Aelfwald: A Prince with Ambition
Aelfwald (sometimes spelled Ælfwald) was a figure within the royal family of Wessex in the late 9th century. His exact lineage is not always clear, but it is believed that he was a son of King Ælfred the Great’s brother, King Æthelred I, who was one of the rulers of Wessex during the Viking invasions. Æthelred I, who ruled from 865 to 871, died in battle against the Danes, and his death left the kingdom vulnerable. After his passing, his son, Aelfwald, was among the potential claimants to the throne, as the political turmoil of the time allowed for multiple contenders for power.
Aelfwald’s role in history is often overshadowed by the dominant reigns of his contemporaries, including Æthelstan and his own brother, Ælfred the Great. Aelfwald was not able to secure the throne for himself and is often seen as a lesser figure in the wider context of Wessex’s leadership.
Æthelstan: The First King of England
Æthelstan, on the other hand, was a pivotal figure in English history. He was the first King of all England, having united the various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in the early 10th century. Æthelstan was born to King Edward the Elder, the son of Ælfred the Great, and he inherited the throne of Wessex after the death of his father in 924. His reign, which lasted until 939, marked a period of consolidation and expansion. Æthelstan’s military successes against the Vikings and other rival kingdoms of the British Isles, his establishment of a centralized government, and his establishment of a stable rule are some of his lasting legacies.
Æthelstan’s reign is also notable for the introduction of coins, the promotion of legal reforms, and his close relationship with the Church. He managed to secure his position through both military prowess and diplomacy, establishing Wessex as the dominant power in England. shutdown123