The Battle of Malden

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The Battle of Malden is a poem describing a Danish incursion into Essex from the perspective of the Anglo-Saxon force attempting to defeat it.

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In order to bring them to battle, the Ealdorman of Essex allows the invaders to cross the causeway linking Northey Island with the mainland, however this is a miscalculation he is (according to translation) too proud, too confident, too rash, too great hearted. I leave readers to consider the text and commentaries. He falls. His followers stand and fight to the end and their heroic spirit - courage and virtue defiant in defeat is proclaimed:-

"Heart shall be higher, spirit the keener, mood the more as our strength fails"

The leader of this battle was Byrhtnoth who was wounded by a spear. King Ethelred was ruling at this time but not present at this battle.

In the beginning of the poem, the Viking messenger proposes that the Saxons pay up in money and wealth.

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