Octa of Kent facts for kids
Octa (sometimes called Octha) was an Anglo-Saxon king of Kent who lived in the 500s. We don't know much for sure about him. Historians aren't even sure if he was the son of Hengist or Oisc, or if he was the father of Oisc or Eormenric. His time as king is also a bit of a mystery, but he might have ruled between 512 and 540. Even though we don't have many clear records, Octa was important to the Britons (the people living in Britain at the time). They wrote about him in some of their old stories.
Octa in Old Stories
Octa appears in some very old books that tell stories about Britain's past. These stories mix real history with legends.
Geoffrey of Monmouth's Tales
One important book is Historia Regum Britanniae (which means History of the Kings of Britain). It was written by Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 1100s. In this book, Octa comes to Britain with his father, Hengist. This happens with the permission of a British leader named Vortigern.
Later, Vortigern loses his power. A new British king, Aurelius Ambrosius, takes over. Hengist is captured and then executed. But Octa doesn't give up! He and his relative Eosa lead their men to York and keep fighting the Britons.
Aurelius Ambrosius surrounds York. Eventually, Octa gives up. They make a deal: the Saxons can stay in northern Britain, but they must obey Aurelius.
After Aurelius dies, his brother Uther Pendragon becomes king. Octa and Eosa decide their old deal is off. They start fighting again. Uther Pendragon leads his army and surprises the Saxons in a night attack. Octa and Eosa are captured.
However, they manage to escape and go back to Germany. They return with a huge army. Uther Pendragon meets them in another battle. In this final fight, Octa and Eosa are defeated and killed.
Octa in Arthurian Legends
Octa might also be a character in Welsh stories about King Arthur. He might be the same person as "Osla Bigknife." This character appears in two old Welsh tales: Culhwch and Olwen (written around 1100) and The Dream of Rhonabwy (written in the 1100s or 1200s).
In Culhwch and Olwen, Osla Bigknife is one of King Arthur's loyal followers. He is famous for his huge weapon, "Bronllavyn Short Broad." This knife is so wide that Arthur's army can use it as a bridge! Osla also helps in a big hunt for a giant boar named Twrch Trwyth. During the hunt, he almost drowns because the cover of his huge knife fills with water.
In The Dream of Rhonabwy, Osla Bigknife is shown as an enemy of King Arthur. He fights against Arthur in the famous Battle of Badon.
