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King Alfred of Wessex burns the cakes
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King Alfred of Wessex burns the cakes
One popular legend from the life of Alfred the Great (849-899 AD), originating from 12th century chronicles, tells how after fleeing to the Somerset Levels, Alfred was given shelter by a peasant woman who, unaware of his identity, left him to watch over some cakes she left cooking on the fire. Preoccupied with the (slightly weightier)problems of his kingdom, Alfred accidentally let the cakes burn, much to the womans anger (until the Kings identity was revealed). Date: 878
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© Mary Evans Picture Library/Tom Gillmor
Annoyance Bread Breads Burn Burning Burns Burnt Cake Cakes Cares Danes Distracted Hearth Hiding Legendary Levels Mythical Peasant Range Scolds Shelter Sheltering Somerset Swamps Turning Wessex Worried Worries Myth Preoccupied Scolded
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King Alfred of Wessex: The Unlikely Cake Burner (878 AD) This image brings to life the popular legend of King Alfred of Wessex, one of England's most revered monarchs, who found himself in an unexpected predicament while hiding from the invading Danes. In the tranquil setting of a Somerset Levels hut, Alfred, the Great (849-899 AD), was granted shelter by a humble peasant woman. Unbeknownst to her, the man tending to her hearth was none other than the King, preoccupied with the weighty matters of his kingdom. As the woman went about her daily chores, she left Alfred to watch over a pot of simmering cakes on the fire. Deep in thought, the King, momentarily distracted, allowed the cakes to burn. The peasant woman's annoyance grew as she returned to find her hard-earned food ruined. The situation took a turn when Alfred revealed his true identity, and her anger turned to astonishment. This legendary tale, originating from 12th-century chronicles, offers a humanizing glimpse into the life of Alfred the Great, a man of great intellect and leadership, who was not immune to the mundane and the mistakes of everyday life. The image of King Alfred, standing by the burnt cakes in a swampy Somerset hut, is a testament to the enduring power of folklore and the rich history of the 9th century.
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