Warrior Scarlet facts for kids
First edition cover
|
|
| Author | Rosemary Sutcliff |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Charles Keeping |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical novel |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
|
Publication date
|
1958 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 207 pp |
| ISBN | 0-19-271133-4 |
| Preceded by | The Silver Branch |
| Followed by | The Lantern Bearers |
Warrior Scarlet is an exciting adventure book for young readers by Rosemary Sutcliff. It was first published in 1958 and has cool drawings by Charles Keeping. This story takes you back in time to Bronze Age Britain, around 900 BCE. It all happens in the beautiful South Downs area of England.
Contents
Drem's Big Dream: Becoming a Warrior
The story is all about a young boy named Drem. He really wants to become a brave warrior. His biggest dream is to earn the right to wear a special kilt called 'Warrior Scarlet'. But Drem has a secret fear. His right arm is not as strong as it should be. He worries this will stop him from passing the tough warrior test.
To become a full warrior, boys must complete a very dangerous task. They have to hunt and kill a wolf all by themselves. If a boy fails this test, he cannot stay with the tribe. Instead, he is sent away to live with the 'Half People'. These are shepherds who look after sheep on the South Downs.
Life in the Tribe and the Boys' House
Drem lives with his older brother, Drustic, and his grandfather. His mother is also there, along with a girl named Blai. Blai was left with their family years ago by a travelling blacksmith. Drem works hard to make his arm stronger. He teaches himself how to do things differently to make up for his arm.
When Drem turns 12, he moves to the 'Boys House'. This is where young boys learn how to become warriors. While he is there, he becomes good friends with Vortrix. Vortrix is the son of the tribe's Chieftain. They even become "blood brothers," which means they are very close.
The Wolf Slaying Test
At age 15, it is time for Drem and the other boys to take their 'Wolf Slaying' test. When it is Drem's turn, something goes wrong. He slips and almost gets killed by the wolf. Luckily, Vortrix quickly wounds the wolf, and it runs away. Drem is safe, but he did not kill the wolf.
Because he failed the test, Drem is sent to live with the Half People. He misses his friends and family. He only sees his old friends when they come as the 'Wolf Guard'. The Wolf Guard protects the sheep from wild animals.
A Second Chance and a New Beginning
One cold evening, as winter is ending, Drem goes out. He wants to find an old shepherd named Doli. Doli went looking for a lost sheep and has not returned. Drem finds Doli, but then three wolves attack them! One of these wolves is the same one Drem failed to kill before.
This time, Drem fights bravely and succeeds! He kills the wolf, but he gets badly hurt. The Wolf Guard arrives just in time to save him. When Drem gets better, he learns amazing news. Because he killed the same wolf that hurt him before, his past failure is forgotten. He has passed the test!
Later, Drem takes part in the special ceremony. This is where boys officially become warriors. Drem has also grown a lot on the inside. Failing the test made him face his fears. It also helped him understand others better. He learned to be more kind and understanding.
The last part of the book talks about the Celtic festival of Beltane. This festival happens around May 1st. It marks the start of the new year. During Beltane, couples who want to get married jump through the flames of a big bonfire. Drem realizes that he and Blai are both a bit different. They both feel like outsiders, and they belong together. The book ends with them running up the hill towards the bonfire.
