The Ravens Wheeled

Now was riot raised, the ravens wheeled

The eagle, eager for carrion, there was a cry on earth

Then loosed they from their hands the file-hard lance

The sharp-ground spears to fly

Bows were busied - buckler met point

Bitter was the battle-rush, warriors fell

On either hand, the young men lay!

And so the poet described the Battle of Maldon

All seems quiet in the Saxon camp but the blacksmiths are working hard to provide additional weapons to equip Byrhtnoth’s warriors to defend hearth and home.

Having crossed the causeway at low tide from Northey Island, the Vikings plan to attack in echelon with Svein’s contingent leading from their left.

Svein leads his retinue in a ferocious attack against Godric’s inexperienced levy holding the Saxon right. Against all the odds Godric’s men hold firm.

As more men are fed into the fight a Saxon champion emerges to challenge Svein to personal combat. Both are wounded but in the fighting that ensues Svein is killed and his men begin to loose heart as the Saxon levies continue to hold the Viking onslaught.

Then Olaf Tryggvason surges forward crashing into an isolated band of Saxons.

Olaf’s men break through the Saxon centre as Byrhtnoth brings his men up to plug the gap

Offa on the Viking right has not yet engaged. He now leads his men forward to exploit Olaf’s success. His attack falters as he is outnumbered by the combined forces of Byrhtnoth and Aelfwin. Some of Aelfwin’s levy are able to attack his exposed flank. Offa is able to hold his ground driving off some of the Saxons although many of his men have to give ground.

On the other flank Godric’s Saxons are becoming worn down and nearly at breaking point. Godric’s retinue, however, breaks one of the Viking bands and sends them fleeing back to the causeway and the safety of their ships.

It was a hard fought battle. The Saxons lost more men but the Vikings had no choice other than to  retire to their ships and demand pots of silver from the Saxons to encourage them to leave. Both sides would proclaim victory. The hero of the day was without a doubt Godric. Not only did he hold his ground with inexperienced levies against some of the best Viking warriors, he killed Svein and routed one of his units. The poets are already composing their verses to sing his praise.

The rules used were Shieldwall which I indend to use for the Society of Ancients Maldon Battle Day March 2025. Still a work in progress they can be downloaded from my website here.