Aethelred the Unready (Penguin Monarchs): The Failed King

Aethelred II the Unraed, the Ill-Advised, was a ruler who struggled to stop the Viking raiders, and his reign is known for its heroic defeat in the poem The Battle of Maldon.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2018
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

In his captivating new book within the esteemed Penguin Monarchs series, Richard Abels delves into the protracted and tumultuous reign of Aethelred II the Unraed, known as the Ill-Advised. It is emblematic of Aethelred's reign that its most enduring literary masterpiece, the poem "The Battle of Maldon," serves as a poignant testament to a heroic defeat. While it may be true that no ruler could have halted the relentless onslaught of Viking raiders, Aethelred will forever be linked to this unfortunate outcome.

The Viking invasions posed a significant threat to the stability and security of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms during the ninth century. Aethelred, the third king of the Anglo-Saxon dynasty, faced numerous challenges during his reign. The first and most significant challenge was the arrival of the Vikings in 547 AD. Led by the Danish king Harald Bluetooth, the Vikings embarked on a series of raids and conquests that threatened the very existence of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

Aethelred's response to the Viking invasions was initially hesitant and ineffective. He failed to muster a strong enough army to repel the Viking raids and instead resorted to diplomacy and negotiations. This strategy, however, proved unsuccessful, as the Vikings were determined to expand their territory and establish their dominance over the Anglo-Saxons.

As the Viking raids continued, Aethelred's reign became increasingly unstable. He was unable to maintain a cohesive government, and his advisors were often divided and conflicted. This led to a series of political and military failures, which further weakened the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

One of the most significant failures of Aethelred's reign was his inability to stem the encroachment of the Viking raiders. Despite his best efforts, the Vikings continued to launch raids and conquests, expanding their territory and establishing their dominance over the Anglo-Saxons. This led to the loss of many towns and villages, the displacement of thousands of people, and the destruction of the Anglo-Saxon economy.

In addition to his failures in dealing with the Viking invasions, Aethelred was also criticized for his personal behavior and character. He was known for his promiscuity and his weakness, which made him vulnerable to the influence of his advisors and enemies. This led to a series of political intrigues and power struggles, which further weakened the stability of the kingdom.

Despite these challenges, Aethelred's reign was not without its moments of glory. He was a skilled diplomat and negotiator, and he was able to secure alliances with other kingdoms and empires to protect the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms from further Viking invasions. He also commissioned the construction of many important buildings and monuments, including the famous Tower of London.

However, Aethelred's reign ultimately ended in failure. He was deposed by his son, Edward the Confessor, in 1066 AD, and the Viking invasions continued to threaten the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms until the Norman Conquest in 1066 AD.

In conclusion, Aethelred II the Unraed's reign was a tumultuous and troubled period in English history. His failures to deal with the Viking invasions, his personal behavior, and his political intrigues all contributed to the weakening of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. While he was not without his moments of glory, his reign ultimately ended in failure, and his legacy is often overshadowed by the achievements of his successors.

Weight: 206g
Dimension: 184 x 137 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780141979496