Your Questions

I have both a comment and a question:

You have fielded a few questions regarding the new show 'Vikings' and whether Ragnar is your character or not, yardy yar yar. The Ragnar in the show is Ragnar Lothbrok (or Lodbrok), the supposed father of Ubba, Ivar and Halfdan. I had assumed the show, which is a 6 episode mini series thing, would end with Ragnar's death at the hands of King Aella, which supposedly sparked the invasion which begins your Saxon series, though in the show he only has one son (Bjorn), who's aged at perhaps 12 so probably not. I don't know if you'd enjoy the show as that would depend on your tolerance of historical inaccuracies but It's a rather enjoyable show.

This leads me to my question(s). I've looked into the saga of Ragnar and a few other things and there's a few things that don't really make much sense from what I can piece together but a few things have stood out.

The Haestan in your books, is he based on the 'Hastein' who raided the Mediterranean with Bjorn Ironside (supposedly Hastein's brother) and then later appeared in England with an army in 892? If so, did you ignore the suggestion that he was another son Lothbrok?

On a more historical note, Bjorn and Sigurd were both mentioned in the Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok when hearing upon his death but only three of his sons lead the great heathen army, why do you think that would be?

Finally, Why did you choose to name the three sons Lothbrokson rather than Ragnarson? Was it to avoid people confusing them for the sons of Ragnar Sr? If so, why not choose a different name for Uhtred's adopted father?
Anthony

Hi Bernard,
I listen to a variety of musical talent which seems to jolt the creative side of my brain. Often, it doesn't match the actual content of my writing, but nevertheless kindles that vital spark of energy. Do you use background music as a form of inspiration - and, if so, what's your favourite type of music (if it's not too personal a question)?

Also, please forgive the dashes. And the brackets! :)
Robert Douglas

Hello Bernard,

The History Channel is running a series titled "Vikings" where the audience is introduced to a female viking warrior called a "shield maid". They purport that these shield maids regularly fought beside men in their raids. Is there any evidence of shield maids actually existing and if so, will you ever include such a character in any of your upcoming Saxon series novels?

Michael Hanselman
Sterling, Virginia

Dear Mr Cornwell,

I love your books (though being busy with my hospital practice - I use audio-books to listen while driving).
One note/question regarding the Saxon stories - isn't exaggeration to describe so many warriors on both sides armed with swords? It is considered to be not a common weapon, being too expensive for most of the worriers of the time to have.
On another note - isn't it a historical irony that England was united just to fell to William (on Norse roots) in Hastings - ready and united but not to be ruled by Alfred's house?

Sincerely yours,
Zeev

Hi Bernard,

I have a question about Saxon Stories. The priest Beocca married with Thyra (year 885). My question is: in this year, priest could be married?
Alberto Santana Filho

I was presented with an interesting question recently; what/who were the most "successful" cavalrymen in history? My answer was to categorize them by two things, military capabilities and actual accomplishments. I said that he Mongol Horde had the most magnanimous military accomplishment (most of Central Asia), and I said that the Teutonic Knights had the ability to go far, though they didn't reach full potential.
How would you answer a question like this?
Reigh Leifland

Hi Mr. C.

hope you are well.  I was just wondering if you could give some sort of time frame on Uhtred's next book?  A year, two, five(hope not)?   It's just that I've now read all of your books and cannot wait for the new Uhtred (or Starbuck) adventure!!

Yours,

Rich Dorrean

My question is based on the riddle you gave, the horse one; if we were able to solve the riddle would the name we work out be that of a known historical figure?  I am curious as I have been trying to solve it being a big fan of your books. You don't have to tell me directly but if you could at least tell me it wasn't  or "not say it isnt'' that would be great.

Keegan Eatherton

Hello
Have you, or will you be writing any books covering the period from the time the Romans left, to the first Saxon landings, circa 450 to 750?
Also, I assume you've wargamed at some stage, but have you ever 'role played', and in particular, using RuneQuest rule set? It's a perfect fit for the types of stories you tell and the themes portrayed therein.
Thanks for your time (and for the riveting stories - long may they continue).
Mark Jones

Will Lord Uhtred fight again? Will there be another book and if so when? Thank you.
John Nardini

 

Mr. Cornwell,

I am a huge fan of The Saxon Chronicles, and I'm quite desperate for the next book. I understand that writing a book isn't like dashing off a grocery list, but, please, at least toss your fans a rough time period to look forward to!!! Til' then I will (AM)patiently wait for the next installment. Thanks for continuing to bring us such well researched and well written historical fiction!
Amy Cooper

 

Dear Sir,

Thanks for the hours of interesting readings with your hero from Northumbria.
I have read your books, beginning from "The last Kingdom" to "Death of Kings". And I am waiting for the seventh book. I hope you will prepare for me some more hours of interesting reading. Thanks a lot from an Italian "supporter".

Manlio Cornia from Bologna.

Have just re-read all of the Saxon Chronicles again, cant wait for the next one, any idea when it may be published, Sorry don't wish to overwork you but I have read all of your books and am in desperate need of something new.  By the way so glad to meet Thomas of Hookton again in 1356, great character. Thanks so much for all your good work.
Chris Gallagher.