Aelfred's Battle-Sow
- "Aelfred is so desperate they say he hath realized that cattle make for better warriors than Saxons. Training calves will only do him harm, as it adds to his folly. However, the calves themselves have supped on blood instead of milk, and appear as though they seek the bosom of Hell in order to suck it into a frenzy."
- ―A hunting log of Aelfred's Battle Sow.[src]
Aelfred's Battle Sow was a legendary bull that lived in Suthsexe, Wessex. A gigantic bull, this legendary animal was a wonder, due to its tremendous size and white skin, when compared to the general populations of bulls in England.
History[edit | edit source]
In the 870s, the Viking shieldmaiden Eivor Varinsdottir travelled around the region of Suthsexe. Along her journey, Eivor came across a hunting log, which gave an account of a bull that was said to belong to King Alfred the Great and was reportedly even more dangerous than his Saxon warriors. Eivor looked around the area of Tuicca's Farm in northeastern Suthsexe and caught sight of the bull resting in the middle of a pen. Upon entering its domain, Eivor startled the bull, which let out a loud bellow before it began attacking the warrior. Throughout the winded battle, Aelfred's Battle-Sow was aided by five average-sized bulls alongside it. After a lengthy fight, Eivor killed the white bull and obtained its head as her prize.[1]
Behind the scenes[edit | edit source]
The bull pen the bull resides in has no supply of any herbivory replenishments for Eivor's health, thus increasing the difficulty of the fight with the legendary beast.
The name of the animal is incorrect, as a sow is typically used to identify a female pig.
Gallery[edit | edit source]
-
Wallace's sketch of the bull -
Eivor battling the bull -
Eivor killing the bull
Appearances[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]