Cynebert (died. 874) was an Anglo-Saxons monk who served as the Abbot of Cent. He was known for his ambition and willingness to leverage Christianity in pursuit of political power and personal gain.[1]
Biography[]
Alliance with Basim and Eivor[]
Not much is known about Cynebert, except that he rose to be a well-known man in the clergy and the priest brotherhood of Cent. However, Cynebert sought a good relationship with the ealdorman in charge of the region, which changed in 874, when the current ealdorman died under unforeseen circumstances.[2]
Cynebert discussing a deal with Eivor and Basim
Abbot Cynebert came into contact with the Hidden One Basim Ibn Ishaq, who was looking for Sigurd Styrbjornsson and Order of the Ancients' Maegester Fulke. At Saint Hadrian's Priory, Cynebert met with Basim and the Viking Eivor Varinsdottir as he told that Eivor was known for her skill in fighting and intimidation. Cynebert told both Basim and Eivor that he wanted to know the new ealdorman's name, in order to gain his favor. After a number of certain tasks and delays, the next ealdorman, chosen by King Alfred, was to be Tedmund.[2]
At Folcanstan, a dismayed Cynebert revealed that the thegn was scared from the Vikings' invasion and that he became a recluse in Rouecistre Fortress. Cynebert quickly agreed to a shadow play, while Basim disclosed that rumors of Tedmund being at Beamasfield, to collect wood. Cynebert awaited for them to bring Tedmund as both his allies left. However, Cynebert saw the man was not Tedmund, as the man stated he was a body double, named Shergar, a former man of the cloth.[3]
Capture of Tedmund and death[]
Cynebert's death
Cynebert later agreed to siege the Rouecistre Fortress, in order to later come and become a "savior" for Tedmund's release. After Tedmund's capture, Cynebert was with his fyrd outside the fortress. Conducting their shadow play, Cynebert and Eivor discussed terms while Tedmund grew suspicious. Within their transaction, Tedmund fell over and quickly declared dead. With the plan having failed, Cynebert was held to his promise of producing Fulke. Distraught, Cynebert promised to have Fulke by tomorrow.[4]
Abbot Cynebert found and invited Fulke to his quarters at Saint Hadrian's Priory. However, Fulke knew better and immediately killed Cynebert after he prepared food. Cynebert's body was propped up at the dining table while Fulke awaited Basim and Eivor. After Fulke's surprise, Cynebert's body just fell over after her departure from his quarters and leaving her enemies trapped inside.[5]
Behind the scenes[]
Cynebert (Kynebert) is mentioned in the chronicles of Thomas Sprott and William Thorne, Benedictine monks and historians for the St Augustine's Abbey who list Abbot Cynebert as dying in 879 with the previous abbot, Beadmund, having died in 874.[6]
Appearances[]
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (first appearance)
- The World of Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Journey to the North – Logs and Files of a Hidden One (mentioned only)
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Database: Cynebert
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Assassin's Creed: Valhalla − The Abbot's Gambit
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla − Puppets and Prisoners
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla − The Man Behind the Man
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla − A Bloody Welcome
- ↑
St Augustine's Abbey on Wikipedia
