“The Battle of Maldon” takes place in 991 AC. The Anglo-Saxon society, led by Byrhtnoth, tries to defend Essex from Danish Vikings who pursue possession of new land and gold. This battle is marked by fatal mistakes that the homeland warriors commit, which dooms them and favors the invaders. Despite an original advantage in the battle, the Anglo-Saxons lose because of weak leadership, a smaller resultant army, and mainly due to a serious failure to honor the Anglo-Saxon Heroic Ethos.
First, Byrhtnoth’s expected behavior as a leader is questionable. Originally, the Essex army is winning the battle because of their advantage in the river situation in which only few invaders can advance through the causeway at a time. Rather than seizing this opportunity, Byrhtnoth accepts the proposition to fight equally and allows the entire invading army into their side of the river, wasting the only chance the Essex troops have to win, while dooming the Anglo Saxons. Realizing their disadvantaged position, the Dane chieftain resorts to guile, and easily manages to manipulate the Essex leader, who foolishly accepts the challenge. Overcome by arrogance, Byrhtnoth fails to think of his men first, ignores the danger of his decision, and selfishly pursues personal glory and fame.
Then, the Vikings outnumbered the Anglo Saxon warriors. When Godrich flees riding a horse that previously belongs to Byrhtnoth, many loyal warriors assume that it is their beloved Lord who is escaping; therefore, the kinsmen follow him, diminishing homeland capacity to withhold the invaders. Only those who witness their chieftain fall dead remain in the battle, but they are significantly fewer men than Danes. Furthermore, by leaving his comrades behind in the fight after Byrhtnoth dies, Godrich severely betrays the Anglo Saxon heroic ethos; he disrespects the memory of his fallen Lord, who had given him his own horse and saddle as a symbol of appreciation and fellowship. When he is most needed, Godrich abandons the battle field, instead of staying to help avenge their Lord.
Overall, “The Battle of Maldon” illustrates how the failure to honor the Heroic Ethos at its best causes the Anglo-Saxons to lose their homeland, gold and dignity to the Danes.
War is a fascinating subject. Despite the dubious morality of using violence to achieve personal or political aims. It remains that conflict has been used to do just that throughout recorded history.
ReplyDeleteYour article is very well done, a good read.