing House, and the laws of exogamy that define their social order.
- II: The Flitting of the War-Arrow
The Wolfings gather as a kindred under the Roof, and the war-arrow unites them with neighboring tribes like the Elkings and Hartings.
- V: Concerning the Hall-Sun
The Hall-Sun's discussion of her origins—being a foundling from the wildwood and fostered by the Wolfings—underscores the theme of tribal identity and kinship. Despite not being of the blood, she is fully accepted as the Hall-Sun and a symbol of the Wolfings' unity and strength.
- They Talk on the Way to the Folk-Thing
The mingling of the Wolfings, Beamings, and Elkings on the march highlights the bonds of kindred and shared ancestry, with tales of the Elkings' origin from the Wolfings.
- VII: They Gather to the Folk-Mote
The gathering of kindreds (Wolfings, Elkings, Beamings, Daylings) and the recitation of tribal history reinforce the bonds of kinship and tribal identity.
- Tidings Brought to the Wain-Burg
The gathering of kindreds (Shieldings, Laxings, Bearings, etc.) and the loyalty to the Wolfing dwelling highlight the centrality of tribal bonds.
- XIX: Those Messengers Come to Thiodolf
The loyalty of Geirbald, Viglund, and Asbiorn to their Houses and the coordination between kindreds (Wolfings, Bearings, Elkings) highlight the centrality of kinship bonds in war.
