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King Alfred burning the cakes, (c1900). Artist: Trelleek
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King Alfred burning the cakes, (c1900). Artist: Trelleek
King Alfred burning the cakes, c1900. Legend has it that Alfred (849-899), offered shelter from the Danes by a woman at Athelney in the Somerset marshes, allowed her cakes burn because he became distracted while stringing his bow. On her return to the cottage, the angry woman scolded the king for his carelessness. Much of Alfreds reign was taken up with the struggle against the Danish invaders. After Alfred defeated them at Edington, Wiltshire, in 878, England was divided in half, with the south-western part in the hands of the Saxons, and the north-eastern portion, the Danelaw, administered by the Danes. War broke out again in the 890s, but by 897 the Danes had been defeated. From Peeps into the Past, published c1900
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Media ID 15136001
© Historica Graphica Collection / Heritage-Images
9th Century Aelfred Alfred I Alfred The Great Anger Anglo Saxon Angry Burning Cake Cottage County Distracted Embarrassed Embarrassment Fireplace Fugitive Fury Hearth Humiliated Humiliation King Alfred King Alfred The Great King Of Wessex Legend Legendary Rage Refuge Refugee Refugees Scolding Somerset Wessex Athelney Historica Graphica Collection
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King Alfred Burning the Cakes - A Legendary Tale of Distraction and Humiliation
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This photo print, created by Trelleek in the early 1900s, depicts a pivotal moment in English history. The scene captures King Alfred the Great during his time as a fugitive from Danish invaders. Seeking refuge in Athelney, Somerset, he found solace with a kind woman who offered him shelter. However, fate had its own plans for the king that day. As legend has it, while attempting to string his bow to defend his kingdom against further attacks, Alfred became distracted and allowed the woman's cakes to burn on her return to the cottage. Filled with anger and scolding him for his carelessness, she humiliated him before realizing he was their monarch. This incident symbolizes both Alfred's struggle against Danish invaders and his fallibility as a human being. Despite this embarrassing mishap, King Alfred went on to defeat the Danes at Edington in 878 AD and divide England into Saxon-controlled territories and Danelaw regions administered by Danes. The lithograph beautifully portrays an indoor setting with intricate details of furniture and architecture typical of that era. It offers us a glimpse into historical events that shaped England's destiny while reminding us that even great leaders can be momentarily distracted or make mistakes. Through this artwork from Heritage Images' Historica Graphica Collection, we are transported back in time to witness an episode where fury meets embarrassment – an intriguing blend of emotions within one legendary tale.
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