Then went forth the proud Thanes

Our game at the Society of Ancients Maldon Battle Day opened with Richard Speedman’s combat of champions on the causeway.

On the Viking side (facing) Halfdan (centre) seems to be despairing of his chances but (no doubt aided by his handy horned helmet) Sven is looking pretty satisfied with himself. On the Saxon side Aelfere (standing) looks ready to send the pagans packing. The causeway fight ends with Sven (Dane) killing Maccus early on. Later Wulfstan (Saxon) kills Halfdan. Although the combat is fairly evenly matched the Vikings are able to claim a slim victory.

Wanting to defeat the Vikings in battle, Byrhtnoth lets them cross the causeway and deploys his men to meet them. The Vikings surge forward to attack.

Aelfwin’s Saxon contingent is deployed beyond the Viking right flank. This gives the Saxons a chance to take the enemy in the flank. Aelfwin has a priest with him. His devout prayers save the Saxons from some unpleasantries but he can do nothing to counter the effects of a hard night’s drinking when the Jack of Spades is drawn from the ‘god pack’.

As the lines close some Berserkers rush forward from Offa's Viking contingent to cause havoc amongst the Saxons facing them.

Then the two sides close into close combat with Aelfwin’s contingent not yet committed.

The brutal combat that follows sees success and failure on both sides. In many cases the opposing combatants both fall back for a breather before getting stuck in again. But the Vikings are beginning to get the upper hand.

In the midst of the furious fighting, champions on both sides seek each other to fight

personal combat on behalf of their leaders. In most cases honour is satisfied without a kill but Byrhtnoth’s champion is severely wounded causing his men to loose confidence.

Hoping to turn the tide some of Aelfwin’s men surge forward to hit the Viking right flank. Unfortunately for the Saxons their attack falters and the Vikings press forward against Byrhtnoth’s men.

The Saxon centre begins to crumble. First one unit breaks and then another. When Byrhtnoth’s retinue is driven back, word spreads that Byrhtnoth is seen to mount his horse and flee the field. The Saxons loose heart and begin to seek safety. Some say that it was not Byrhtnoth who fled but rather Godric who took Byrhtnoth’s horse and that Byrhtnoth died fighting bravely.

The battle was played using Shieldwall Rules which are available from my website here.

The full scenario with orders of battle may be freely downloaded here.