The main character of the novel, Ivar, and his Viking fighting friends await battles and exploits, clashes with monsters and sorcerers, acquaintance and confrontation with King Arthur and his knights. Roads lead daredevils into the world of fairy elves and to the tops of mountains, into forests where ancient bloodthirsty gods reign. In all these troubles, Ivar goes from an inept young man who does not know which end to take up the sword to a real man who knows how to take responsibility for his own actions.