What is the main theme in the novel, Havelok the Dane?

One of the main themes in the novel is that of kingship. In fact, many scholars view Havelok as a kind of handbook for rulers because of its several illustrations of good and bad kings. In the depiction of King Athelwold of England (Goldborough's father) at the outset of the narrative, an ideal of kingship is suggested: There was a King of England named Athelwold, a God-fearing man who made good laws and saw that they were kept. During his reign England was so safe that a man could travel the length of the land with fifty pounds of gold on his back and no risk of being robbed. If a beggar knocked at his door, he gave him the finest roast meat and the choicest dishes from his table.

A good king, such as Goldborough's father or Havelok, protected all members of society and was swift to punish those who violated the law. On the other hand, the good king had to guard against exacting justice that was overly harsh—a vice that characterizes Earl Godric's period of rule. Havelok, it should be noted, insists on providing fair trials for both of the evil earls. They receive complete justice within the law, even though the punishments that they receive in the end are severe.