The original version of the Havelok story is a thirteenth-century verse narrative written in Middle English.

Serraillier's adaptation of the Middle English romance is too free to be considered a translation, yet it is quite faithful to the substance and spirit of the original. In its spirit Havelok the Dane differs significantly from other medieval romances, which usually possess an aura of wonder and have a substantial element of the supernatural. Havelok the Dane is located very much in the realm of everyday reality. It is filled with realistic details, usually pertaining to events in the lives of ordinary people.

The story isn't totally without elements of the supernatural. For example, a strange light shines from Havelok's mouth while he sleeps and serves to identify his high-born status. For the most part, however, the narrative depicts events free from magic and the supernatural. This has led...