The Ballad of the White Horse

Focusing on the exploits of Saxon King Alfred the Great, this poem recounts his triumph over the Danes at the Battle of Ethandun, highlighting divine intervention through the Virgin Mary. Celebrated as one of the last traditional epic poems, it blends military and political themes with Roman Catholic allegory. Chesterton infuses philosophical elements throughout the narrative, enriching the portrayal of Alfred's character and his ideals. The work stands as a significant literary achievement in the early 20th century.