The book gathers the ancient tales and hero-myths of the British race, presenting them for modern readers while retaining the spirit of the mediæval mind. The author traces the settlement of successive races in the islands—Iberians, Celts, Anglo-Saxons, Danes, and Normans—and shows how each contributed its peculiar ideal of heroism to the national character. Early legends such as Beowulf illustrate the Anglo-Saxon reverence for physical prowess and unflinching loyalty to a chieftain. Tales of Ireland and Wales contribute a passion for the past, a longing for spiritual beauty, and an ardent patriotism. The Viking strain adds daring action and the love of adventure, while Norman chivalry introduces a refined courtesy and a deeper sense of law.
Among the figures portrayed are Beowulf, fighting the monsters in the dark mere and dying in victory over the fire-dragon; the Emperor Maxen Wledig, led by a dream to the British princess; and Constantine the Great, whose conversion is linked to his compassion and the discovery of the True Cross by his mother Elene. Other tales recount the adventures of Havelok the Dane, who rose from scullion to king; Howard the Halt, who accomplished a slow and terrible vengeance; Roland, the hero of early France, facing death at Roncesvalles; and the Countess Cathleen, who sold her soul to save her starving people from famine. Through these stories the author exhibits the changing ideals of heroism and the social life, virtues, and superstitions of earlier ages, embedded in tradition like fossils in an ancient ocean-bed. The volume concludes by showing how these diverse streams of race and legend have amalgamated to form the British nation.
