Havelok the Dane, also known as Havelok or the Lay of Havelok the Dane, though these are all titles attributed to the story by later editors. The name “Havelok” also has many variations in spelling, and can found as “Haveloc” or “Havelock.”

Havelok is the second oldest surviving romance written in English. It is often categorized in the so-called Matter of Britain, which tell the story of English heroes and history. It is believed to have been composed somewhere between 1295-1310. The romance survives in one imperfect version, as well some fragments. A copy of the 3001 line poem is available to view in Grimsby Public Library. A new publication of the translation by Walter Skeat is available as The Lay of Havelock the Dane - ISBN 1843841088

The story of Havelok has had a rich textual life and surely must have held great fascination for readers of many nationalities up until the 20th century. It is a story that unites the local interest of the founding of Grimsby in Lincolnshire to a cosmopolitan acknowledgment of the complex national identity of England in the Middle Ages, bringing together Anglo-Saxon, Norman, Danish and British influences. The romance also features a genuine interest in working-class life in 13th century Lincolnshire. Even today, traces of the story can be found in the town seal of Grimsby, which names Grim, Havelok and Goldborow. One can also visit the “Grim-stone” and the “Havelok-stone” at Grimsby and Lincoln, respectively. A statue of Grim and Havelok stands outside the main site of Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education.

Plot Summary

Havelok is intricately constructed, consisting of a double arc of usurpation and restoration of rightful heirs through their marriage. The poem starts in England, with the reign of Athelwold, described extensively as just and lawful, but is then imperiled when Athelwold dies without an adult successor. His daughter Goldborow is still a child, and Athelwold appoints Godrich, the Earl of Cornwall, to rule as regent until she can be married (to the “highest man in England”). When Athelwold dies Godrich immediately betrays his oath, imprisoning Goldborow in a remote tower in Dover.

The poem then shifts to Denmark, where a similarly virtuous king, Birkabein, dies leaving behind two daughters, Swanborow and Helfled, and his son, Havelok. Godard, a wealthy retainer, is appointed regent. Another betrayal, and Godard brutally murders the daughters and hands the three-year old Havelok over to a thrall, the fisherman Grim to be thrown into the sea. Grim recognizes Havelok as the rightful heir when he sees a pair of miraculous signs: a bright light that emerges from the boy’s mouth and blazing red-gold “kynemerk,” a cross-shaped birthmark on his shoulder. Sparing the boy, Grim flees with Havelok and his family to Lincolnshire. There they raise Havelok as their own and fish the North Sea. Havelok, during this time has grown into a very tall and strong lad, with a huge appetite. (Several versions tell that Havelok was raised under a false name, Cuaran, in order to protect his identity, though the Middle English version omits this detail.)

During a famine, Havelok is forced to leave home to seek his subsistence in Lincoln. There he is taken in by Bertram, a cook in a noble house. During a festival, Havelok bests the other servants and kitchen-boys in a shot-putting contest. This victory brings him to the attention of Godrich, who notices Havelok’s height and strength. Godrich then decides to marry off Goldborow in order to dispossess her once and for all. Havelok protests the wedding, because he is too poor to support a wife, but submits to the union. Later, Havelok and Goldborow flee back to Grimsby, where they are taken in by Grim’s children. That night, Goldborow is awakened by a bright light, and sees Havelok’s mouth glowing. She is then told by an angel of Havelok’s lineage and destiny.

Havelok returns to Denmark with Goldborow and Grim’s three eldest sons in order to reclaim his kingdom. In disguise as a merchant, Havelok is sheltered by Ubbe, a Danish nobleman. Ubbe sees the light and immediately pledges his support to Havelok in overthrowing Godard. Godard is defeated and Havelok invades England to overthrow Godrich and restores Goldborow. Now king of Denmark and England, Havelok rules justly and assures his realm’s stability through siring fifteen sons

External links

• Text extract with translation help
• Website of the Grim & Havelok Association