Reading Group Guide
Discussion Questions for
Sword Song
In Sword 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 for a man who cannot tell the one from the other." [p. 82]
Discuss how Bjarni should have handled the incident. Why does Bjarni say that Onund is the person that made Hugin "unfit for sacrifice"? [p. 82]
Why does the Lady Aud choose Bjarni as a rower on the Fionoula for the Easter faring?
Explain why Bjarni feels it necessary to tell the Lady Aud that he doesn't intend to follow her god. Describe the strangeness that Bjarni experiences on board the Fionoula.
Bjarni returns to Rafnglas after five years.
Much has happened to him, and much has happened in Rafnglas. Discuss the changes to both. The Chief asks Bjarni to tell them the tale of his five years. What will Bjarni tell?
What will he leave out from his story?
