Cynebert

Cynebert (died 874) was an Anglo-Saxons monk who served as the Abbot of Cent during the late 9th century. He was known for his ambition and willingness to leverage Christianity in pursuit of political power and personal gain.

Biography

Early life

Not much is known about Cynebert's background, 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 when the current ealdorman died under unforeseen circumstances.

Alliance with Basim and Eivor

Circa 874, the abbot came into contact with the Hidden One Basim ibn Ishaq, who was looking for Sigurd Styrbjornsson and the Order of the Ancients' Maegester Fulke. At Saint Hadrian's Priory, Cynebert met with Basim and the Viking Eivor Varinsdottir as he remarked that Eivor was known for her skill in fighting and intimidation. He then told 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, they learned that the next ealdorman, chosen by King Alfred, was to be Tedmund.

Cynebert discussing a deal with Eivor and Basim

At Folcanstan, a dismayed Cynebert revealed that the thegn was scared from the Vikings' invasion and had become a recluse in Rouecistre Fortress. The abbot then quickly agreed to a shadow play, as he and his allies devised a plan to abduct Tedmund so Cynebert could "rescue" him and earn his favor. While Basim and Eivor went to Beamasfield, where Tedmund was rumored to have gone to collect wood, Cynebert left to gather several guards and prepare for the "rescue".

When Basim and Eivor arrived with who they believed to be Tedmund, however, Cynebert revealed that they had captured the wrong man. "Tedmund" then confessed to being a body double named Shergar, a former man of the cloth. Out of options, Cynebert and his allies reluctantly decided to organize a siege of Rouecistre Fortress and capture the real Tedmund so the abbot could save him.

Capture of Tedmund and death

Following Tedmund's capture, Cynebert arrived 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 was quickly declared dead. With the plan having failed, a distraught Cynebert nevertheless upheld his promise and told Eivor and Basim to give him a day to find Fulke.

Cynebert's death

After locating Fulke, Cynebert invited her to his quarters at Saint Hadrian's Priory for a feast. However, Fulke knew better and immediately killed Cynebert after he prepared food. The abbot's body was propped up at the dining table while Fulke awaited Basim and Eivor's arrival. When the pair came to confront her, Fulke taunted them before escaping and leaving them inside the church with Cynebert's corpse. She also ordered her men to kill Basim and Eivor, but the pair survived the trap.

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.

Gallery

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  Eivor and Basim discussing their plan with Cynebert
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  Cynebert arriving with his fyrd to save Tedmund
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  Eivor and Basim conducting their shadow play with Cynebert

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)