The Rest Is History 250. Alfred the Great: Fury of the Vikings (Part 1)
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Nov 7, 2022 Delve into the tumultuous times of King Alfred the Great as he faces off against fierce Viking invasions. Discover his dual identity as a valiant warrior and a lover of poetry. Experience his daring escape during a Christmas ambush and see how he shaped the early concept of English identity. The podcast uncovers the complex interactions between the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons, revealing unexpected nuances in Viking culture. It's a gripping tale of battle, strategy, and the pursuit of unity amidst chaos.
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Tom Holland's Childhood Reverence for Alfred
- Tom Holland loved King Alfred growing up near Wilton, a historical center for Wessex women.
- He felt immense pride in Alfred and considered him his king.
Englishness as a Reaction to Vikings
- The fight against the Vikings was a pivotal moment in creating England and Englishness.
- Englishness is a reaction to the Viking invasions from Denmark, Norway, etc.
Alfred's Rally at Egbert's Stone
- After Alfred's famous cake-burning incident, he rallied the West Saxons at Egbert's Stone.
- This led to the pivotal Battle of Eddington against the Vikings.
