Sword Song [Paperback]

Discovered among Rosemary Sutcliff 's papers after her death in 1992, Sword Song is the swashbuckling epic of a young Viking swordsman, banished from his home for unintentionally killing a man, who takes up a new life as a mercenary.

Rosemary Sutcliff(1920-1992) wrote dozens of novels for young readers, including the award-winning trilogy set in Roman Britain,The Eagle of the Ninth, The Silver Branch,andThe Lantern Bearers. Shortly before her death, she was awarded the CBE, one of Britain's most prestigious honors.

Discussion Questions for
Sword Song
InSword Song, as in all of Sutcliff's novels,
there is a strong sense of place. Cite specific
scenes in the novel that define the setting.
Discuss what is going on in Norway to cause

Bjarni's grandfather to send him to join his

brother, Gram, in Rafnglas. How does Gram
feel responsible for Bjarni?
Bjarni holds the holy man under in the horsepond
for kicking his dog. The man drowns,
and Bjarni is summoned to appear before Rafn
the Chief. The Chief says to him, Time enough
to learn that in this land-take the men of the
White Christ walk safe. [p. 2] Who are the
men of the White Christ? Contrast this religion
to the Viking gods that Bjarni worships.
Explain how Bjarni makes Rafn the Chief an
oath-breaker. [p. 3] How does Bjarni learn
the meaning of an oath?
Bjarni is banished from Rafnglas for five years.
He goes to Dublin, where he is robbed of the
silver that his brother gave him for his journey.
How does Bjarni wind up on the Sea Witch
with Onund Treefoot? Discuss the sea battle
that Bjarni is involved with on board the Sea
Witch. Explain the concept of the share-out.
[p. 67]
Bjarni is involved in a fight to save his dog,
Hugin. Onund says to him, There is a time for
battle and a time for peace and Sea Witch has
no place among her crew forl.