Ælfthryth, wife of Edgar facts for kids

Ælfthryth (born around 945, died 1000 or 1001) was a very important queen in early English history. She was one of the wives of King Edgar of England. Ælfthryth was special because she was the first king's wife in England known to have been officially crowned and blessed as Queen.

She was the mother of King Æthelred the Unready. This made her a powerful person in the royal court. Some old stories linked her to the sad death of her stepson, King Edward the Martyr. Because of this, she sometimes appeared in medieval histories as a "bad queen" or an "evil stepmother."

Who Was Queen Ælfthryth?

Ælfthryth was a queen who lived in England a very long time ago, around the 900s. She was known for being a strong figure in the royal family. Her role as queen was very important for the future of England.

Her Family Background

Ælfthryth was the daughter of a powerful man named Ordgar. An Ealdorman was a high-ranking noble, like a governor, in Anglo-Saxon England. Her mother was also connected to the royal family of Wessex. This meant Ælfthryth came from a very important and well-known family.

Becoming Queen

Ælfthryth married King Edgar, who was known as Edgar the Peaceful. She became Queen of England around 964 or 965. Her coronation, where she was officially crowned, happened on May 11, 973. This was a big event because it showed her important position.

Her Children

Queen Ælfthryth had two sons with King Edgar. One was named Edmund. Her other son was Æthelred, who later became King of England. Having a son who became king made her even more influential.

Her Influence and Legacy

Ælfthryth was more than just a queen; she was a political figure. She played a role in the events of her time. Her story shows how queens could be powerful in medieval England.

Stories About Her

Many stories were told about Ælfthryth after she died. Some of these stories painted her as a difficult person. This was especially true because of the events surrounding her stepson, King Edward. These tales often made her seem like a villain. However, it is important to remember that these were stories told much later. They might not show the full truth about her life.

Life After King Edgar

After King Edgar died in 975, Ælfthryth continued to be an important figure. She was the mother of the new king, Æthelred. This gave her a lot of influence in the kingdom. She lived until 1000 or 1001.

See also

In Spanish: Elfrida para niños