The battle of Malden

A remarkable and deeply moving poem describing a Danish incursion into Essex from the perspective of the Anglo-Saxon force attempting to defeat it.

In order to bring them to battle, the Ealdorman of Essex allows the invaders to cross the causeway linking Northey Island with the mainland, however this is a miscalculation he is (according to translation) too proud, too confident, too rash, too great hearted. I leave readers to consider the text and commentaries. He falls. His followers stand and fight to the end and their heroic spirit - courage and virtue defiant in defeat is proclaimed:-

"Heart shall be higher, spirit the keener, mood the more as our strength fails"