Guthred facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Guthred |
|
|---|---|
| King of Northumbria | |
| Reign | c. 883 – 24 August 895 (or perhaps 894) |
| Predecessor | Interregnum |
| Successor | Sigfroðr or Knútr (or both) |
| Died | 24 August 895 (or perhaps 894) |
| Burial | York Minster, York |
| Father | Hardacnut Sigurdsson |
| Religion | unknown, probably syncretic |
Guthred Hardacnutsson (also known as Guðrøðr in Old Norse) was a Viking king who ruled Northumbria from about 883 AD until his death in 895 AD. He was the second Viking king of this area in northern England.
Contents
Guthred: The Viking King Who Rose from Slavery
How Guthred Became King
The first Viking king of York, named Halfdan, was forced out in 877 AD. After he left, the area was without a ruler.
A historian named Symeon of Durham wrote about what happened next. He said that Saint Cuthbert, a very important saint, appeared in a dream to an abbot named Eadred Lulisc. Saint Cuthbert told Eadred to find a young man named Guthred, who was the son of Hardacnut. Guthred had been sold into slavery to a widow.
Saint Cuthbert's message was clear: Eadred should buy Guthred's freedom. Then, Guthred should be made king by the Viking army at a place called Oswiesdune. This story shows how Guthred, who started as a slave, became a powerful king.
Guthred's Rule and Alliances
It's not fully clear if Guthred was a Christian himself. However, he had a very good relationship with the community of Saint Cuthbert. This group was very powerful in the northern part of Northumbria, an area called Bernicia. This part of the kingdom had not been under Halfdan's control.
Guthred gave a lot of land to Saint Cuthbert's community. This land was located between the River Tyne and the River Wear. It had once belonged to a monastery and became the main lands for the church in Durham. Guthred also allowed Eadred to buy more land for the church near the River Tees.
Symeon of Durham also wrote that Guthred faced a big attack from the Scots. However, with the help of Saint Cuthbert, Guthred's forces were able to defeat the Scottish invaders.
The Death of King Guthred
King Guthred died on August 24, 895 AD (some records say 894 AD). He was buried in York Minster, which is a very important church in the city of York.
Æthelweard, a historian from the 10th century, wrote about Guthred's death. He noted that Guthred, the king of the Northumbrians, died on the feast day of Saint Bartholomew. His body was laid to rest in the main church in York.
Guthred in Modern Stories
Books
Guthred appears as a character in Bernard Cornwell's book series, The Saxon Stories. He is especially important in the book The Lords of the North, which was published in 2006.
TV Shows
In the TV show The Last Kingdom, which is based on Cornwell's books, Guthred is played by the actor Thure Lindhardt.
Video Games
Guthred, spelled as Guthfrid in the game, is a leader in the video game Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia. He leads the playable group called Northymbre.
