Wisweth

Wisweth (died 878) was a Celtic woman living in the village of Cote, England, during the late 9th century.

Biography

Not much is known about Wisweth's background, except that she lived in Cote's countryside and used to be married until her husband's death. Wisweth later built a cairn for his spirit to be at peace. However, in 878, a priest named Father Deoric came to be stationed in Cote and instigated the village's prejudice against pagans, especially Celts. Wisweth witnessed Deoric come to her husband's cairn and destroy it before erecting a Christian cross on the grave.

Ostracized, Wisweth lived alone in her house until a visitor came to her home one day. Wisweth threatened the visitor unless they showed proof of praying to the Goddess. The visitor, Niamh of Argyll, showed her lunar tattoo, and Wisweth welcomed her inside her home. After introducing themselves, Wisweth told Niamh about the recent events in Cote, especially Deoric's acts against pagans. She then began to cry over what the priest had done to her husband's grave. Upon finishing her story, Wisweth was told by Niamh that the matter would be investigated. Wisweth offered Niamh food as thanks and told her where to look first.

Within a day, Deoric was killed by Niamh, but instead of ending Cote's prejudice against pagans, this act only worsened it. The villagers, blaming the pagans for Deoric's death, turned their eyes on Wisweth's home. In retaliation for the priest's murder, Wisweth became the target of the church's congregation as they attacked her house, burning it down with her still inside. The burnt remains of Wisweth's home were later found by Niamh, who blamed herself for the unjust attack and Wisweth's death.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Sword of the White Horse