Our Ladys role in the Ballad of the White Horse - 700 Words

1. Our Ladys role in the Ballad of the White Horse as portrayed in books I, II, and VII. King Alfred of Wessex, ruler of southern England in ninth-century, is the main character in G.K. Chestertons compelling poem, The Ballad of the White Horse. During a time when the pagan Danes threaten to destroy the societal values Western Europeans had spent centuries building, Alfred, his chiefs, and his Christian armies receive inspiration to continue the battle for Christendom from Our Lady. For though Alfred and his armies strive to win the earthly battle with the Danes, they must also overcome the spiritual battle: abandoning the attitudes of doubt and despair, in order that they might trust in God for the strength Alfreds†¦show more content†¦Chesterton, The Ballad of the White Horse, Seton Literary Classics, Front Royal, Virginia. 2011. (I:137-145) all subsequent references will be parenthesized in the text. reveals herself to him through the nature on the island, which becomes m ore and more beautiful before his eyes. As she stands by the river in the tall grass before him, Alfred observes that the â€Å"very colors of her coat [are] better than good news,† and proceeds to question her on the outcome of his conflict with the Danes. Our Lady, however, warns Alfred that Christians must not attempt to predict their future as the pagans do. In contrast, those who are strengthened by the Blood of Christ are to whatever danger lies before them. Furthermore, she gives him no optimistic view of the future, and, in fact, declares that the â€Å"sky shall grow darker yet,† and the â€Å"sea rise higher.† And, although she gives him no hope of earthly victory, she does remind him that the gates of heaven are open to all; that anyone can look forward to eternal happiness with God. Henceforth, a newly transformed Alfred adopts a new attitude in place of the sorrow and despair he encountered earlier. Now filled with unfounded joy and a faith in the a bsence of hope, he is intent on winning the spiritual battle, even if he never defeats the Danes. Despair and hopelessness are