Guthorm's Invasion of Wessex:
Guthorm Accepts Baptism
Guthorm and thirty of his men were baptised in Wedmore, which lay within
Wessex. Guthorm's baptismal name was Athelstan, meaning "royal stone."
Alfred himself was Guthorm's godfather.
After the ceremony, the Vikings stayed with Alfred as welcome guests. Many
generous gifts were exchanged between King Alfred and King Guthorm during the
visit. Although no one knows what they talked about, we can assume that Alfred
was interested in teaching the Vikings about their new god.
Do you think that the Danes were impressed by the ceremonies and welcomed the
new god over Odin? Historic facts often
leave us with mysteries that no one can solve. Wouldn't it have been interesting
to listen to the conversations between the two powerful kings after that great
battle?
