In the story “Everything Ravaged and Everything Burned” by Wells Tower we see a Viking named Harald living a life that we would expect from the legends and stories of our childhoods. Dragons fly off with sheep and tough Vikings go on voyages to destroy towns. But there is something different about Harald. Everything that his fellow Vikings do seems to upset him or contradict his own views. Throughout these events Harald develops a detachment to his fellow tribesmen as his thoughts describe those of disgust and annoyance. He is put in situations where his personality and desires do not reflect what he should be doing. However social pressure deems otherwise. In order to be part of the tribe, Harald must accept these tasks he loathes so much. …show more content…
But he noticed that the winds changed and dragons were showing up, something that does not look good for a peaceful time watching the sunsets. Harald begins to describe this man, Djarf, as “a fool for warfare” and having a terrific appetite for action (Tower 220). He then continues to describe in horrific details the deeds of which Djarf had committed. Coming from a Viking this seems very out of place and unfortunately for him it is. Harald describes the love that he and Pila share for one another, and when he left on these voyages, how that relationship would deteriorate. He alludes to the fact that he wants to build a family, something hard to do when you are constantly on the move rioting from village to village. But social dictations say otherwise for the Vikings. He said, “Sure, I could have told him thanks anyway, but once you back down from one job, you’re lucky if they even let you put in for a flat-fee trade escort”. (223) The environment in which he lives is not a place for peacemakers and family-men. One wrong move could cause pain for the rest of his life. Harald would be shunned by his neighbors, be refused services offered to others in the tribe, be subject to unfair trade,