A four-part suite inspired by a fictional account
of the origin of the geoglyph, The Long Man of
Wilmington, in the book ‘The Spirit of the Downs’
by Arthur Beckett. Beckett imagines that The
Long Man was cut into the turf in honour of Woden
following victory in a great battle during the
Saxon invasions.

Part III: A Night in Deep Dean
Following the battle, the Saxon warriors take shelter
in the wooded valley of Deep Dean, south of
Windover Hill. Although brave and bloodthirsty by
day, they are huddled together like sheep during the
long hours of darkness. Shivering with cold and fear,
they pray for the speedy return of the sun that they
might be guarded against the evils of the darkening
hills. As dawn breaks, their courage returns. And
with one mighty voice, they shout a
great shout:

Woden, God of gods!
Victory is ours now
Victory!
Delivered from the evils of darkness
Evils of darkness
Praise be to Woden!
The time is now to honour you
Honour you
You’ll be the splendid hero on the hill!