Dublin Core
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Subject
Description
A photograph of a raven banner at the Balingup Medieval Carnivale. A raven banner is mentioned in a (late) version of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle reporting on a battle in 878 between an invading Viking group and the men of Devon. The latter defeated the invaders and are said to have captured their raven banner. The Saga of the Earls of Orkney reports that a raven banner was made for Sigurd the Stout/Great, and Knut is thought to have had one at the Battle of Ashingdon in 1016. The raven is possibly associated with the Norse god Odin, but it is equally likely that a carrion bird is thought to have been an appropriate battle symbol. The raven on the banner in the photograph is based on the raven featured on the coins of Anlaf Guthfrithsson, the Viking king who ruled from York from 939-41.
For the original coin see http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/cm/s/silver_penny_of_anlaf_guthfrit.aspx