Vikings

In Ancient Scandinavian Lands, The Vikings believed the glory of Asgard, the stories of the gods of Asgard became figures of legend, symbols of courage, wisdom, and the indomitable spirit of humanity. The Vikings believed that the gods of old, continued to watch over them, and their voyages began around 550 CE.

Map of Kingdoms in 1012

## The Vikings Era

### Precced by

* Ancient Scandinavian Civilization
* Kamelot

### Succeded by

* Kingdom of England
* Kievan Rus
* Norse Kingdoms
* Atakapa

# Volcanic Winter

The year was 536, a super volcano eruption in Mexico unleashed a colossal force of nature, spewing forth ash, gases, and volcanic debris into the atmosphere, setting in motion a chain of events that would have far-reaching consequences.

The eruption cast a veil of darkness over the planet, triggering what is now known as the volcanic winter. As a result, temperatures plummeted, and a prolonged and harsh winter settled upon the lands.

The relentless volcanic winter gave rise to unimaginable hardships. Food shortages were rampant, and hunger gnawed at the bellies of the people. The poor, destitute, and downtrodden, bearing the brunt of Artoria's ruthless reign, saw their situation grow ever more dire.

The people of Kamelot, pushed beyond the threshold of endurance, rose as one against their oppressive queen. Led by charismatic figures who rallied the disenchanted and hungry, the rebellion gained momentum, fueled by a burning desire for justice and an end to the tyranny that had plagued them for far too long.

In the final moments of the rebellion, amidst the chaos and bloodshed, Queen Artoria met her death at the hands of the very people she had forsaken.

# Essex,Kent,Sussex

With the fall of Queen Artoria, the Kingdom of Kamelot crumbled under the weight of its own injustices. The rebellion that had shaken its foundations left a trail of destruction and discontent in its wake. Æscwine, the first king of Essex. sought to rebuild a realm that would bring prosperity and unity to his people.

In the neighboring lands of Kent, King Eormenric emerged as a beacon of hope. He established a kingdom where the rule of law was paramount, where the voice of the common people held weight, and where the rights of all were protected.

Down in Sussex, King Cissa rose to power, Cissa sought to create an inclusive society, where the voices of the downtrodden found a platform, and where the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment knew no bounds.

The birth of these new kingdoms was not without challenges. The remnants of the old order still lingered, and the wounds inflicted by Queen Artoria's reign were deep. Rebuilding shattered communities and restoring faith in leadership required time and concerted effort. But the people, fueled by their collective resilience, were determined to forge a better future.

# A Clash of Faiths

As the new kingdoms of Essex, Kent, and Sussex took root and embarked on their paths of growth and development, In 547 CE, the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of East Anglia emerged as a formidable force in the eastern regions of Britain. Led by the invading Angles, this kingdom sought to establish its dominance and carve out its own destiny.

Meanwhile, in 560, another influential Anglo-Saxon kingdom emerged—Wessex. Under the leadership of King Ceawlin, Wessex began to assert its authority in the southern regions of Britain.

In 565 CE, the Christian missionary St. Columba founded a monastery on the remote island of Iona, off the coast of Scotland. From this secluded outpost, he embarked on a mission to spread Christianity among the Picts and Scots.

However, The Druids, deeply rooted in the old ways and the sacred connection to nature, resisted the spread of the Christian faith, fearing the erosion of their traditions and beliefs.

In the lands of Ancient Avalon, the Christians assembled their forces, determined to confront and defeat the ancient magicians. the Christian warriors trained tirelessly, honing their skills and preparing themselves for the impending clash. The fervent faith that pulsed through their veins fueled their determination to rid the world of what they saw as heresy and darkness.  The stage was set for a series of epic battles that would shape the destiny of the region.

    • Battle 1: The Clash at Brantwood Hill

As the Christians under the leadership of Æthelric of Bernicia advanced into the heartland of Deira, they encountered the Druids on the hallowed grounds of Brantwood Hill. The mystical forces of the Druids were unleashed, their magic intertwining with the natural elements. However, the Christians, proved to be a formidable opponent. Despite the Druids' valiant resistance, the overwhelming numbers and strategic acumen of Æthelric's forces led to their eventual defeat.

    • Battle 2: The Siege of Whitestone Abbey

Following their victory at Brantwood Hill, Æthelric and his Christian army turned their attention to the sacred sanctuary of the Druids—the Whitestone Abbey. The clash between magic and steel was fierce, but ultimately, the persistence and superior weaponry of the Christians allowed them to overcome the Druids' defenses and seize control of the abbey.

    • Battle 3: The Stand at Mistwood Forest

As the Christians continued their campaign, the Druids made their stand within the mystical depths of Mistwood Forest. The Druids fought valiantly but were unable to turn the tide of battle. The Christians, emboldened by their previous victories, pushed deeper into the forest, overwhelming the remaining Druids and sowing the seeds of their defeat.

    • Battle 4: The Final Confrontation at Oakheart Grove

In a desperate bid to reclaim their land and preserve their traditions, the remnants of the Druids rallied at the sacred Oakheart Grove. Among them were three renowned Druids known as the Dragon Lords, possessing the rare ability to control and commune with Dragons. With their bond, they summoned a force of twenty dragons to aid them in their struggle against the encroaching Christian forces.

As the Christians, led by Theodric of Bernicia, faced the daunting sight of the dragons descending upon them, they knew they had to devise a strategy to counter this formidable aerial assault. Utilizing flaming arrows and large steel spears. The sky ignited with fire and steel as the Christians valiantly fought back, taking down the mighty beasts one by one. The clash between magic and technology, was a spectacle that would forever be etched in the annals of history.

In the aftermath of the intense battle, Theodric's forces emerged victorious, their flaming arrows and deadly weaponry proving effective against the formidable dragons. Amidst the chaos and carnage, the leader of the Druids, an old man named Erel, was captured and brought before Theodric. With a defiant gaze, Erel, undeterred by his impending demise, spoke his final words.

> "One day, Morgana will return, and she will unleash a fury that will consume you all."
>
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With those chilling words, Theodric, fueled by his conviction and determination, swiftly ended Erel's life. The prophecy of Morgana's return echoed in the minds of those present, serving as a reminder that the conflict was far from over, and that the legacy of the Druids, though diminished, would continue to resonate through the ages.

# The Vikings

With the defeat of the Dragon Lords and the decimation of the once-mighty dragons, the power of the Druids waned further, fading into the realms of myth and legend. The region of Deira, forever marked by the clash between ancient magic and Christian might, underwent a transformative period.

Following the decisive victory against the Druids, Theodric of Bernicia emerged as a prominent figure in the region. His military triumphs solidified his position as a respected leader, and he continued to expand his influence and consolidate his power. Under Theodric's rule, the Kingdom of Bernicia flourished, bringing stability and prosperity to the lands once ravaged by conflict.

Pagan traditions and practices gradually gave way to Christian rituals and beliefs, shaping the religious landscape for generations to come. Churches and monastic communities sprouted across the newly formed Christian kingdoms, becoming centers of learning, spirituality, and governance.

By the turn of the 8th century, the Kingdom of Bernicia had evolved into the powerful Kingdom of Northumbria through a series of dynastic successions and political alliances. Northumbria emerged as one of the most influential Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, renowned for its wealth, military might, and cultural achievements.

However, the stability and prosperity of Northumbria would soon be challenged. In the late 8th century, Viking invasions began to ravage the shores of England, sowing chaos and uncertainty.

By the end of the 8th century, Northumbria had lost much of its territory to Viking conquests, and the once-great kingdom entered a period of decline. The Vikings established their own settlements and exerted control over the lands they had seized, ushering in a new era in the history of England.

As the year 800 approached, England stood on the precipice of a tumultuous future. The once-dominant Anglo-Saxon kingdoms faced an uncertain fate as Viking influence continued to grow. The clash of cultures, the ebb and flow of power, and the enduring resilience of the English people would shape the course of history.

As the Viking Age unfolded, the Norse seafarers continued their relentless expeditions, fueled by their unwavering faith in the gods and their insatiable thirst for adventure. Among their many conquests, there was a yearning within the hearts of the Vikings to gain control over a place they deemed sacred and mystical—Stonehenge, the Valhalla Gate.

Driven by their religious fervor and the allure of claiming such a hallowed ground, the Vikings set their sights on Stonehenge, seeing it as an opportunity to solidify their connection to the divine and reinforce their position as chosen warriors of the gods.

The Vikings attacked the monastery of Lindisfarne in Northumbria. This raid shocked the Christian world and marked the onset of Viking aggression in the region.

Viking raids continue along the coasts of Northumbria, targeting monasteries and other wealthy sites for plunder. These hit-and-run attacks strike fear into the hearts of the Anglo-Saxon communities.

In 835, The Isle of Sheppey off the coast of Kent is raided by Vikings. This incursion demonstrates the Vikings' ability to reach deep into the heart of Anglo-Saxon territory.

Later in 865 The Great Heathen Army, a large Viking force led by leaders such as Ivar the Boneless and Halfdan Ragnarsson, launches a massive invasion of England. The army captures East Anglia, Mercia, and Northumbria, toppling Anglo-Saxon rule in these regions.

The city of Jorvik is captured by the Vikings, establishing it as a major Viking settlement. Jorvik becomes a prosperous trading hub and showcases Viking cultural influence.

King Alfred the Great achieves a significant victory against the Vikings in 878 CE, forcing their leader, Guthrum, to accept a peace treaty known as the Treaty of Wedmore.

The treaty establishes the Danelaw, dividing England into Viking-controlled areas (Danelaw) and Anglo-Saxon territories.

Viking warriors from the eastern Baltic, played a pivotal role in the region's history. Rurik's successor, Oleg, conquered Kiev in 882, solidifying Kievan Rus' and ending the city's tribute payments to the Khazars.

Alfred the Great successfully negotiates with the Vikings in 886, resulting in the formal establishment of the Danelaw. This treaty solidifies the Viking presence in the region, recognizing their control over a significant portion of England.

The Vikings launches a renewed invasion in 892, primarily targeting Wessex. The Anglo-Saxons, under the leadership of Alfred's son, Edward the Elder, successfully defend against the Viking onslaught and preserve their kingdom.

By 900, The Anglo-Saxons have regained control over many previously Viking-controlled territories, with the Danelaw gradually being integrated back into Anglo-Saxon rule.

# King Aethelred the Unready

In the year 936, Viking warriors set their sights on the Stonehenge. Led by the fierce and ambitious Jarl Ragnar Ironside, embarked on a perilous quest to conquer southern England.

The Battle of Brunanburh takes place In 937, where King Athelstan of England defeats an alliance of Vikings, Scots, and Welsh forces, solidifying English control over the region.

The battlefield became a maelstrom of chaos and valor, but King Athelstan displayed an indomitable spirit. Recognizing the odds stacked against them, Jarl Ragnar Ironside and his Vikings fought with unmatched ferocity, seeking to break the England lines and claim Stonehenge for their own.

Yet, the Vikings found themselves gradually pushed back. The clash became a turning point in their quest, as the defenders' resilience shattered the dreams of Viking conquest.

Defeated and with their hopes crushed, Jarl Ragnar Ironside and his Viking warriors reluctantly retreated.

In the years that followed, England faced continued Viking invasions, but King Eadred, displayed resilience in defending the kingdom.

Tragically, in 978, King Edward the Martyr was assassinated, and his stepbrother, King Aethelred the Unready, ascended to the throne. Aethelred's reign was marked by ongoing conflicts with Viking raiders and internal strife.

In the Battle of Maldon in 991, Viking raiders, led by Olaf Tryggvason, faced the Anglo-Saxons. The battle took place near Maldon in Essex, England. The Anglo-Saxons, led by Ealdorman Byrhtnoth, fought valiantly but were ultimately defeated by the Vikings.

In the year 1002, King Aethelred formed a crucial alliance by marrying Emma of Normandy, creating a bond with the powerful rulers of Normandy.

12 years later, the Danish King Sweyn Forkbeard launched a forceful invasion of England, compelling Aethelred the Unready to flee into exile. Sweyn claimed the throne and became the King of England, but his reign was short-lived as he passed away the following year.

Amidst the power vacuum left by Sweyn's demise, Cnut the Great, son of Sweyn Forkbeard, emerged as a formidable contender for the English throne. He successfully defeated Edmund Ironside, Aethelred's son, and assumed the title of King of England. Cnut's reign marked the unification of England, Denmark, and Norway under his rule, solidifying his status as a significant political figure.

# Norse Greenland of Atakapa

While the Vikings warriors fought the Kingdom of England, the vikings continued their voyages with their ships. they reached the Caribbean sea settling settlements, the Maya elders and scholars contemplated the significance of these Norse expeditions and the resilience of the settlers. The elders welcomed Erik the Red, they accepted the name Greenland for their land, the Maya with the Skraeling Vikings created a new north center of cities which became known as Norse Greenland of Atakapa in 1120.

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