We were thrilled to kick off the 2018 Schoolhouse Review Crew season with the latest audiodrama production from
Heirloom Audio Productions,
Wolf the Saxon! We have been so thankful to have received all the previous audiodramas over the last few years, and were hopeful that this latest release would be just as good as the others!
About Wulf the Saxon
Wolf the Saxon (a 2 CD set) is the latest in the line of quality audio dramas from
Heirloom Audio Productions. Based on one of the beloved works from G. A. Henty, this story takes the listener back to the era of the Normans and Saxon’s—when the French and English were bitter foes. The year is 1065 and Edward the Confessor is King of England. There is a tenuous peace with France—as long as each party stays on their own land. But things don’t always go as planned. Through the course of the story, a simple boat party with the King’s intended heir, unfortunately leads to capture by the Normans, time in a French dungeon, a daring escape, trickery from a supposed friend, and a desperate struggle for the throne of England. Wulf is a young Saxon landholder who serves a Christian friend Harold—who happens to be in line for the throne. Wulf and Harold become close because they share common beliefs in regards to duty and honor. But when their boat capsizes off the coast of France and they are captured by the Normans, their friendship takes on new levels as Wulf works hard to get his friend—the future King—out of harms way! They serve in battle together and each encourages the other in their life’s journey. Wulf is even there when Harold is tricked by William the Conqueror (a Norman) to swear allegiance to him—a problem since both Harold and William expect to be the future King of England! Through it all, Wulf continues to serve England with duty, courage, and honor even when it seems all hope is lost.
Our Thoughts on the Product
As always, we enjoyed
Wulf the Saxon. It is a treat to listen to during our road trips and our lunch breaks. The boys prefer to listen when they are a “captive audience” so they can follow along better. While they didn’t dislike the story at all and loved the battles, of all the ones we have listened too, this one didn’t end up a favorite. But the story was new to them and they wanted to learn more about William the Conqueror and the time of the 1000’s AD. After listening to the story, I too wanted to learn more, so I did some more research myself into William the Conqueror, King Edward, the Battle of Hastings, and the Bayeux Tapestry. I also wanted to learn more about the attacks on England by the Welsh. I loved the comments by the Saxon soldiers about how crazy the Welsh were. LOL
Anything that gets people interested in history is always a win—which is why these historical fiction audiodramas are such great resources to add to our collection. These audiodramas also feature fantastic soundtracks and stellar voice casting. This particular audiodrama featured the voice talents of Brian Blessed (Star Wars, Tarzan, King Lear), Chris Larkin (Master and Commander, Valkyrie), Helen George (Call the Midwife), Jack Farthing (Poldark), Patrick Godfrey (Les Miserable, Ever After), and more!
As an extra aside, the Bayeux Tapestry is discussed at the beginning of the audiodrama. It is a tapestry thought to date back to the 11th century and is the Norman view of the Norman conquest of England concerning William the Conqueror and Harold, Earl of Wessex. The release of Wulf the Saxon which tells the tale of William the Conqueror and Harold, Earl of Wessex and the Battle of Hastings goes perfect with some news from France. I just read yesterday that
on 18 January 2018, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the Bayeux Tapestry would be loaned to Britain for public display. It is expected to be exhibited at the British Museum in London from 2022. It will be the first time that the Tapestry has left France in 950 years. (Bayeux Tapestry, Wikipedia). Pretty cool huh how the timing worked out!
Want To Learn More?
We have enjoyed listening to
Wulf the Saxon from
Heirloom Audio Productions. I encourage you to check out the
Live the Adventure club to get the inside scoop on all the latest news from Heirloom Audio Productions! By joining the club you will get three 2-CD audiodrama sets shipped to you each year, have access to hundreds of fun activities and games, stream over 500 old-time radio shows, and much more!
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I am happy to add this audiodrama to our collection and will be looking forward to using it as a resource when we are studying the early 1000's in world history in the future. I encourage you check out Heirloom Audio Productions for yourself--you will be glad you did!
