Bagsecg (Old Norse: Bersi; died 871) was a Viking jarl who served as one of the leaders of the Great Heathen Army alongside Guthrum in the 9th century. He was also a Danish monarch, reigning before the House of Knýtlinga.
Biography[]
Before their invasion of Wessex, Bersi sent one of the leaders of the Great Heathen Army, Guthrum, to find support and allies in Rygjafylke. However, Guthrum found no allies in Avaldsnes, home to Hjorr Halfsson and Ljufvina Bjarmarsdottir, except in their son, Geirmund Hel-hide. Soon, in Jutland, he received Guthrum and five other jarls in his meeting, only to hear Guthrum brought only Geirmund as an ally. Although disappointed, he rejoiced over Halfdan Ragnarsson's victories across Mercia and Geirmund's attitude to fight.[1]
However, he entered into private talks with his jarl as Guthrum told Geirmund to leave. After the meeting, they prepared and started to sail their companies to England to join Halfdan and his army.[1]
Death[]
On 8 January 871, King Bersi, along with Vikings led by Guthrum and Halfdan, attacked the Saxons at Ashdown after the Saxons' defeat at Readingum. The open field battle left the Danes in failure,[2] with Bersi killed alongside many other Danes.[3]
Appearances[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Geirmund's Saga — Chapter 5
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Geirmund's Saga — Chapter 12
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Geirmund's Saga — Chapter 13
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