To celebrate reaching 500 subscribers, I’ve decided to publish this mini-series alongside the story of King Alfred. It will look at discussing a new theory I’ve developed on civilisational change.
There are many models which chart how civilisations change over time, the Strauss–Howe generational theory, Malthusianism and the Tytler Cycle are just three.
This theory, which I call the ‘Seasonal Hero Cycle’, was developed through studying the story of King Alfred and discussing the themes of ‘Heroic Will’ with my good friend Dr Nathan Hood.
The foundational axiom of this theory is that for a civilisation to flourish and continue, it needs to manage the key civilisational changes correctly. These changes naturally occur with any civilisation; conquest, consolidation, stagnation, collapse.
The theory assumes an appropriate leader is required to ensure that at those key points of change, they are there to lead the civilisation back to Spring. If the leader fails, it moves the civilisation to the next stage, bringing it closer to collapse.
There are four stages of this cycle, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. The Spring is the time of conquest and growth for the civilisation. The Summer is the time of consolidation. A time where the borders are established and maintained. But after a period, cultural, political or economic stagnation leads to the its Autumn.
The Autumnal season charts the slow demise of the civilisation and eventually gives way to Winter. Where its collapse and death is on the cards.
At this point, the people need a Winter Hero. Someone who will bring the civilisation back into the Spring, bringing conquest from collapse. King Alfred is this archetypical winter hero. Through his heroic will, he forged a strategy which was effective at reining in the Vikings and re-establish the Kingdom of Wessex.
This mini-series will look to go through the four different archetypical heroes associated with the seasons. And give examples, both ancient and modern.
Thank you for subscribing and supporting this publication. After receiving pledges, I made the option to become a paid subscriber. This will also give a complimentary paid subscription to my Tower of Adam SubStack (if requested).
I plan to publish my King Alfred articles in a physical book. As paid subscribers, you will receive an acknowledgment on the front page.
Thank you again to all my subscribers for helping me reach 500 subscribers.
Great post
Winter is coming!