The Danelaw - Alfred vs. Guthrum - Extra History - Part 1

Extra History
5 Apr 201810:55
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn 865 AD, the Viking 'Great Heathen Army' arrives in Britain, seeking land and not just treasure. The script follows King Alfred of Wessex and his strategic battles against the Viking Guthrum. Through tributes, betrayals, and sieges, Alfred eventually forces Guthrum to accept Christianity and establish the Danelaw, a boundary between English and Danish territories. The narrative serves as a historical backdrop for the strategy game 'Thrones of Britannia,' where players can lead various factions and shape the history of the British Isles.

Takeaways
  • 🛡️ The year is 865, marking the arrival of the Viking Great Heathen Army in East Anglia, seeking to establish a nation rather than just raiding for treasure.
  • ⚔️ The Vikings, led by King Halfdan and Guthrum, successfully overthrew two of the four Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and threatened the third, leaving only Wessex standing.
  • 🏰 King Alfred of Wessex managed to pay off Halfdan with a Danegeld, a tribute to prevent further Viking incursions into his kingdom.
  • 🕵️‍♂️ Guthrum's scouts were highly skilled, allowing his forces to infiltrate Wessex undetected and establish a beachhead at Wareham.
  • 🤝 Alfred and Guthrum initially negotiated a peace treaty, with Alfred paying a Danegeld and Guthrum swearing on holy relics to leave Wessex.
  • 💔 Guthrum betrayed the peace treaty by slaughtering hostages, attacking Exeter, and fortifying himself with provisions for a prolonged siege.
  • 🚢 A planned Viking fleet intended to support Guthrum in Wessex was lost at sea due to fog, leaving him stranded and vulnerable.
  • 🏰 Alfred, despite being driven out of power and hiding in the Somerset marshes, continued to rally support and undermine Guthrum's control.
  • 🗡️ In a surprise attack during a feast, Guthrum attempted to capture Alfred but failed, leading to a siege at Chippenham.
  • 🏹 Alfred's forces eventually defeated Guthrum's army at Edington, forcing him to agree to a new set of terms set by Alfred.
  • 🕊️ Guthrum accepted Christian baptism, becoming Æthelstan, and agreed to a treaty that established a boundary between Wessex and the Danelaw, ending hostilities for a time.
Q & A

  • What significant event occurred in 865 that marked a change in Viking activity in Britain?

    -In 865, the great heathen army, a large force of Vikings, arrived in East Anglia. Unlike previous raids, they were not there for treasure but to establish a nation, seeking farmland due to crop failures and political instability in Scandinavia.

  • Which strategy game is mentioned in the script that is set during the time of the Viking invasions?

    -The strategy game mentioned in the script is 'Total War saga: Thrones of Britannia'.

  • How many Anglo-Saxon kingdoms were there at the time of the Viking invasions, and which one managed to withstand the Viking onslaught?

    -There were four Anglo-Saxon kingdoms at the time of the Viking invasions. Wessex was the only kingdom that managed to withstand the Viking onslaught.

  • What was the significance of the Danegeld paid by King Alfred to King Halfdan?

    -The Danegeld was a tributary bribe paid by King Alfred to King Halfdan to ensure that he would not invade Wessex again. It was a tactical move to buy time and prevent immediate invasion.

  • Why did Guthrum decide to march to Wareham and what was his plan?

    -Guthrum decided to march to Wareham to establish a beachhead. His plan was to wait for his allies and a large fleet of dragon ships to join him there, which would then allow him to further expand his kingdom.

  • What was Alfred's strategy to counter Guthrum's occupation of Wareham?

    -Alfred raised the fyrd, a militia system, and laid siege to Wareham, effectively bottling up Guthrum's forces there and creating a stalemate that lasted nearly a year.

  • What was the outcome of the negotiations between Alfred and Guthrum after the stalemate at Wareham?

    -Alfred offered to pay Guthrum a Danegeld if he would march north and never return to Wessex. Guthrum agreed, swearing on holy relics and exchanging high-ranking hostages.

  • Why did Guthrum betray Alfred after swearing on holy relics and accepting the Danegeld?

    -Guthrum betrayed Alfred by slaughtering his hostages and attacking Exeter because he craved a kingdom of his own and saw an opportunity to strengthen his position.

  • What was the significance of the Viking fleet that was supposed to meet Guthrum at Exeter?

    -The Viking fleet was significant because it was meant to reinforce Guthrum's forces, allowing him to maintain a strong position and potentially conquer more territory. However, the fleet was lost due to a fog and shipwreck, which weakened Guthrum's position.

  • How did Alfred manage to turn the tide against Guthrum after being driven out of power?

    -Alfred managed to turn the tide by conducting guerrilla warfare from the Somerset marshes, rallying support, and punishing traitors. He also organized a small but determined force that defeated a larger Viking force, which helped him regain momentum and eventually led to a decisive victory at the Battle of Edington.

  • What were the terms of the peace treaty between Alfred and Guthrum after the Battle of Edington?

    -The terms of the peace treaty included Guthrum's retreat to East Anglia with a promise never to return, the acceptance of Christian baptism with Alfred as his godfather, and the establishment of a political boundary known as the Danelaw.

Outlines
00:00
🏰 The Great Viking Invasion and the Struggle for Wessex

In 865 AD, the Viking Great Heathen Army arrives in East Anglia, not for raiding but to settle and establish a nation. The Vikings, driven by crop failures and political instability in Scandinavia, topple two of the four Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and weaken a third, leaving only Wessex standing against them. King Alfred of Wessex manages to negotiate a temporary peace with the Viking leader Guthrum by paying a Danegeld, a tribute to ensure they would not return. However, Guthrum, seeking his own kingdom, breaks the agreement and attacks Wessex, leading to a series of sieges and betrayals, including Guthrum's surprise attack on Alfred's court and Alfred's eventual resurgence from hiding to challenge the Viking forces.

05:03
🗡 Alfred's Resurgence and the Battle of Edington

After a failed attempt to secure Wessex through treachery and siege, Guthrum launches a surprise attack on the Wessex court during the 12th night celebrations. Despite his initial success, Alfred escapes and continues to resist from the Somerset marshes. He leads a guerrilla campaign against the Vikings and their collaborators, gradually regaining support and undermining Guthrum's control. The conflict culminates in the Battle of Edington, where Alfred's forces decisively defeat the Vikings. Following the battle, Alfred imposes harsh terms on Guthrum, forcing him to retreat to East Anglia, accept Christianity, and become a vassal of Wessex under the new name Æthelstan, marking a significant turning point in the struggle for England.

10:04
🛡 The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum and the Establishment of Danelaw

In the aftermath of the Battle of Edington, Alfred and Guthrum, now Æthelstan, establish the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum. This treaty delineates a political boundary between Wessex and the Danish-controlled territories, known as the Danelaw, where Danish rule and laws prevail. Although Æthelstan's kingdom endures for less than a century, it leaves a lasting impact on England. The video concludes with a promotion for the strategy game Thrones of Britannia, which allows players to lead various factions, including Alfred's forces and Guthrum's Viking army, to rewrite the history of the British Isles.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Viking
Viking refers to the seafaring people from the late eighth to early 11th century from the Nordic regions, known for their raids and explorations. In the video, the Vikings are depicted as the main antagonists who invade Britain, seeking land and resources, and are a central element of the conflict portrayed.
💡Great Heathen Army
The Great Heathen Army was a coalition of Viking warriors that invaded England in the 9th century. In the video, this army is described as not just raiders but settlers who aim to establish a nation, which is a significant shift from their previous raids for treasure.
💡Danegeld
Danegeld was a tax or tribute paid by the English kingdoms to the Vikings to save themselves from invasion. In the video, King Alfred of Wessex pays Danegeld to King Halfdan of the Great Heathen Army, which is a strategic move to prevent further invasions and buy time.
💡Alfred the Great
Alfred the Great was the King of Wessex from 871 to 899, who is renowned for his defense against Viking invasions and his efforts to unify and strengthen England. In the video, Alfred is depicted as a young and strategic king who manages to outmaneuver the Vikings and secure his kingdom.
💡Fyrd
The fyrd was a militia or an army composed of local landowners and their followers in Anglo-Saxon England. In the video, Alfred's Wessex military is based on the fyrd system, which is described as a weakness due to its slow response and desertion during long sieges.
💡Guthrum
Guthrum was a historical Viking leader who later became a king in East Anglia after converting to Christianity. In the video, Guthrum is portrayed as a cunning adversary of Alfred, who breaks treaties and conducts surprise attacks to gain power.
💡Mercia
Mercia was one of the kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England. In the video, Guthrum retreats to Mercia after his initial defeat by Alfred, where he settles down and reforms, indicating a shift in his character and strategy.
💡Danelaw
The Danelaw refers to the parts of England under Danish law and control, established after the Viking invasions. In the video, the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum establishes the Danelaw, marking a political boundary and a significant historical event.
💡Chippenham
Chippenham is a location in England where Alfred the Great is said to have sought refuge during his struggle against the Vikings. In the video, it is the site of Guthrum's surprise attack and a pivotal point in the conflict.
💡Edington
Edington is the site of the Battle of Edington, a decisive victory for Alfred the Great against the Vikings. In the video, the battle is depicted as a turning point where Alfred's forces defeat Guthrum's army, leading to a lasting peace.
💡Æthelstan
Æthelstan is the Christian name given to Guthrum after his conversion to Christianity. In the video, Alfred acts as his godfather during the baptism, symbolizing a change in Guthrum's allegiance and the establishment of a new relationship between the two leaders.
Highlights

In 865, the Viking Great Heathen Army arrived in East Anglia seeking to establish a nation, not just raid for treasure.

The Vikings were driven from Scandinavia due to crop failures and political instability.

Over 10 years, the Great Army overthrew two of the four Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and weakened a third.

Wessex, led by King Alfred, was the only remaining Anglo-Saxon kingdom standing against the Vikings.

King Halfdan chose to settle around York, while Guthrum sought his own kingdom and observed King Alfred's vulnerable position.

Alfred's military was based on a fyrd system, consisting of peasant militias that were slow to mobilize.

Guthrum's skilled scouts found a way into Wessex, leading to the surprise sack of Wareham.

Alfred raised the fyrd and besieged Wareham, leading to a stalemate that lasted nearly a year.

Guthrum negotiated with Alfred, accepting a Danegeld to leave Wessex, but later broke his vow.

Guthrum's betrayal included slaughtering hostages and seizing Exeter, gaining a new fortress and provisions.

Alfred's reputation suffered, leading him to gather the court at Chippenham to renew oaths.

Guthrum launched a surprise attack on the Court of Wessex during their Christmas celebration.

Alfred managed to escape to the Somerset marshes, where he continued to resist and rally support.

Guthrum struggled to secure Wessex due to uprisings and attacks from Anglo-Saxon gangs.

A small force of elderly and untrained peasants defeated a Viking reinforcement at Devon, killing 800 Danes.

Alfred's forces decisively defeated Guthrum's army at the Battle of Edington.

Guthrum agreed to Alfred's terms, which included leaving Wessex, accepting Christian baptism, and becoming a friend of Wessex.

Guthrum took the Christian name Æthelstan and ruled East Anglia, keeping the peace treaty with Wessex.

The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum established the Danelaw, a region where Danish laws prevailed.

Guthrum's rule, though short-lived, had a lasting impact on the history of England.

The video is sponsored by Thrones of Britannia, a strategy game that allows players to rewrite history.

Transcripts

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Viking RaidsHistorical GameStrategy SagaAnglo-Saxon KingdomsKing AlfredDanegeldViking TacticsBritain HistoryThrones of BritanniaStrategy Gaming