Penda of Mercia: The Last Pagan Stand in Early England

During the 5th century, the Anglo-Saxons invaded England, leading to the rise of four major kingdoms: Northumbria, Mercia, Wessex, and East Anglia. Initially pagan, the Anglo-Saxons largely converted to Christianity, often for political reasons such as gaining legitimacy or due to pressure from more powerful rulers. However, Penda, the King of Mercia, resisted this change.
Known as the last great pagan warrior-king among the Anglo-Saxons, Penda's demise marked the end of paganism as a political and religious force in England, as Christianity spread and overshadowed the traditional pagan customs and beliefs. This episode delves into the story of Penda, a formidable king who forged Mercia into a dominant kingdom, shaping England’s political landscape for centuries. He remained steadfast in his pagan beliefs until his death, being the last Anglo-Saxon king to die a pagan.
Timeline:

00:00: Introduction to the Last English Pagan Warrior King

01:42: Ancestry & Early Life

05:08: Penda Kills King Edwin, the Bretwalda

08:22: Penda the Warlord

10:35: Penda's Pagan Beliefs

13:42: The Battle of Maserfield

16:43: Dominating Other Anglo-Saxon Kings

20:34: The Death of the Last Pagan King of England

24:45: Legacy

Music: "VOICE OF PRAYER" by Noel Malekar

00:00: Introduction to the Last English Pagan Warrior King01:42: Ancestry & Early Life05:08: Penda Kills King Edwin, the Bretwalda08:22: Penda the Warlord10:35: Penda's Pagan Beliefs13:42: The Battle of Maserfield16:43: Dominating Other Anglo-Saxon Kings20:34: The Death of the Last Pagan King of England24:45: Legacy
#anglosaxons #penda #mercia #paganism #englishhistory #medievalhistory #northumbria #wessex
See show notes: https://inlet.fm/history-profiles/episodes/680a20c4ed81754587c01347
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices