The White Stag

The White Stag is a lyrical and powerful retelling of the Hungarian national legend, tracing the epic migration of the Huns and Magyars from Asia into Europe. Guided by a mysterious white stag and the voices of their pagan gods, the tribes endure relentless journeys, internal divisions, and fierce battles to find their promised homeland. The story culminates with the rise of Attila, a fierce leader known to history. This Newbery Medal winner blends history, folklore, and adventure, offering a poetic narrative about perseverance, identity, and the founding of a nation.

For generations the tribes of Huns and Magyars had moved relentlessly westward, obeying the voices of their pagan gods, which compelled them to follow the elusive white stag to their promised homeland. They swept Europe, all the while pursuing their vision of the stag. Their leader was called Attila, and the land Hungary. Here is the epic story of their tribal migration and their fierce leader - know to us even today.