The Way of Wyrd; Brian Bates

Review by Magi

Synopsis: Sent on a mission deep into the forests of pagan Anglo-Saxon England, Wat Brand, a Christian scribe, suddenly finds his vision of the world turned upside down. The familiar English countryside is not what it seems: threatening spirits, birds of omen and plants of power lurk in this landscape of fallen terrors and mysterious forces. With Wulf, a sorcerer and mystic, as his guide, Brand is instructed in the magical lore of plants, runes, fate and the life force until finally he journeys to the spirit world on a quest to encounter the true nature of his own soul.

Just how much of Brain Bates' book is based on fact, I don't know - it is said to be based on authentic manuscripts found in the British Museum. But what I do know is that it is a thoroughly enjoyable read. The Way of Wyrd tells the tale of Wat Brand, a young Christian scribe, sent on a mission deep into the forests of pagan Anglo-Saxon England in 674 yo record the beliefs of the Pagans. However, he suddenly finds his vision of the world turned upside down. The familiar English countryside is not what it seems: threatening spirits, birds of omen and plants of power lurk in this landscape of fallen terrors and mysterious forces. With Wulf, a sorcerer and mystic, as his guide, Brand is instructed in the magical lore of plants, runes, fate and the life force until finally he journeys to the spirit world on a quest to encounter the true nature of his own soul.

I can highly recommend this book. Others more notable than I agree:

"A compelling read ... the kind of book that I could not put down." Magnus Magnusson. "Full of important and fascinating ideas." Colin Wilson. "As a way of sychological and spiritual exploration it offers not just uncanny similarities with some of our present thinking but notions which we seem only now to be rediscovering." The Guardian (English Newspaper).

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Last update: 30 July 2006 .