Asser (died c. 909) was a Welsh monk from St David's, Dyfed, who was Bishop of Scirburne from circa 895 until circa 909.
In 893, Asser published his biography of Alfred the Great, titled Life of King Alfred. The shieldmaiden Eivor Varinsdottir was inadvertently responsible for Asser's pursuit to write about his king.
Biography[]
During the 870s, Asser was but a humble monk within the Wincestre Seminary looking for a sign from God as he pondered over three different scrolls. Hearing the commotion from a priest telling him that his very stench from staying inside for days at end offended God, the Viking shieldmaiden Eivor Varisdottir approached the scholar to see what was on his mind. His mind however, was far too preoccupied with his scrolls, so much so that he didn't particularly notice Eivor. Unbeknownst to the young monk, Eivor climbed the outside of the seminary and blocked two windows so that only one of the scrolls was illuminated. Taking this as a sign from God, Asser rushed out of the seminary with his path illuminated. He was to write a biography about his great king, Alfred, ordained by God himself.[1]
Asser then ran off to the Witan Hall to begin his work on Alfred's biography. At one point, Asser was visited by Eivor in his study, and gave the Viking a short annotated manuscript of his work.[2]
Behind the scenes[]
Asser is a historical character first mentioned in the 2020 Echoes of History podcast episodes on Vikings. He later featured in the 2020 video game Assassin's Creed: Valhalla, though his voice actor is uncredited.
Gallery[]
Appearances[]
- Echoes of History (first mentioned)
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (first appearance)
- Discovery Tour: Viking Age (mentioned only)
References[]