Osbeorn Bulax facts for kids

Osbeorn, also known as Osbjorn or Osbert, was the son of Siward, Earl of Northumbria, a powerful leader who died in 1055. Osbeorn was likely the older of Siward's two known sons. His mother might have been Ælfflæd. Osbeorn's nickname, Bulax, probably comes from an Old Norse word meaning "poleaxe", which is a type of battle axe.

Osbeorn's Death in Battle

Osbeorn died around 1054 during a big battle in Scotland. This fight was between his father, Earl Siward, and Mac Bethad mac Findlaích, who was the King of the Scots. This battle is sometimes called the "Battle of the Seven Sleepers" or the "Battle of Dunsinane".

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle's Account

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, an important historical record from that time, tells us what happened. It says that in 1054, Earl Siward led a large army into Scotland. This army included both ships and soldiers on land. They fought against the Scots and defeated King Mac Bethad.

The Chronicle also mentions that many important people were killed in this battle. Sadly, Osbeorn was among them. His cousin, also named Siward, and some of his father's housecarls (loyal, trained soldiers) also died on July 27, the day of the Seven Sleepers. The battle took place somewhere in Scotland, north of a water body called the Firth of Forth.

Legends About Osbeorn

Later stories and legends tell different versions of Osbeorn's death.

Henry of Huntingdon's Story

One historian, Henry of Huntingdon, wrote that Siward sent Osbeorn to Scotland ahead of him. When Siward heard that his son had been killed, he asked if Osbeorn was wounded from the front or the back. When told it was from the front, Siward was proud, saying he wouldn't want a less honorable death for himself or his son. After this, Siward himself marched into Scotland and won the battle.

The Waltheof Story

Another legend, found in a book about Osbeorn's brother Waltheof, claims that Osbeorn (called "Osbert Bulax" in this story) was killed by people from Northumbria while his father was away in Scotland. These different stories likely came from old sagas, which were long tales about heroes like Earl Siward.

Osbeorn's Legacy

Osbeorn's death was a big problem for his father, Siward. When Siward died the next year, in 1055, his only other son, Waltheof, was still too young to take over all of Siward's lands and power. Because Waltheof was underage, the region of Northumbria was given to Tostig Godwinson instead.

Osbeorn Bulax is also famous because he was made into a character in William Shakespeare's famous play, Macbeth. In the play, he is known as Young Siward.