The Battle of Maldon is a fragment of an Old English poem from the late 10th century, recounting the 991 battle where Anglo-Saxons fought Vikings. Only 325 lines survive due to fire damage, and it is known for its heroic tone and warrior values similar to Beowulf.
The Battle of Maldon is an Old English poem celebrating the real Battle of Maldon in 991, where an Anglo-Saxon army failed to repel a Viking raid. Only 325 lines survive because the beginning and end were lost due to a fire in 1731. The poem describes the Vikings demanding tribute, which the Saxon leader rejected, leading to a battle delayed by the tide. Its heroic and archaic character, along with its warrior values, are reminiscent of Beowulf and Germanic epics.
| Front | the battle of Maldon |
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| Back | a fragment of a poem in old English composed at the end of 10th the beginning and the ending are lost because of fire in 1731 325 lines survived battle took place in 991 also described in Anglo Saxon chronicle the poem tells how Vikings landed near Maldon in Essex and demanded tribute, this was rejected by Saxon leader the ensuing battle was delayed by the tide the work is heroic and archaic in character its representation of values and the type of warriors recalls Beowolf and the Germanic epics The Battle of Maldon" is the name given to an Old English poem of uncertain date celebrating the real Battle of Maldon of 991, at which an Anglo-Saxon army failed to repulse a Viking raid. Only 325 lines of the poem are extant; both the beginning and the ending are lost. |
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