The Hollow Crown: Henry V

Come and gather 'round!

And let The Chorus (storyteller) tell you a tale of the good King Harry!

The King - once the rash and reckless Prince Hal - who upon his father's last breath rose and become so just and wise ruler of England! 

Brave King Henry who fought the Battle of Agincourt  on St. Crispin's Day with his outnumbered army, his Happy Few, his Band of Brothers.

Darling King Henry who could raise his sword to Heaven and show no fear, but found himself hopeless on the wooing of the Princess Katherine of Valois. 

Great King Henry who was born of the blood Edward III and Edward, the Black Prince of Wales, yet would never see his own blood be born.

Henry V

by William Shakespeare

Setting: England, 15th Century

Primary Characters

King Henry V: Former Prince Hal, Prince of Wales. Passionate for his country. Christian. Noble, wise, temperamental. Fierce warrior. Loves his countrymen dearly.

The Chorus: The storyteller. Told from his childhood memories. Fought at Agincourt. Honored King Henry. 

Exeter: One of Henry's most trusted counselors. Skilled diplomat. Provides the king with sound and honest advice.

Edward, Duke of York: Another of Henry's trusted counselors. Devoted to the King and England. Skilled soldier. Bold and unafraid of war or any man. 

Louis, The Dauphin: Spoiled and selfish, son of the King Charles of France. Made the mistake of insulting King Henry and therefore, England.

Princess Katherine of Valois//Queen of England: King Charles' youngest, beautiful daughter. Lively, intelligent, curious about England, especially Henry. 

~ ~ ~

     Several years after assuming his father's throne, the once reckless and rash Prince Hal has become the respected and revered King Henry V of England. His sudden change of character, that can be measured from the moment of his father's death, is a shock to everyone. Some believe that from the wildness of his youth he learned wisdom in judgement of character. And his own character is certainly being judged on all sides. 

     Henry has ruled England well up to this point, but now he wants to strengthen his country and extend her borders. All the way to France. Having a claim to the French throne, Henry is persistent that he take the Crown of France, by hopes of diplomacy and agreement. King Charles and the French court seriously misjudge Henry's character, believing him to still be the irresponsible youth from years before. A dangerous error on their part. When Henry receives an insulting gift from Louis, the Dauphin (the Crown Prince), he is enraged. This is not only an insult to the king, but to England as well. And now Henry is more determined than ever to take France as his own; even if it means war.

     England recruits all the able bodied men and young boys that can go. Henry knows that he has an army that is severely outnumbered by France's own military. He tries not to despair and gives his hope to God that they will be victorious. Despite their small number, the English army manages to easily invade France and set out to the battle of Agincourt.

     King Charles of France, now tries negotiation to avoid war; even offering his daughter, Katherine and her substantial dowries in marriage. However, Henry is pass negotiations. Yet, Princess Katherine seems interested in leaving her insufferable father and brother and going to England as Henry's wife. She tries to learn English the best that she can; revealing her character to effortlessly sweet and charismatic, and possessing a nature that can stand head to head with the young King of England. 

      On the day of the Battle of Agincourt, also St. Crispin's Day, Henry rallies his military with a rousing speech of courage, honor, sacrifice and the future generations they are fighting for. His speech clearly worked, for Henry and his men defeated the French army, who lost over 10,000 men, while England lost only 25. Of these 25 losses, Edward, the Duke of York, King Henry's counselor and closest friend was murdered, which sends Henry into a rage toward France. 

      After a year of negotiating between France and England, Henry decides to finally pursue Princess Katherine and marry her. This leads into one of the most enduring fumbling attempts of wooing ever written. Through broken English and French, more than a few laughs and one soul stealing kiss, Katherine happily agrees to marry the King of England, therefore uniting their two great countries. 

       Their happiness, however, is cut short when King Henry dies of dysentery two years later. He never got to see his own son. His death caused imminent turmoil between England and France afterwards, separating the two countries and deepening the 100 Year War. Queen Katherine and all of England mourn the death of the young king. But as The Chorus says in the end:

For their sake and in your fair minds,
Let this acceptance take.