Line #3 Literature/Azincourt

Context Literature / Azincourt

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1	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/azincourt.png]]
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3	''Azincourt'' is a HistoricalFiction novel written by Creator/BernardCornwell. Essentially a LowerDeckEpisode to Creator/WilliamShakespeare's ''Theatre/HenryV'', the story follows AntiHero Nicholas Hook, a common-born English archer fighting in UsefulNotes/TheHundredYearsWar against France.
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5	Forced into military service after being declared an outlaw, Hook soon experiences seemingly divine messages from [[GodWasMyCopilot the Saints Crispin and Crispinian]] after surviving [[TheSiege the terrible siege and sacking of Soissons]].
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7	Recruited into the army of King Henry V in his campaigns to take the throne of France, Hook encounters tremendous dangers and cruel foes, both amongst the French and amongst his own fellows...
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9	----
10	!!Tropes present in the novel include:
11	* AntiHero: Nick Hook, who at the outset of the book attempts to murder one of his neighbors as part of a blood-feud, had an affair with another man's wife, and at one point kills a defenseless enemy because the voice in his head told him to. He is still genuinely religious, courageous in his lord's service, and prone to sticking his neck out for women in need.
12	* ArmorIsUseless: Averted with the extremely durable Milanese plate worn by the French at Agincourt.
13	* BloodierAndGorier: Probably one of Cornwell's most violent novels to date.
14	* BoisterousBruiser: Sir John Cornewaille is a passionate warrior who ''loves'' to fight.
15	* CruelAndUnusualDeath: The French really, ''really'' hate the English longbowmen, and at Soissons, they go out of their way to prove it.
16	* GodWasMyCopilot: Hook thinks he hears the patron saints of Soissons, Crispin and Crispinian, in his head.
17	%%* GoodShepherd: Father Christopher.
18	* GroinAttack: Father Martin receives one...''from a crossbow.''
19	* HeroesPreferSwords: During the final battle, Henry wields a sword despite a mace or poleaxe being more effective against plate armour, as he considers the sword a heroic weapon.
20	* HistoricalDomainCharacter: There actually was an archer named Nicholas Hook at Agincourt, though we don't know anything about him beyond his name.
21	* RainOfArrows: The [[UltimateShowdownofUltimateDestiny Battle of Agincourt]] is the centrepiece of the book's final act, so this trope is most definitely in effect.
22	* RescueRomance: Hook saves a young nun named Melisande from [[AttemptedRape being raped]] by an English traitor when the French sack Soissons. They become lovers during their subsequent escape, and get married before the titular battle.
23	* ShoutOut: There is a nod to Thomas of Hookton, protagonist of ''Literature/TheGrailQuest'' series, establishing he is in the same fictional universe.
24	* UndyingLoyalty: Sir John is endlessly loyal to the King, and will not hesitate to unleash all hell on anyone who threatens or hurts one of his men.
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Context Literature / Azincourt