The History of English Podcast Episode 47: The Man Who Saved English
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Aug 4, 2014 This podcast explores King Alfred's pivotal role in protecting the English language from the Vikings. It covers his early life, struggles against Viking raids, the origin of island names, the evolution of word meanings, the importance of swamps and marshes, Alfred's guerrilla war tactics, and the strategic construction of fortified towns called burrs.
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Alfred's Burning Cakes Tale
- Alfred hid in the marshes of Somerset to resist the Danes after a surprise winter attack.
- A famous story tells of him burning cakes while hiding, showing his humanity and struggle.
Norse Influence on English Words
- The words "burn" and "cake" in English are actually derived from Old Norse Viking influence.
- This shows Norse linguistic impact on English despite Alfred's role in preserving the language.
Atholny: Island of Nobles
- Alfred's hiding place, Atholny, means "island of the nobles" in Old English.
- This explains why Alfred was familiar with it, aiding his evasion of the Danes.
