Byrhtnoth of Essex was an Anglo-Saxon nobleman and military leader, best known for his heroic stand and death at the Battle of Maldon in 991. As the Ealdorman of Essex, Byrhtnoth commanded the English forces against a Viking invasion. Despite being outnumbered, he displayed remarkable courage and strategic acumen.
The Battle of Maldon is famous for Byrhtnoth's decision to allow the Vikings to cross a causeway to fight on equal ground, a choice driven by his sense of honor and fairness, though it ultimately led to his defeat. His leadership and bravery were immortalized in the Old English poem "The Battle of Maldon," which highlights his valor and the tragic loss for the Anglo-Saxon forces.
Byrhtnoth's legacy is that of a heroic and honorable leader, whose actions exemplified the martial values and warrior ethos of his time. His death marked a significant moment in the struggle against Viking incursions during the late 10th century.
Rædwald of East Anglia was a prominent Anglo-Saxon king who ruled in the early 7th century. As one of the most powerful rulers of his time, he is best known for his conversion to Christianity, although he maintained pagan practices as well, reflecting the religious tensions of the era.
Rædwald's most notable military achievement was his victory at the Battle of the River Idle around 616, where he supported Edwin of Northumbria in a successful campaign against Æthelfrith of Northumbria. This victory solidified his status as a leading king in Anglo-Saxon England and earned him the title of Bretwalda, or "overlord" of several kingdoms.
Rædwald is also associated with the Sutton Hoo burial site, where a ship burial, believed to be his, was discovered. The site contained a wealth of artifacts, highlighting the wealth and sophistication of his reign.
Rædwald's legacy is marked by his role in the early Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England and his influence in uniting and leading the early English kingdoms.
Osric of the Hwicce was a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon king who ruled the sub-kingdom of Hwicce, located in what is now the West Midlands of England. He is known primarily through historical records and charters that highlight his rule and affiliations.
Osric is notable for his Christian faith, as he founded the monastic community at Gloucester and granted lands to the church, demonstrating his support for the spread of Christianity in his kingdom. His reign is characterized by his efforts to establish and strengthen the Christian church within Hwicce.
Osric was likely a contemporary and possibly a relative of Eanhere and Eanfrith, other rulers of Hwicce, indicating a period of dynastic rule. His contributions to the Christianization and consolidation of his kingdom left a lasting impact on the religious and political landscape of the region.
Overall, Osric's legacy is tied to his role in promoting Christianity and supporting the church's establishment in the early Anglo-Saxon period.
Exerting their might and combat prowess, the Saxon Warlords pillage and raid many lands, taking valuables, slaves and troops to attain new territories.
This blister pack contains 3 Saxon warlords.
