Sun Horse, Moon Horse facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Rosemary Sutcliff |
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| Illustrator | Shirley Felts |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical novel |
| Publisher | The Bodley Head |
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Publication date
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1977 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback) |
| ISBN | 0-525-40495-3 |
Sun Horse, Moon Horse is an exciting historical novel for young readers. It was written by Rosemary Sutcliff and came out in 1977. The story takes place in Bronze Age Britain, a very long time ago.
The book follows Lubrin Dhu, the son of a tribal leader from the Iceni people. He gets caught up in a big fight with a nearby tribe called the Attribates. Lubrin plays a key role in creating a giant Hill figure to help save his people.
Contents
The Story of Lubrin Dhu
This book is about Lubrin Dhu, who is a younger son of his tribe's leader. He looks more like the "Little Dark People" who lived in Britain before the Celts arrived. His name "Dhu" even means "dark" in an old language.
Cultural Differences
The story shows how different the Celts and the Little Dark People were. The Celts often had fair hair and skin. The Little Dark People, however, had darker skin and felt a strong connection to the earth.
These differences become very important when the Iceni tribe, who are linked to the moon, are taken over by the Attribates. The Attribates are connected to the sun.
Lubrin's Unique View
Lubrin Dhu is seen as different by his own people. He has darker skin and a quiet personality. He also loves art, which makes him stand out. Because of this, readers get to see his tribe's way of life from a slightly different angle.
His people follow a matrilineal system. This means that leadership passes down through the women of the family. The tribal leader's power comes from being married to the "woman of the tribe." This leader also has a duty to protect the tribe, even if it means giving his own life. This important duty later falls to Lubrin Dhu.
The Giant Horse
After a big battle, the Attribates defeat Lubrin's tribe and take over their home. Lubrin's father and older brothers are killed. This leaves Lubrin Dhu as the leader of the people who survived.
Lubrin makes a deal with the conquering Attribate leader. His people will be set free if they carve a huge horse into the side of a hill. This amazing figure becomes the famous Uffington White Horse.
The book's title, Sun Horse, Moon Horse, shows how this horse connects both tribes. It links the sun (Attribates) and the moon (Iceni). The horse is also seen as a way to honor Epona, a horse goddess. In the end, Lubrin Dhu chooses to give his life to make the horse sacred. He fulfills his duty as a leader's son, showing a possible ancient Celtic tradition of sacrifice for the community.
Images for kids
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First edition cover of Sun Horse, Moon Horse
