I’m excited to be back on the Homeschool Review Crew for 2018! The kids and I have already been trying out some pretty amazing products. Like Wulf the Saxon, from Heirloom Audio Productions.
This was our third audio drama from this company, and we’ve been impressed with them all. They really bring history stories from G.A. Henty to life, and help pull listeners into the unfolding story.
What’s the Product?
I reviewed a physical CD set of Wulf the Saxon. It contained two CDs, with over 2.5 hours of audio.
Heirloom Audio Productions also has an amazing set of resources for each audio. These are housed in their Live the Adventure Club. I’ve used the study guide for two other productions (Captain Bayley’s Heir and In the Reign of Terror!), and was impressed with their quality.
What’s Wulf the Saxon About?
As you probably derived from the title, this audio drama is set during the Norman conquest of Britain. It’s the Normans versus the Saxons, brought to life in a historically accurate, value building way.
While you listen, you’ll meet Wulf of Steyning. Wulf is a young Saxon. He is also a Thane (a landowner.) Because of his character and willingness to learn, Wulf winds up serving Earl Harold (who eventually becomes King Harold!)
But, life in the inner circle isn’t always easy. Wulf has to learn many lessons about humility, bravery, and loyalty. Throughout the audio, those are the traits that help mold Wulf and change him into a man.
The adventures are numerous. At one point, Wulf finds himself shipwrecked in Normandy with some of the other men he serves with. They are captured by Count Conrad of the Normans. Separated from Harold in captivity, Wulf looks for a way to escape. One finally appears, and he is able to get away with another servant. They go to Baron DeBurg for help, and the Baron sends men to rescue Harold. Wulf wanted to make sure Harold wasn’t left behind!
Some plot twists and turns occur after the escape, and war breaks out. The Battle of Hastings is brought to life dramatically. The sound effects are definitely war like, but it wasn’t overly done or too much for my younger listeners.
How Did We Use this Product?
I listened to Wulf the Saxon in the car. Several of the kids listened with me, though not always the same ones. Each time we shut it off, we took a few minutes to discuss the story. Since this isn’t a period in history we’re currently studying, I purposefully kept it light. We will certainly be listening to this again when we study world history in the future!
What Did I Think of This Product?
Like the other audio dramas from Heirloom Audio Productions, I was impressed with the quality of Wulf the Saxon. The cast is stellar, and includes:
- Brian Blessed
- Chris Larkin
- Helen George
- Patrick Godfrey
The audio truly helps you get into the story and learn more about the characters.
I love that positive character traits are woven into the story. It’s not a “shove the morals in where ever you can” type of weaving though. It’s tastefully done and very natural. (Hopefully that makes sense!)
It helps listeners understand the importance of these traits and see how they were used for good throughout Wulf’s adventures.
I definitely recommend this product if you’re looking for a fun supplement to your world history studies.
To see what other crew members thought of Wulf the Saxon, please click on the banner below.
