Hengest and Horsa facts for kids
Hengest and Horsa were two famous brothers from ancient times. They are known as important figures in the early history of England. People believe they helped settle Britain in the 5th century. They are often called "semi-legendary" because their story mixes real history with old legends. Hengest's name means "stallion" in Old English.
Contents
The Story of Hengest and Horsa
Coming to Britain
Long ago, around the year 449 AD, Britain was facing attacks. A British king named Vortigern needed help. He invited Hengest and Horsa to Britain. They were leaders of a group of people called the Jutes. The Jutes came from a part of Europe that is now Denmark.
Hengest and Horsa arrived with their warriors. They landed in an area called Kent, in southeast England. Their job was to help King Vortigern fight against invaders. These invaders were the Picts and the Scots.
Fighting and Settling
The Jutes were strong fighters. They helped Vortigern win battles. But soon, more Jutes and other groups arrived. These groups included the Angles and the Saxons. Together, they are known as the Anglo-Saxons.
Over time, the Anglo-Saxons started to settle in Britain. They did not just fight for Vortigern. They began to claim land for themselves. This led to conflicts between the Britons and the newcomers.
The Kingdom of Kent
Hengest is especially famous for becoming the first king of Kent. This kingdom was one of the earliest Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in England. It was located in the southeast, where they first landed.
Horsa, Hengest's brother, was also a brave warrior. Sadly, he is said to have died in battle. This battle was fought against the Britons around the year 455 AD. Hengest continued to rule Kent after his brother's death.
Legend or History?
Hengest and Horsa are very important in old English stories. Many early histories of England mention them. These include writings by monks like Bede and Nennius.
However, historians today call them "semi-legendary." This means their story likely has some truth. But it also has parts that are myths or legends. It is hard to know exactly what happened so long ago.
Their names, Hengest and Horsa, both mean "horse" in different ways. This might be a clue to their importance. Horses were very important animals in ancient cultures. They were symbols of strength and speed.
Their Legacy
Even if some parts are legend, Hengest and Horsa represent a big change in Britain. They stand for the start of the Anglo-Saxon settlement. This settlement eventually led to the creation of England as we know it.
The story of Hengest and Horsa shows how different groups came together. It also shows how new kingdoms were formed in early England. Their tale is a key part of Britain's ancient past.
Images for kids
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The brothers in Edward Parrott's Pageant of British History (1909)
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Hengist from John Speed's 1611 "Saxon Heptarchy"
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Hengist and Horsa arriving in Britain, by Richard Rowlands (1605)
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Vortigern and Rowena, by William Hamilton (1793)
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Sketch of a farmhouse gable
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Gable with crossed horse heads, Hanover
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A gable in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
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A gable in Hanover
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Coat of arms of Buchholz in der Nordheide
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Coat of arms of Thune, Brunswick
