Alfred Ætheling and the Godwin Blinding: Power and Myth in 11th‑Century England

The episode examines the brief but controversial fate of Alfred, son of King Æthelred, who was blinded by Earl Godwin’s men after returning from exile; we consider surviving records, political motives, and how the event became a legend against the Godwins. By tracing contemporary chronicles and later reinterpretations we explore why this act mattered for the succession crisis that led to Harold II’s eventual rise and what it says about the nature of power in late Anglo‑Saxon politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices