The Battle of Maldon

The battle of Maldon was a true historic event which took place in the year 991. From the entry in The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle it is impossible to ascertain the events that occurred during the battle nor anything of the nature of the people involved. It is a simple, superficial, historical account which reveals very little. In Medieval English Literature Trapp, Gray and Boffey state “The annalists’ bare words give the dismal facts, but nothing about the battle itself and next to nothing about the English leader…“ The anonymous poem The Battle of Maldon reveals much more. It gives an insight into the culture, people and literary traditions of the era. One of the most fascinating aspects of the poem is that which it reveals about the Anglo-Saxon culture. By demonstrating the heroic deeds and loyalty of Byrhtnoth and his men it conveys the hierarchical, warrior culture known as the ‘heroic ethic’. T. B. Montague states “…the poet dramatizes the battle in a way that emphasizes the moral aspects of heroic action.” The heroic code revolves around the relationship between lord and retainer. It is a relationship based on mutual respect, loyalty and generosity. In exchange for gifts (horses, rings and weapons etc.), success in battle and hospitality, the retainer rewarded his lord with loyalty and bravery on the battlefield. The Battle of Maldon is a vivid account of this relationships- “Eadric too was firmly resolved to follow his leader into the fight…he kept his word / that he would pierce and parry before his prince.” Another understanding between lord and retainer was that the lord would lead his men by example on the battlefield and demonstrate bravery- “…Byrhtnoth spurred them on/…Then the brave warrior raised his spear,/ gripped his shield and stepped towards a seafarer;” The social standing of a retainer depended on his courage. He was expected to stand and fight to the death. If his lord was slain he had to continue fighting to avenge his lord’s death- “And now