King Alfred The Great Research Paper
Alfred the Great A legend and a hero to his people, King Alfred the Great was known to be one of the best rulers of all time. During the duration of about 50 years, Kind Alfred managed to reopen a new era in Anglo-Saxon literature. Alfred attained the "Great" in his name because of the leadership he possessed. He was the man who led his men to victory during harsh times against the Danes. Alfred was a man of great potential, knowledge, and skill who worked his way up to the top. He was a king who set out to change his present kingdom and bring back the old values that his forefathers had. From the four elder sons, Alfred would prove to be the educated one. He made peace in a time of war injustice, and he made education in a time of
…show more content…
impoverishment. Alfred the Greate's childhood and boyhood, his battles and victories, and his literary work had impacted Anglo-Saxon life and literature for many decades to come. Life in England was not the same before Alfred came into power. During the first four centuries, there was a line drawn in between the Roman province of Britain and barbarous, which was located in the north walls of Hadrian and Antoninus. Many groups were forming into Kingdoms and war bands forming tribal kingdoms. Many larger kingdoms were separating into smaller groups of tribes and communities. On the other hand, many tribal kingdoms in Britain were suffering greatly in trying to keep from
Nadzharyan, 2 corruption. The invading of the Germans also had an effect in specific parts of Britain. The result of all this chaos led to insecurely organized federations, under the power of kings, which used their authority to their benefit and not the benefit of the people.
In past chronicles of Asser, there is description of Alfred's birth in which Asser illustrates successfully. This passage has created a reputation in the English literature world because of its importance and value.
"In the year of our Lord's Incarnation 849, Alfred,
Kind of the Anglo-Saxons, was born in the royal "vill"
[villa regia] called Wanating, in the district named
Berrocsire [Berkshire], which district is so called from
The Berroc wood, where the box-tree grows most
Abundantly."
-Lees (59).
Born as the fourth son in the family, Alfred was born into the family in the year of 849 in the town of Wantage, Berkshire. The names of Alfred's siblings were Ethelbald, Ethelbert, Ethelred, and an only daughter whose name was Ethelswith. At the time, Alfred's father Ethelwulf was the ruler of the West Saxons and married to his wife Osburh. Alfred grew up in a town of huge value and large estates. With the exception of Alfred, all of the other children received their names from the prefix Ethel, which originated from the father. This prefix was found all throughout England and meant one who is noble. The two songs Ethelbald and Ethelred obtained their names from the
Nadzharyan, 3
Mercian Kings. Ethelbert got his name from the first Christian king of Kent. Although the Alf root in Alfred was not similar to that of the rest of the family, it had other significance to it. The root Alf stood for the "forces of nature and the spirits of the earth and air" (Lees, 96). According to a biographer named Asser, Alfred was known to be his parents' most favorite child. He not only outshined his brothers in his good looks and form, but he also demonstrated an exuberant amount of speech and behavior. Alfred had a heart of so much spirit and joy that no other human being can be compared to. Unlike the rest of the children of his age, Alfred was a very considerate and sensitive young man. He was curious about anything and had an exceptionally strong interest in learning more. As a child, Alfred illustrated interest in reading poems. His mother gave a book of Saxon poems to Alfred in which Alfred memorized all the lines and repeated the poems back to his mother. From then on, Alfred had a love and devotion to poems written from earlier times about his culture. At home, Alfred had been "surrounded, at least in his very early childhood, by the influences of a cultivated home, where he learnt to know and prize books, to take pleasure in artistic kill, and to value the national treasure of folk-song" (Lees,119). Alfred had an affection for English literature; to preserve the poetry and songs and have them taught to his children. He lived in a home where his grandfather had an education from the courts of Offa of Mercia and his father, who kept in touch with scholars. On a trip to Rome at the age of five, Alfred was informed by Pope Leo IV that he would become king in 853. This however, would not happen anytime soon considering that Alfred's two older brothers Ethelbald and Ethelbert would rule before him.
Nadzharyan, 4
In the year of 866, Alfred's life begins to shine when he sets on a journey to protect England from the Danes from the accession of Alfred's third brother, Ethelred. From this position, Alfred had a responsibility to help govern the under-kingdom. To Alfred, Ethelred was the one brother that he loved more than the rest. In the year of 868, at the age of 20, Alfred married Ealswith, the daughter of Aethelred. For the duration of many years, Ealswith and Alfred would bear six children. Their names were Aethelflaed, Edward, Aethelgifu, Aelfthryth, and Aethelweard. In the same year of Alfred's marriage, there was a disastrous effort to help relieve Mercia from the pressure of the Danes. The death of Alfred's two older brothers Ethelbald and Ethelbert took a huge burden on Alfred and Ethelred. Although the death of the two brothers weakened Alfred, it also helped to create a stronger relationship between Ethelred and Alfred. The death of Alfred's mother and then father also made Alfred and Ethelred recognize their love for one another in a different way. In the next couple of years, Alfred and Ethelred fought many battle together including: a successful victory at Englefiled, Berkshire, a defeat at Reading, and only four days after the defeat at Berkshire, took control of Ashdown, which is located in Shrivenham Hundred. In April 15th of 871 during Easter, Alfred's heart was broken when his only brother Ethelred died. The cause of Ethelred's death is unknown, but sources say he died of anxiety and labor. After the ceremonial events that took place due to the death of Ethelred, Alfred came to the throne of The West-Saxons. There had been peace made between the Danes and English for the next five years. Alfred observed the borders and protect them to forbid the Danes crossing them. But under a the latest leader, Guthrum,
Nadzharyan, 5 the Danes eventually crossed the border and seized Wareham. After a few months, Alfred created a blockade in which the Danes could not escape from. The later withdrew their weapons and surrendered to Mercia. This finally would give peace to the people for a long time. Following these battles, Alfred needed a way to protect his people. To protect his kingdom from any invaders that might try to attack, Alfred built a series of fortifications or munitions all around the kingdom. This would protect and secure the kingdom from outside strangers. Alfred not only protected his people on land, but he also built a whole fleet of ships to enhance and expand his other defenses. As the Danish invaders fled, Alfred took this valuable time to build ships. He made his own designs, which were not similar to that of other ships. With these ships, Alfred would have his men keeping watch over the coasts of Wessex. Strengthening and expanding his Navy, Alfred was given the nickname, "Father of the English Navy." He set a standard to outwit all of his competitors and enemies. Alfred did not let any rival to suspect King Alfred of any weakness. He made sure that his people were under full protection of King. The only way that Alfred could lead a joyful and pleased life was to see his people blossom and succeed.
After many years of battles and fighting, Alfred had finally gained a victory in which proved to be his biggest victory.
For the next couple of years, Alfred set out to restore and solve the various problems that evolved when the Danish fought wars in the country. Many churches, monasteries, and culture had been forgotten and demolished in England. Alfred wanted to be the perfect king for his people and at the same time teach
Nadzhryan, 6 them what had been forgotten. Ina quote, Alfred describes his goals for the future of his people and how he will not be overlooked.
"I desired tools and materials [he said, expanding the original text] to carry on the work which I was set to do, which was that I should virtuously and fittingly steer and direct (steoran and reccan) the authority committed unto me it has ever been my will to live worthily while I lived, and after my death to leave to them that should come after me my memory in good works." -Lees …show more content…
(135).
In this passage, Alfred points out to his people that the reason for his birth was to organize and create a civilized kingdom. Alfred set out to do what no man could have done in their lifetime. Alfred believed that god would guide him and show him the way to becoming a great ruler of mankind. Understanding the philosophy of law and government was very important to Alfred. Just like the tasks of many other kings, Alfred made up a legal code to protect his people's way of life. In this passage, Alfred states how he came about to writing these codes. "I collected these together and ordered to be written many of which I did not like I rejected with the advice of my councilors For I dared not presume to set in writing at all many of my own, because it was unknown to me what would please those
Nadzharyan, 7 who should come after us Then I showed those to all my councilors, and they then said that they were pleased observe them" (Lees, 145). He believes that law was "the principle of good, the will of God, which was essential righteousness" (Lees,144).
Through his literary knowledge, Alfred translated many works of law into the selected wording in which his people could understand and follow. Alfred's four great translations would soon be: the Pastoral Care, the Orosius, The Bede, and the Boethius. " his works fall naturally into two groups, the one practical, the other more speculative in character. Law, history, and pastoral theology may well have occupied the laborious days of educational and administrative organization, while the study of philosophy, the "heavenborn Wisdom," of Boethius and St. Augustine, " (Lees, 155). Alfred took the language of Latin and translated the language into Anglo-Saxon books. In the process, Alfred makes a transition from biblical and historical sections of his Code to the English law that the Anglo-Saxons understood and followed. Alfred used a lot of the commandments of Moses and illustrated the same meaning into his own literature. To complete this time-taking task, Alfred had the help of his scribes to take care of any needs. One might ask, why would Alfred go through all the trouble and translate the law back from the past into present days? The most important obsession that Alfred had, was not to forget the old customs of his forefathers. He made an oath to himself not to forget his culture and their way of life that lived generations before him. Literature had become an addiction to
Alfred from the time when he was a young boy. It had become the root to his ruling. Nadzharyan, 8
After the all the battles had been fought, Alfred had an important phrase that he told all of his people. "Most needful for men to know, and to bring it to pass if we have the peace, that all the youth now in England may be devoted to learning" (Lees, 175). Alfred wanted to use every hour of every day and devote this time to learning. Throughout his lifetime, Alfred translated many books from Latin to Anglo-Saxon in order to educate his people about literature. The books translated included history, philosophy, handbook for bishops, which were sent throughout England to all of the bishops. To celebrate himself what he had done during his reign, King Alfred became a supporter of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. This chronicle was to have copies of over 1150 writings. From the Chronicle, the laws would be preserved in the best way possible. It would be formed to educate and train the people of the Christian state. It would become a piece of history and story of who Alfred the Great was and what he did for his people. Many translations of Alfred have come to be very useful through the years in the middle ages. One particular and interesting translation that Alfred worked on was The Consolation of Philosophy of Boethius. This handbook was one of the admired works of the middle ages. In this piece of work, Alfred deals with the original and adds in some of his genius talents. He wrote the piece of literature so that it can be recognized as a piece of marvel, not just another literary work. After these work, Alfred continued to do other works in which he illustrates his talents in translating from Latin to Anglo-Saxon. Before and after Alfred's death, many monuments and statues have been made to commemorate him as a leader and scholar. In the center of the royal city of Winchester,
Nadzharyan, 9 there is a tall stone statue of King Alfred, which was carved by Hamo Thornycroft. Another piece of structure that was built for Alfred was a Tower built by Henry Hoare. The tower was built on the site of battle with the Danish invaders. One very particular and important piece of object was the Alfred Jewel. This piece of object is about 2-1/2" long and is made of gold. Inside, there is a plaque of Christ with a rock crystal covering the jewel. On the jewel it was inscribed, "AELFRED MEC HEHT GEWYRCAN." This phrase in nowadays English term means "Alfred had me made." This jewel illustrated a symbol of office or it may also have been used while reading a book. Only one of this Jewel was made and it was found in the year of 1693, approximately four miles from where Alfred lived. Alfred's grave was centered on an island of Athelney, where he lived and died. A tall monument stands inside the fenced area to illustrate the strength and power he had. The chronicle told most of Alfred's life and his accomplishments. Though his death is not certain, King Alfred died October 26, 899, he died at the age of 50. About 31 years of that life were spent ruling as King of Wessex. The prologue in the chronicle ends with the people of England giving an appreciation on how Alfred taught his people to be successful in life. In parenthesis underneath each line is a translation to nowadays English.
"Alfred he was in Englelonde a king,
(Alfred was in England King,)
Wel swathe strong and lufsum thing;
(A very strong and lovesome thing;)
He was king and clerc,
(He was king and clerk,)
Nadzharyan, 10
Ful wel he lovede Godis werc;
(Full well he loved God's work;)
He was wis on his word,
(He was wise in his word,)
And war on his werke;
(And wary in his work;)
He was the wisiste mon
(He was the wisest man)
That was in Englelonde on.
(That was in England.)"
- (Lees, 446)
From the early years of childhood, Alfred's love for literature was illustrated when he remembering than repeating the poem to his mother by heart. His restless curiosity to learn more about his forefathers would never stop. Alfred's thirst of knowledge in his boyhood, his desire to defeat the Danes and become king in his maturity, and talents in his literary work have all come to show Alfred the Great as true legend and survivor. Work that takes many kings and centuries to accomplish, took Alfred only one lifetime to achieve. A true ruler must have courage, faith, talent, energy, and most important love for one's country. Alfred had all these characteristics and more than what was required of him. To complete life, Alfred set out to please his people and never failed to do so.
impoverishment. Alfred the Greate's childhood and boyhood, his battles and victories, and his literary work had impacted Anglo-Saxon life and literature for many decades to come. Life in England was not the same before Alfred came into power. During the first four centuries, there was a line drawn in between the Roman province of Britain and barbarous, which was located in the north walls of Hadrian and Antoninus. Many groups were forming into Kingdoms and war bands forming tribal kingdoms. Many larger kingdoms were separating into smaller groups of tribes and communities. On the other hand, many tribal kingdoms in Britain were suffering greatly in trying to keep from
Nadzharyan, 2 corruption. The invading of the Germans also had an effect in specific parts of Britain. The result of all this chaos led to insecurely organized federations, under the power of kings, which used their authority to their benefit and not the benefit of the people.
In past chronicles of Asser, there is description of Alfred's birth in which Asser illustrates successfully. This passage has created a reputation in the English literature world because of its importance and value.
"In the year of our Lord's Incarnation 849, Alfred,
Kind of the Anglo-Saxons, was born in the royal "vill"
[villa regia] called Wanating, in the district named
Berrocsire [Berkshire], which district is so called from
The Berroc wood, where the box-tree grows most
Abundantly."
-Lees (59).
Born as the fourth son in the family, Alfred was born into the family in the year of 849 in the town of Wantage, Berkshire. The names of Alfred's siblings were Ethelbald, Ethelbert, Ethelred, and an only daughter whose name was Ethelswith. At the time, Alfred's father Ethelwulf was the ruler of the West Saxons and married to his wife Osburh. Alfred grew up in a town of huge value and large estates. With the exception of Alfred, all of the other children received their names from the prefix Ethel, which originated from the father. This prefix was found all throughout England and meant one who is noble. The two songs Ethelbald and Ethelred obtained their names from the
Nadzharyan, 3
Mercian Kings. Ethelbert got his name from the first Christian king of Kent. Although the Alf root in Alfred was not similar to that of the rest of the family, it had other significance to it. The root Alf stood for the "forces of nature and the spirits of the earth and air" (Lees, 96). According to a biographer named Asser, Alfred was known to be his parents' most favorite child. He not only outshined his brothers in his good looks and form, but he also demonstrated an exuberant amount of speech and behavior. Alfred had a heart of so much spirit and joy that no other human being can be compared to. Unlike the rest of the children of his age, Alfred was a very considerate and sensitive young man. He was curious about anything and had an exceptionally strong interest in learning more. As a child, Alfred illustrated interest in reading poems. His mother gave a book of Saxon poems to Alfred in which Alfred memorized all the lines and repeated the poems back to his mother. From then on, Alfred had a love and devotion to poems written from earlier times about his culture. At home, Alfred had been "surrounded, at least in his very early childhood, by the influences of a cultivated home, where he learnt to know and prize books, to take pleasure in artistic kill, and to value the national treasure of folk-song" (Lees,119). Alfred had an affection for English literature; to preserve the poetry and songs and have them taught to his children. He lived in a home where his grandfather had an education from the courts of Offa of Mercia and his father, who kept in touch with scholars. On a trip to Rome at the age of five, Alfred was informed by Pope Leo IV that he would become king in 853. This however, would not happen anytime soon considering that Alfred's two older brothers Ethelbald and Ethelbert would rule before him.
Nadzharyan, 4
In the year of 866, Alfred's life begins to shine when he sets on a journey to protect England from the Danes from the accession of Alfred's third brother, Ethelred. From this position, Alfred had a responsibility to help govern the under-kingdom. To Alfred, Ethelred was the one brother that he loved more than the rest. In the year of 868, at the age of 20, Alfred married Ealswith, the daughter of Aethelred. For the duration of many years, Ealswith and Alfred would bear six children. Their names were Aethelflaed, Edward, Aethelgifu, Aelfthryth, and Aethelweard. In the same year of Alfred's marriage, there was a disastrous effort to help relieve Mercia from the pressure of the Danes. The death of Alfred's two older brothers Ethelbald and Ethelbert took a huge burden on Alfred and Ethelred. Although the death of the two brothers weakened Alfred, it also helped to create a stronger relationship between Ethelred and Alfred. The death of Alfred's mother and then father also made Alfred and Ethelred recognize their love for one another in a different way. In the next couple of years, Alfred and Ethelred fought many battle together including: a successful victory at Englefiled, Berkshire, a defeat at Reading, and only four days after the defeat at Berkshire, took control of Ashdown, which is located in Shrivenham Hundred. In April 15th of 871 during Easter, Alfred's heart was broken when his only brother Ethelred died. The cause of Ethelred's death is unknown, but sources say he died of anxiety and labor. After the ceremonial events that took place due to the death of Ethelred, Alfred came to the throne of The West-Saxons. There had been peace made between the Danes and English for the next five years. Alfred observed the borders and protect them to forbid the Danes crossing them. But under a the latest leader, Guthrum,
Nadzharyan, 5 the Danes eventually crossed the border and seized Wareham. After a few months, Alfred created a blockade in which the Danes could not escape from. The later withdrew their weapons and surrendered to Mercia. This finally would give peace to the people for a long time. Following these battles, Alfred needed a way to protect his people. To protect his kingdom from any invaders that might try to attack, Alfred built a series of fortifications or munitions all around the kingdom. This would protect and secure the kingdom from outside strangers. Alfred not only protected his people on land, but he also built a whole fleet of ships to enhance and expand his other defenses. As the Danish invaders fled, Alfred took this valuable time to build ships. He made his own designs, which were not similar to that of other ships. With these ships, Alfred would have his men keeping watch over the coasts of Wessex. Strengthening and expanding his Navy, Alfred was given the nickname, "Father of the English Navy." He set a standard to outwit all of his competitors and enemies. Alfred did not let any rival to suspect King Alfred of any weakness. He made sure that his people were under full protection of King. The only way that Alfred could lead a joyful and pleased life was to see his people blossom and succeed.
After many years of battles and fighting, Alfred had finally gained a victory in which proved to be his biggest victory.
For the next couple of years, Alfred set out to restore and solve the various problems that evolved when the Danish fought wars in the country. Many churches, monasteries, and culture had been forgotten and demolished in England. Alfred wanted to be the perfect king for his people and at the same time teach
Nadzhryan, 6 them what had been forgotten. Ina quote, Alfred describes his goals for the future of his people and how he will not be overlooked.
"I desired tools and materials [he said, expanding the original text] to carry on the work which I was set to do, which was that I should virtuously and fittingly steer and direct (steoran and reccan) the authority committed unto me it has ever been my will to live worthily while I lived, and after my death to leave to them that should come after me my memory in good works." -Lees …show more content…
(135).
In this passage, Alfred points out to his people that the reason for his birth was to organize and create a civilized kingdom. Alfred set out to do what no man could have done in their lifetime. Alfred believed that god would guide him and show him the way to becoming a great ruler of mankind. Understanding the philosophy of law and government was very important to Alfred. Just like the tasks of many other kings, Alfred made up a legal code to protect his people's way of life. In this passage, Alfred states how he came about to writing these codes. "I collected these together and ordered to be written many of which I did not like I rejected with the advice of my councilors For I dared not presume to set in writing at all many of my own, because it was unknown to me what would please those
Nadzharyan, 7 who should come after us Then I showed those to all my councilors, and they then said that they were pleased observe them" (Lees, 145). He believes that law was "the principle of good, the will of God, which was essential righteousness" (Lees,144).
Through his literary knowledge, Alfred translated many works of law into the selected wording in which his people could understand and follow. Alfred's four great translations would soon be: the Pastoral Care, the Orosius, The Bede, and the Boethius. " his works fall naturally into two groups, the one practical, the other more speculative in character. Law, history, and pastoral theology may well have occupied the laborious days of educational and administrative organization, while the study of philosophy, the "heavenborn Wisdom," of Boethius and St. Augustine, " (Lees, 155). Alfred took the language of Latin and translated the language into Anglo-Saxon books. In the process, Alfred makes a transition from biblical and historical sections of his Code to the English law that the Anglo-Saxons understood and followed. Alfred used a lot of the commandments of Moses and illustrated the same meaning into his own literature. To complete this time-taking task, Alfred had the help of his scribes to take care of any needs. One might ask, why would Alfred go through all the trouble and translate the law back from the past into present days? The most important obsession that Alfred had, was not to forget the old customs of his forefathers. He made an oath to himself not to forget his culture and their way of life that lived generations before him. Literature had become an addiction to
Alfred from the time when he was a young boy. It had become the root to his ruling. Nadzharyan, 8
After the all the battles had been fought, Alfred had an important phrase that he told all of his people. "Most needful for men to know, and to bring it to pass if we have the peace, that all the youth now in England may be devoted to learning" (Lees, 175). Alfred wanted to use every hour of every day and devote this time to learning. Throughout his lifetime, Alfred translated many books from Latin to Anglo-Saxon in order to educate his people about literature. The books translated included history, philosophy, handbook for bishops, which were sent throughout England to all of the bishops. To celebrate himself what he had done during his reign, King Alfred became a supporter of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. This chronicle was to have copies of over 1150 writings. From the Chronicle, the laws would be preserved in the best way possible. It would be formed to educate and train the people of the Christian state. It would become a piece of history and story of who Alfred the Great was and what he did for his people. Many translations of Alfred have come to be very useful through the years in the middle ages. One particular and interesting translation that Alfred worked on was The Consolation of Philosophy of Boethius. This handbook was one of the admired works of the middle ages. In this piece of work, Alfred deals with the original and adds in some of his genius talents. He wrote the piece of literature so that it can be recognized as a piece of marvel, not just another literary work. After these work, Alfred continued to do other works in which he illustrates his talents in translating from Latin to Anglo-Saxon. Before and after Alfred's death, many monuments and statues have been made to commemorate him as a leader and scholar. In the center of the royal city of Winchester,
Nadzharyan, 9 there is a tall stone statue of King Alfred, which was carved by Hamo Thornycroft. Another piece of structure that was built for Alfred was a Tower built by Henry Hoare. The tower was built on the site of battle with the Danish invaders. One very particular and important piece of object was the Alfred Jewel. This piece of object is about 2-1/2" long and is made of gold. Inside, there is a plaque of Christ with a rock crystal covering the jewel. On the jewel it was inscribed, "AELFRED MEC HEHT GEWYRCAN." This phrase in nowadays English term means "Alfred had me made." This jewel illustrated a symbol of office or it may also have been used while reading a book. Only one of this Jewel was made and it was found in the year of 1693, approximately four miles from where Alfred lived. Alfred's grave was centered on an island of Athelney, where he lived and died. A tall monument stands inside the fenced area to illustrate the strength and power he had. The chronicle told most of Alfred's life and his accomplishments. Though his death is not certain, King Alfred died October 26, 899, he died at the age of 50. About 31 years of that life were spent ruling as King of Wessex. The prologue in the chronicle ends with the people of England giving an appreciation on how Alfred taught his people to be successful in life. In parenthesis underneath each line is a translation to nowadays English.
"Alfred he was in Englelonde a king,
(Alfred was in England King,)
Wel swathe strong and lufsum thing;
(A very strong and lovesome thing;)
He was king and clerc,
(He was king and clerk,)
Nadzharyan, 10
Ful wel he lovede Godis werc;
(Full well he loved God's work;)
He was wis on his word,
(He was wise in his word,)
And war on his werke;
(And wary in his work;)
He was the wisiste mon
(He was the wisest man)
That was in Englelonde on.
(That was in England.)"
- (Lees, 446)
From the early years of childhood, Alfred's love for literature was illustrated when he remembering than repeating the poem to his mother by heart. His restless curiosity to learn more about his forefathers would never stop. Alfred's thirst of knowledge in his boyhood, his desire to defeat the Danes and become king in his maturity, and talents in his literary work have all come to show Alfred the Great as true legend and survivor. Work that takes many kings and centuries to accomplish, took Alfred only one lifetime to achieve. A true ruler must have courage, faith, talent, energy, and most important love for one's country. Alfred had all these characteristics and more than what was required of him. To complete life, Alfred set out to please his people and never failed to do so.