Rædwulfs

Rædwulfs were a legendary group of Viking warriors and mercenaries who served as elite guards in the court of King Alfred the Great of Wessex during the late 9th century. The name "Rædwulfs" is derived from the Old English term *ræd* (meaning "counsel" or "advice") and *wulf* (meaning "wolf"), suggesting they were trusted advisors or fierce warriors akin to wolves.

The Rædwulfs are primarily documented in the *Anglo-Saxon Chronicle* and Alfred’s own writings, particularly in his *Preface to the Pastoral Care* and *Letter to the Earls of the Five Boroughs*. They were recruited from various Viking settlements in England, including those in Northumbria and Mercia, and were known for their loyalty to Alfred despite their Norse origins. Their service marked a significant moment of cooperation between Anglo-Saxon and Viking forces, reflecting Alfred’s strategic efforts to counter Viking invasions through diplomacy and alliances.

The Rædwulfs played a crucial role in defending Wessex, particularly during Alfred’s campaigns against the Great Heathen Army led by Guthrum. Their presence in Alfred’s court also symbolized a shift in Anglo-Saxon attitudes toward Vikings, as some were eventually assimilated into English society. While their exact numbers and long-term impact remain unclear, their legacy highlights Alfred’s ability to leverage diverse military forces for his kingdom’s survival.

Little is known about their daily lives or structure beyond their role as guards, but their existence underscores the complex interactions between Anglo-Saxon and Viking cultures during the Viking Age. The Rædwulfs are often cited as an early example of multicultural integration in medieval Europe.