Much has faded from my memory after 53 years, but three scenes remain vivid.
1) When Hereward is declared "outlaw", he flees for his life. He stops to rest in the woods when he hears running footsteps approaching, and draws his sword. He demands the identity of the unknown man, who replies "It is I, Martin Lightfoot, your father's messenger, and I have something for you". Hereward says warily "What is it?" Martin unwraps a bundle of cloth and says "It is your father's axe. It is made of Damask steel, and whosoever holds it is possessed of an ungovernable urge to kill!". Martin Lightfoot asks Hereward to allow him to travel with him, and Hereward agrees.
2) In a later scene, Hereward is confronted by a Polar Bear. He confronts the bear, brandishing his father's axe. The bear attacks Hereward, who swings the axe and kills the bear. Wild-eyed with blood-lust, he turns to Martin and bellows "With a single blow, Martin! With a single blow!"
3) When Hereward and Martin hear of the Norman capture of Hereward's village, and the murder of his parents, they return, only to find the severed head of Hereward's brother displayed on a gable. Hereward carries his brother's head into the Great Hall where the Normans are feasting. As he walks up to the Norman head honcho, the revelry falls silent. Hereward slams his sword onto the table, and says to the Norman "I thank thee for my brother's head, cur!", and thrusts his sword through the Norman's belly. Mayhem ensues.
It was blood-curdling stuff, which is why I still remember it after all these years.
Review of Hereward the Wake
