Reading

Readingum, later called Reading, is a city in England.

History

In the late 9th century, Viking warrior Halfdan Ragnarsson marched through Mercia to reach Readingum, a strategic location near the River Thames. Before the Battle of Ashdown, the Danes had already taken Readingum and their fortifications had resisted attacks by the Saxon forces of Æthelred I and Alfred. Armies under other jarls, like Sidroc the Elder, marched to meet the Danes at Readingum.

As the battle of Ashdown winded down, Geirmund Hel-hide was struck in the head, falling into the Thames and washing up at Readingum. A short time later, Geirmund told Birna Gormsdottir he believed the Saxons would attempt an attack through the river, given the many ships he saw at Wælingford. He was put in charge of constructing defenses and, with the help of all others in the camp, completed them before nightfall. During the night, the Saxons tried to attack, but their ships got stuck in the wall the Danes had built. Dane archers managed to drive back the attackers and Geirmund's reputation grew as his idea had saved the camp from destruction.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Geirmund's Saga