Battle of Finnburg facts for kids

The Battle of Finnburg was an important fight between the Frisians and the Danes. This battle is mentioned in two very old writings. These are the Finnesburg Fragment and the famous poem Beowulf. Historians are not sure if this battle really happened. It might be a true event or a story from myth.

What Happened at Finnburg?

A Winter Visit Turns into Battle

According to the Finnesburg Fragment, a Danish prince named Hnaef visited Finnburg. He brought sixty of his followers with him. They planned to spend the winter at Finnburg. This fort belonged to King Finn, who was the leader of the Frisians. King Finn was also Prince Hnaef's brother-in-law.

Suddenly, a fight broke out between the Frisians and the Danes. A big battle started and lasted for three days. The parts of the story that we have found do not tell us why the fight began. They also do not say who won the battle.

The Outcome in Beowulf

The poem Beowulf also tells about this battle. In Beowulf, a singer tells a song about the end of the fight. This battle is called Freswael in the poem. It is the same story as in the Finnesburg Fragment.

The Beowulf poem gives us more details about how the battle ended. It shows that the Frisians won the fight. Sadly, the Danish prince Hnaef died in the battle. King Finn's son also died. After the fighting stopped, the two groups made peace. The new Danish leader, named Hingest, was allowed to leave with the Danes who survived. Some people think this Hingest might be the famous Hengest.

Images for kids

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  Illustration by J. R. Skelton of the giant Grendel from earlier in Beowulf. See also a list of artistic depictions of Grendel.