May 22nd 905 The Great Comet
On
May 22nd 905 a comet appeared in the constellation of
Gemini, by June 12th its brightness was very intense and
its tail stretched across the sky. It was visible for 3 weeks.
During
medieval times comets were often considered ill omens and bringers of
bad fortune, in 899 King Alfred the Great had died and his son Edward
and his nephew Ethelward were contenders for the throne.
However
the Vikings from Denmark were also attacking the country. Ethelward
joined forces with the Vikings. In the summer of 905 when the comet
was high in the sky a battle was fought between a group of men who
supported Edward and a force led by Ethelward and the Vikings.
Although the Vikings were successful Ethelward was killed ensuring
that Edward would continue to rule the country until 924.
I am
sure that an astrologer of the time would have predicted the death of
such a noble person.
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