The Battle of Maldon 991 AD

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Music used:
BTS Prolog - Kevin MacLeod
Restless Native - Kevin MacLeod
Grave Blow - Kevin MacLeod
All This Scoring Action - Kevin MacLeod
Narrated by Dan Boud - danboud.com
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[@BazBattles]

Support My Channel! Download Free ⚔️ Vikings War Of Clans Here ➤ IOS: clcr.me/ooEqIY ➤ Android: clcr.me/gkgMGh And Get 200 💰 Gold And a 🏥 Protective Shield for FREE

[@HIY-rl3vr]

Please do Nagashino battle also

[@shaunhenderson93]

BazBattles I have loved mostly all your videos can’t wait to see more on the Scottish wars 😊👍👍👍😊

[@alorikkoln]

Thanks 😊 so much!!!!! Love y’all.

[@Castletonys]

BazBattles your voice is great bro keep up the great content when you have spare time appreciate the vids.

[@tomaszlosinski875]

The way that's formatted makes it look really scetchy and more virus ridden than an 80s hospital AIDS wing. Love the content so I can appreciate you getting sponsors to support you.

[@TheMountAndBladerX10]

2 heirs one of them gained the title "the martyr" "boy howdy i wonder which one will live"

[@dr.lexwinter8604]

It should be mentioned Aethelred the Unready is also a double entendre given that Aethelred kind of means the ready. Thus sort of being 'well advised the ill advised'.

[@Robi2009]

That is interesting and funny at the same time. I wonder if there were more examples of rulers with contradicting name and nickname, like "Leo the Coward" or similar

[@AnnhilateTheNihilist]

@@Robi2009 jezebel the saint?

[@nahman6790]

Time to put everything on hold to watch blocks fight

[@panagiotisagelakis533]

exactly

[@Zhtrik]

Nah Man Hey! Those Blocks have meaning!

[@Dragon359]

The best block-fighting this side of KZbin.

[@pandawok301]

X for infantry, / for cavalry, normal lines for light, skirmishing or missiles, bold for heavy.

[@ItssAnAliProduction]

shut up

[@leeboy26]

Byrthnoth- Exercising medieval chivalry before it was cool.

[@MrFirefox]

10,000 quid down the drain because this fool

[@fuzzzone]

@@MrFirefox To say nothing of the lives lost. Brave though he may have been, Byrhtnoth's decision was foolish in the extreme. If you're going to pit farmer levies against relatively hardened veterans the last thing you want is a stand up, head-to-head fight.

[@MrFirefox]

@@fuzzzone yeh he stoopid

[@snuit4744]

@@MrFirefox maybe, but at least he fought with honor.

[@PortmanRd]

!st case of English fair play?

[@Defferleffer]

Olaf stood up looking at his men, realizing that he was in a bad position. Then he called out to Æthelred and said “if u fight me here u gay!”

[@Pentazimyn28]

😂😂😂

[@darthXreven]

and Aethelfled yelled down "yes, I am happy, what of it??" and a Saxon warrior hit the warning bell [ding ding ding]

[@darthXreven]

@@Pukeyray Aethellfled: wanna spot of tea? lolz

[@timaahhh]

Works evertiem.

[@clamber15]

lmao hahaha

[@mjennings061]

A heads up, Vikings: War of Clans is a fraud. It's nothing like the advertisement and is not worth playing. I appreciate they are supporting your channel

[@charliehovey4534]

all those types of games are.

[@Ayy_Doll_Fiddler]

Had to uninstall mine because with ads like that, I expected actual rts but mobile version.

[@publiusmaximus4041]

What a surprise

[@obesespringroll3997]

If your looking for an actually good rats game on mobile, Rome total war is available on Android and iOS

[@MaXiMoS54]

So every mobile game ever

[@recklessroges]

"I have the high ground." "um, do you mind if I join you on the high ground?" "Sure, come on up." (Looks like someone hasn't read Sun Zu.)

[@WestTNConfed]

I disagree. The benefit was worth the risk. If the battle was won, this move would have allowed the English to either pursue or even cut them off from their long boats, which would have meant the destruction of the entire force. The risk was losing the battle, but weakening Olaf's force enough to where he couldn't continue with his plans as before.

[@Octavian999]

Looks like he has not studied the teachings of our lord and saviour, Obi-Wan Kenobi

[@gospaironija2762]

Well many of the greatest generals did not read it but this was just plain stupid.

[@danyvarna5094]

Looks like you have never been in a fight. Return to watching your Zun Poo Lee ninja princess and his winged rainbow ponies (Y)

[@danyvarna5094]

@Reunite The British Empire , or guts, something that modern britcucks totally lack.

[@KipperStudios]

I live in Maldon, and often go to see the statue down in the Prom. Very happy to see this video! Thank you!

[@KipperStudios]

(Oh, and to comment on the pronounciation, its a much heavier -Mold- on, even though Mal-don is how its spelt. We just say it our way is all!)

[@greenwave819]

YES!

[@Wylf]

One amusing tidbit about Aethelred and his epithet "the unready/ill-advised" is that it's a pun on his name, which means "Well Advised". He was basically called "Well advised, the ill advised".

[@AudieHolland]

No, he wasn't called that in his time. That name was given to him by historic scholars 150 years later.

[@geechyguy3441]

People back then were the same as us lmao

[@SolusBatty]

"It is a gusty summer morning..." That wonderful voice! Already liked at that point.

[@danboud8135]

Tips hat.

[@SkinnerNoah]

I love chivalry. There's something special about sworn enemies honoring each other

[@fuzzzone]

You're two centuries away from the concept of medieval chivalry at this point in history.

[@fuzzzone]

@Mer Der To a certain extent that's true, though chivalry was always more a story people told about themselves (and their ancestors) rather than an on-the-ground reality. Either way, whatever was happening in 991, "chivalry" is probably the wrong term.

[@acedynamo]

It's a good way to loose. Treachery and backstabbing is much safer and more effective.

[@akedus44]

@@acedynamo While true, excessive treachery and backstabbing also means that people stop trusting you. It's a delicate balance you have to manage.

[@_pebbleproductions]

This was such a fantastic video to watch. Being from Maldon myself and researching this battle and time period hasn't given me anywhere near as much insight into this battle as this video did!

[@TukozAki]

Appreciate the battle description. For me, to learn of such "small" events helps grasping the broader figure (and remember it probably). The great contextualization of the event that BazBattles is priceless IMHO. Thank you :-)

[@lucass430]

Olaf - Can you guys give up your superior position, pretty please? Byrhtnoth - Sure, what could possibly go wrong?

[@lanceleader163]

Bryntholf: “Did we win?” Saint Peter: “Well no, but actually yes.”

[@LucasDimoveo]

Thanks for doing these lesser-known battles.

[@tomhurley974]

61 years old he had been in battles for over 40 years one tough man

[@zachmorrissey3630]

love your stuff. I always get some awesome imagery from your vids, good writing and narration!

[@ichotw5766]

Keep it up, very good work, research, video, music, narration - 10/10

[@xoigel8106]

SAXON WIN SCENARIO: 1. Accept Pitched Battle 2. Ambush while half of Vikings have passed.

[@dennisyoung7363]

Like Sterling bridge.

[@Leivve]

Here is the thing though. The Saxons were pretty much exclusively infantry, with very few missile troops (a trend that would extend to the Norman invasion.) So if the vikings start crossing, and you charge, not only could they just turn around and go back to the island making YOU go through the choke. The goal was to destroy the vikings. If he wanted to just repel them, he could have just camped out and waited for the vikings to just pack up, and find a different village to destroy.

[@alexanderchristopher6237]

Leivve you can attack them while half of their forces are just about to reorganize after the narrow crossing. First, the Vikings would already be in a disorganized state and had let their guard down during the crossing. Secondly, his troops are still pretty fresh. His militia is not only smaller, but also less disciplined than the veteran Viking warriors. Forcing that battle to them while they’re crossing, even if it’s a melee, would deny the Vikings their numerical and discipline superiority. The Vikings then can’t go forward nor can they go back. Eventually, they’ll fall back in a not so orderly fashion back to the island with mounting casualties, where they’ll have 2 options to do: stay and try to fight their way across again or leave England for good. He would have a better legend than whatever honors the people of Malden has given him today.

[@theharry801]

I LIVE HERE! THIS IS LITERALLY THE ONLY INTERSTING THING ABOUT MALDON

[@ChapBloke]

Don’t forget the salt (I live not too far from the place myself)

[@Hardrada_1066]

does that island with the pathway only accessible during low tide still exist in this way? :D

[@theharry801]

theres a bridge that connects it in the same place now, but you can still walk under it when the tide falls. Its actually not a bad walk

[@theharry801]

bloody muddy tho

[@richardschannel1000]

I was born and raised in Burnham on Crouch. This battle almost single handedly gave me interest in Dark Age history :D

[@4_dennyfauzulhakim479]

Loved how u pronounced every name authentically. So much effort. I salute you, good sir.

[@jonweik4091]

Love your videos as always and again a BTS would be amazing addition . Keep up the good work

[@1987MartinT]

I question the wisdom of Byrthnoth accepting Olaf's challenge to a pitched battle, especially since the Saxons were outnumbered, but the man was brave. I'll give him that.

[@mikespearwood3914]

Like they implied, the constant threat of viking raids all along the coast meant taking the risk of fighting them all together at one location was a risk they thought was worth taking. If they managed to defeat that viking force then they probably would've had relief from raids for some time.

[@1987MartinT]

@@mikespearwood3914 Indeed. You make a good point. That crushing the main Viking army would stop their raids, and would give other raiders pause. Though fighting them in the open field while being outnumbered by roughly 25% was very risky. I understand why. Getting a chance to fight the enemy and remove them as a threat. But it was a very small chance. The odds were heavily stacked against the Saxons. So it's debatable whether the potential gains justified the risk. Perhaps the Saxons could have waited until another chance presented itself when they could muster a larger force. But, on the other hand, perhaps there never would be another chance.

[@grzxcv98]

It was very much a calculated risk. Byrthnoth was both brave and wise. Had Olaf accidentally fell instead of him then it would have been very much worthwhile. The Saxons should've won that battle if only to illustrate this point. But history and destiny has it's own way of doing things..

[@CptZhu]

Brave, but stupid

[@amitabhakusari2304]

If destroying the invaders had been the main priority of the Saxons, they could easily have attacked them while they were crossing, after letting in about as many as they could easily defeat. Yes, there would be survivors, and yes some could easily flee, but the same could easily happen if they had taken more losses than the Saxons. Beaten armies don't just stand around waiting to be crushed, some always flee. That is, of course, if honour had not been a primary factor. Or one of the primary factors, the militias over-confident with success may have been the one who influenced the decision.

[@774CISCO]

I remember first reading about this battle in a book called Longships as a kid. Great to revisit the battle again.

[@thecrusaderhistorian9820]

Thank you for another wonderful video!

[@nmcgunagle]

I really like the way you show the damage done to each infantry unit by shaving away portions of each individual...rectangle? Is that what it’s called? Idk. I like the way you show that though. Other historical battle channels should take note! Excellent work. Thank you for the content!

[@denniscleary7580]

Absolutely love your videos, watching them is like being at the battle 👍

[@brandoncrapse1156]

Baz battles is baaaaaaaack! Thank the gods for your return sir. Continue the amazing work, we beg of you.

[@TheRumbles13]

Thanks for all your hard work, I really enioy your videos.

[@Dourios_96]

7:35 *I love that effect* slowly emerging until he becomes clear as day, please use this more often it's beautiful

[@HistoryHustle]

Interesting video, really understand more and more where GoT got its inspiration from.

[@Midatlanticriverrat]

I love that you are documenting some of these lesser but no less important battles of history. Thank you.

[@HistoryExplained]

I love your editing so much! I started a new history channel and would really like to make higher quality videos. I’m really curious. What editing software do you use? Thanks!

[@redblueproductions9739]

Only thing I am shure about is that they are using photoshop to make the maps.

[@Tuning3434]

Count yourselves a new subscriber! Wonder where it will end up. I remember the time BazBattles itself was still a modest channel.

[@facelessman9224]

Time and experience will help you overcome any shortcomings in your videos. They're great.

[@SkopjanecMartin]

Your videos look like quality. Just subscribed. Good luck with the channel!

[@clamum]

I checked out one of your videos; great job! You got a new subscriber.

[@houssam1571]

Full support to you guys ,from here to infinity,keep them coming!

[@octoberrust987]

Byrthnoth was out of his mind

[@Leivve]

But Honor.

[@aquajasa]

@@Leivve fvck honor How many died in vein for that

[@samarkand1585]

@@Leivve Honor my ass, the Vikings only used that word when it was useful for them, let me remind you they were there to plunder defenseless towns

[@quetiaogoreng4651]

Sun Tzu dissagree

[@fluffycat087]

He had little choice.

[@henrikg1388]

Sveyn Forkbeard/Sven Tveskägg was the the last pagan king of Denmark, although not the last to rule over England. Just love this history and your videos.

[@justinleecw]

To be fair to Byrhtnoth, if he didn’t fight the Vikings, they would have sailed away to raid another settlement. This was probably his greatest chance to crush them for good. He still lost though. Badly.

[@justinleecw]

David Gwin Well... a tactical defeat, but a strategic victory.

[@AudieHolland]

Also, he's over 60 years old so this is probably going to be his last battle. It was a Pyrrhic* victory for the Vikings. * - had to check its spelling, it's crazy, isn't it?

[@MrFirefox]

@@AudieHolland tall old guy just wants to kill a few vikings and go out in a blaze of glory but ends up being ridiculed and criticised by historians a thousand years later

[@AudieHolland]

@@MrFirefox And we all know how well those same historians would have fared if they had literally been in the man's shoes. OMG WERE ALL GONNA DIE

[@MrFirefox]

@@AudieHollandvirgin armchair tactician vs the chad byrthnoth

[@heha5495]

Damn both these great men had honor

[@mikespearwood3914]

Both? You mean the Vikings as well?

[@jdstreeter]

Great job as always!

[@stars-hk9uo]

Good job! Your videos are amazing!

[@Hlodolog]

Good job, like always.

[@steveellis7174]

The best poem ever!

[@Vomaxx1]

J.R.R. Tolkien wrote a short play about the aftermath of this battle, "The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth, Beorhthelm's Son". It's just 13 pages long (plus 3 pages of introduction).

[@Panicagq2]

I last read it YEARS ago, but IIRC it's from the point of view of Beorhtnoth's servants who are out after dark searching the battlefield for their Lord's missing head so they don't have to bury him with a replacement wax noggin.

[@bingbongwingwong]

thanks for making these

[@lowkoalatee4033]

Well he gave up his advantage real quick

[@caesarplaysgames]

“The Vikings, were here...” “This video is sponsored by Vikings” lol

[@steve1978ger]

ready to pay some Dangeld?

[@SamBrickell]

Weird how paying people to do something doesn't make them do that thing less.

[@Anglashock]

Very good. I lived about 20km from Maldon, used to visit it as a child and took my own kids there. It’s pronounced Moldon my friend, an ‘O’ replacing the ‘A’ in its pronunciation. Keep up the good work.🇦🇺

[@arphaxadbasilona1871]

Another good example of honor before tactics...

[@mikespearwood3914]

Or bad example? ;)

[@Shadow.24772]

would've charged them when the first men reached the shore with high ground advantage, but that's just me.

[@zoetropo1]

Honor is a dish best served cold.

[@Blade57331]

Too much caution make you will look weak in eyes of your people. The leader/king who looks weak won't be a leader for long.

[@davidcorliss9183]

True...or, maybe, ego before tactics. In the poem known as the Battle of Maldon (only a fragment remains), the word "ofermod" is applied to Byrhtnoth. The word describes him perfectly, as described in an essay by J.R.R.Tolkien (yes, the LOTR guy, who was an academic.)

[@bigbaba1111]

Another intresting video. Looking forward for more Viking vs Britons content. 👍

[@torinjones3221]

This is Vikings vs English. Britons = Welsh who are totally different people.

[@AudieHolland]

Even so, Æthelred's reign lasted 35 years. Even without counting the years he hadn't come of age yet, that's still a decent 30 years of ruling. His nickname 'the Unready' was given to him in hindsight, 150 years later.

[@honkusponkus8575]

I know a lot of people dont like the fictional battles but if you could ever do a 40k video, that would be amazing

[@scottmac-cheeserae4531]

Bryhtnoth was too honorable. He should've let half the Vikings come across, then attack. This is war, they came asking for it.

[@JerevanFM]

I learned many interesting things watching this video. Especially that majority also means maturity.

[@j.k.stringer192]

Awesome job once again Balthasar! Could you start a series on battles pertaining to the Irish kingdoms, the Dubgaill (Irish vikings), Finngaill, etc around this time? I think the Battle of Islandbridge (or Ath Cliath) was a major event.

[@Ag-qr6ii]

Love the videos. Would you ever do a game of thrones video again ?

[@Marshal_Dunnik]

The original 10th century manuscript of the epic poem, The Battle of Maldon, was lost, along with many other unique ancient documents, in a fire in 1731. Curiously, it too was also missing the beginning and the end of the story.

[@jazminhanes6547]

For our hands shall be the harder our will shall be the wiser and our hearts shall be bolder as our strength must end

[@stevemc01]

"So did you lose the Battle of Maldon, Byrthnoth?" *Achievement Unlocked: "Well no... but actually yes."*

[@talltanndn]

The best comment I've seen on facebook...about this "I believe Keith Richards wrote a song about this from first hand accounts"

[@chasemurraychristopherdola7108]

What battle are you covering next because I am interested in charlemange campaign against the avars and the saxons

[@muffaletta]

That'll be awesome

[@martinnolhaf3151]

Fucking Charles.... damn bastard! Hail Saxnot!

[@sacrumbellum3477]

Martin Nolhaf Hail the True Aryan Gods

[@kennethhommel6756]

Love your videos but hate the wait for new ones.

[@BTsMusicChannel]

9:59 a couple seconds before you said this, i was looking at it and just shaking my head...."not too much creativity here."

[@loralyane]

Æthelred le Malavisé (sorry i'm French ^^ )... A bad king can't rule for 38 years with constantly invasions of his land without being better than what the books said (all written centuries after his death and only through the prism of his end). Don't forget money was still enough to pay 2 strong tributes in few years, so he manage to keep royal income through dark times, and that he developed several codes of laws as well as the emergence of reeves. Many of his predecessors would have failed much earlier than him (38 years of reign). He deserves better than such a nickname.

[@jrgennielsen9465]

We always find scapegoats ,and the english found Æthelred Its hard for them to explain how 1-2 smaller countries could take their land, and so they blame Æthelred. The danish and the norwegian armys have mostly been better ,the military leaders the same and the english have been far more split than they like to admit. Split because there has been big differences between the regions,and especially between the north and the south. It is also very obvious that they not have been very seafaring ,because else they could have made the same kind of attacks against Denmark and Norway. In the endgame ,Æthelred is also up against a very heavy opponent in Svend Forkbeard.

[@utvara1]

Bryhtnoth got himself a Darwin award.

[@RonJohn63]

Given that his battle -- while a tactical loss -- was a strategic victory, and more importantly *he had already sired children* your comment is absurdly *wrong.*

[@utvara1]

Cope

[@paulofollowtheredsohes5180]

Can we have the metric system as well when you describe someone or give a distance? We are not so familiar with your feet... Good video though love it!

[@darthveatay]

An early Christmas gift thanks

[@KyleOfCanada]

To BazBattles, I'm really disappointed that you omitted two of the most interesting aspects of the battle: -->The poem records that Byrhtnoth's thanes reformed and made a valiant (albeit forlorn) charge into the Viking host unsupported, electing to die with their earl, rather than to leave his body to be plundered by their enemy. -->The poem also records that the catalyst for the mass route was that, in an effort to save himself, one of his men stole Byrhtnoth's horse, which led to many thinking that Byrhtnoth was fleeing the field. This, coupled with his death, caused the lines to break. These acts of heroics and cowardice were such interesting parts of the battle, I'm surprised that they were not addressed. That critique aside, your videos are always a pleasure to watch and I'm glad to see this battle covered. Merry Christmas to you and yours! All the best, Kyle of Canada

[@ShueperDan]

Outmanned, outclassed, fighting a foe with zero honor and yet showing honor and remaining dignified. He gave his life, but set such a supreme example.

[@LucidWanderer]

Yeah an example of why the Saxons lost to the Norse.

[@ShueperDan]

@@LucidWanderer Yep, the vikings were adept at defeating an opponent in detail.

[@Octavius0]

Bryhtnoth - The walking definition of being honorable to a fault

[@englishalan222]

Byrthnorth felt he had no choice, if he did not allow the Vikings to cross they would have simply boarded their ships and sailed off down the coast to plunder elsewhere. By allowing them to cross he had a chance to defeat them and stop their raiding once and for all, but if they sailed off they could have attacked and plundered up and down the coast as much as they liked.

[@englishalan222]

@David Gwin I wonder what happened to his relative who stole his horse and fled the battle, causing much of the Saxon army to flee in turn thinking that Byrthnorth was abandoning them. I have been able to uncover nothing regarding the man, maybe his fate has not been recorded by history

[@archmeasterjackimer6217]

Will you do a video on the battle of blackwater bay eny time soon

[@camaradabr9926]

That is the christmas gift I need, a BazBattles upload.

[@robertdevito5001]

I wish I could convince others of this, it’d save me a lot of money.

[@nymalous3428]

Another battle I've never heard of. Glad to learn of it. Now I want to see if that causeway is still there.

[@tomsmith8006]

It is! I walked across it in Summer- crazy to think about what transpired in the past :)

[@nymalous3428]

Tom Smith Thanks letting me know! The past is indeed full of crazy things, I love learning about it!

[@lanceleader163]

Strategically unsound move to let Olaf cross. However, extremely sportsmanlike. And I like that you pointed out that it was a gamble, that they might repel the invaders in 1 battle. What carnage. And their sacrifice delayed Olaf, so it was not a total loss.

[@U3Productions0]

As somebody from Folkestone (The place sacked before the main battle) I found the mention of the place amazing as it’s such a small place and in most histories I learn about the town it never predates the 1700’s So thank you for the Knowledge never would’ve expected to hear it

[@laraik1198]

Askeladd fought there ! RESPECT

[@voltagedrop5899]

the vikings had a far more defensible position, and a significant mobility advantage in the shape of their longboats. had the battle dragged on for longer, the vikings would've had the ability to outflank and potentially ambush the saxons, as well as the ability to disengage and sail away, while the saxons had no way of decisively defeating them. either way, choosing to fight a decisive battle was a gamble worth taking.

[@olefredrikskjegstad5972]

It says a lot about medieval history I think that Æthelred the Unready is actually the second person I've heard about who sources claim defecated in their baptismal font as an infant. The first was Byzantine Emperor Constantine V Copronymus ("Dung-named")

[@Lencladeus]

"Play by your enemy's rules, you lose." - Ender Wiggin

[@buninparadise9476]

Merry Christmas!

[@rossrutherford2590]

When your family's nicknames go from "the Peaceful" to "the Martyr" to "the Unready" you know you've fucked up

[@pendragonshall]

Heya. Great video. Couple questions. Edgar Was born in 942 right? So he would be 33 years old not 31. No I have read another account of where he was born in 43 but what I can fine does confirm 942 is this correct? And another question how did he die? I know these are early questions about the battle which is your area of expertise LOL. But I couldn’t find it and I’m just curious how he died so young. Was he maybe murdered? Or just one of those things that happened back then like a scratch

[@peterosborne8315]

Yeah. We got a big ole statue of brythnoth commererating the whole thing as well... Oh btw. Most people pronounce it as mole-don

[@alexthompson5820]

Lots of people calling a Byrhtnoth an idiot, and they’re sort of right but need to look at Maldon in its wider context. Most importantly you have to understand the Anglo-Saxon mindset in this situation. There is the term ‘ofermod’ (literally ‘over-mood’ in modern English), it’s an Anglo-Saxon term similar to arrogance but kind of positive in meaning. It’s essentially when a warrior is so sure in his abilities that he puts himself in dangerous situations to prove his prowess. Byrhtnoth’s choice to let the Vikings cross the landbridge is the clearest example of ofermod your going to find in all of recorded Germanic history. Look at it through his eyes, he’s old, very old for a warrior, he’s probably proved himself many a time already against rebels and the campaigns in the north uniting England when he was younger. Now, the Vikings have returned and are at his doorstep; he’s beat them off once and all his men know this, he has to show and prove that he’s still not scared of them now that he is an elderly man. Now he at first, does use the landbridge to his advantage, allowing the Viking host to bleed men trying to force their way across much faster than his force will defending it. He would likely have his men hold the landbridge for a while until the Vikings leave or, once they’re sufficiently battered, let them across and finish them off on the mainland with his best men as fresh reserves (including himself and his followers). However, the Vikings aren’t dumb and see this, so they directly challenge Byrhtnoth’s pride and surety in his skills as a warrior, not as a strategist, by asking for a fair fight. Suddenly, the Vikings aren’t attacking England but Byrhtnoth’s skill in a fight. Byrhtnoth could ignore the Viking’s demand and win, but his men will forever assume that he was scared by the Vikings, thus damaging his reputation as a warrior. So, he has to accept their demands if he wants to maintain his reputation as a warrior and a brave leader, therefore what happens happens. The epic poem written slightly later celebrates Byrhtnoth’s actions, as well as the fact that many of his men fought to the death even after Byrhtnoth had fallen and the battle lost. Byrhtnoth achieved glory, but at the price of a loss; to us that doesn’t seem worth it however, ask an Anglo-Saxon and he would have told you that any other way would be a dishonour to your name. If your interested in the idea of ofermod, Tolkien wrote an essay on it, as well as a response to the poem which is definitely worth looking up

[@zoetropo1]

Just Wondering: resembles Beowulf.

[@zoetropo1]

Just Wondering: what do you call it when the king is so confident in a general’s ability that he abandons him in an impossible situation?

[@Xrisus94]

Övermod is still a common word in Swedish.

[@kirgan1000]

It make totaly sense to let the vikings free pass, becuse if you continue to hold the ford, the viking vill sail way, and you have to force march to intersept them at there next landing, and then you have to fight then your men will be exhausted and the vikings is frech.

[@frenstcht]

More proof that honor culture is cancer that needs to be excised toot-sweet.

[@clintmannion5598]

Baz is back all good stuff great video as always

[@santamaria7733]

Ahhh yes. Pre Vinland Saga history I love it

[@torinjones3221]

Fun Fact: Byrhtnoth was 6'9 or 205cm tall

[@alexanderkordas682]

Source?

[@Kinematographer]

Also, if it’s of any interest to anyone…I know where about 120 swords and remnants of the battle are. The location of the battle was never known, but it might help pinpoint it.

[@cjclark1208]

This legitimate?

[@napoleonibonaparte7198]

Byrhtnoth could’ve did the pro-gamer move of Moses

[@ShadowXII]

Battle of the Nile, please!

[@SRone45]

You should do a Wars of the Roses battle.

[@yatsy31]

I suppose thanks to Aethelred we have Vinland Saga

[@xlRaawR]

we need the battle of Narvik!

[@baasmans]

Please do the battle of Nieuwpoort (1600)!

[@sipjedekat8525]

Yay! Another Bazbattles! Yay yay yay!

[@nicknmm09]

Honor is a fools prize and glory is of no use to the dead

[@ianslapfish4648]

And that's why you don't give up an advantageous position. What a hooligan

[@MilTacticsandStuff]

I see the outcome differently-Brythnoth caused mass death to relentless raiders against his own people. In this rare case the body count of the enemy was the battle's success-regardless of what his own losses were. It's too bad that sheepish king paid money to the remaining raiders rather than fighting what was left with a fresh force.

[@tristao9264]

No way to do that. English kings had, historically, failed to oppose danish and norwegian attacks. They simply had no effective way to do it. Aethelred wasn't the first one to pay tribute so the raiders would leave the country, many kings before him did the same, including Alfred the Great. Paying tribute was really the only way to stop them from causing further harm. This tradition was kept by later kings. Despite this, Aethelred reigned for over thirty years, and overall, England was wealthier when he died than it was when he became king. He may not have enjoyed military success againt the vikings, but he did manage to protect the prosperity of the land with his danegeld policy.

[@ghost.3409]

​@@tristao9264England would've been a lot richer and prosperous back then, had the rulers used Militarial might instead of bribery.