The Ballad of the White Horse

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Set against the backdrop of the Battle of Ethandun, this poem celebrates the legendary Saxon King Alfred the Great's triumph over the invading Danes, emphasizing divine intervention through the Virgin Mary. Written in traditional ballad form, it blends historical narrative with philosophical reflections, presenting Alfred not just as a military leader but also as a symbol of faith and virtue. As one of the last great epic poems in English, it serves as both a recounting of heroic deeds and a Catholic allegory, exploring themes of faith, duty, and national identity.