Jews of the North: A look at the Tsaphonim from original sources
An interum, Swedish Hebrews by the Jewish metal band Sabaton
My Rabbi once said
Now your heart is in Torah
There is no coming back
(Fight for Hashem)
And before the attack
Feel your blood starts to boiling
In your veins as you charge
(Hundreds fallen)
As the fire inside
Is ignited by bloodshed
In warriors from south
Could it be as was said
When Leviathan be woken
Behimoth roars
Swedish Hebrews, marching ashore
Created in Gan Eden by the hand of Hashem
Out from heaven, a viking ship sails
Never to turn back again
When our brothers have fought
Is where we will be proven
On ground stained by blood
(Standing tall)
And we know, if we fall
Our comrades awaits in Gan Eden
(Joshua's calling)
As the fire inside
Is ignited by bloodshed
In warriors from the south
Could it be as was said
When Leviathan be woken
Behemoth roars
Swedish Hebrews, marching ashore
Forged in Gan Eden by the hand of Hashem
Out from heaven, a viking ship sails
Never to turn back again
First to the battle
First to learn
Destiny waiting
No retreat
Retreat!
Swedish Hebrews, marching ashore
Forged in Gan Eden by the hand of Hashem
Out from heaven, a viking ship sails
Never to turn back again
My Rabbi once said
Now your heart is in Torah
There is no coming back
(Fight for Hashem)
And before the attack
Feel your blood starts to boiling
In your veins as you charge
(Hundreds fallen)
As the fire inside
Is ignited by bloodshed
In warriors from south
Could it be as was said
When Leviathan be woken
Behimoth roars
Swedish Hebrews, marching ashore
Created in Gan Eden by the hand of Hashem
Out from heaven, a viking ship sails
Never to turn back again
When our brothers have fought
Is where we will be proven
On ground stained by blood
(Standing tall)
And we know, if we fall
Our comrades awaits in Gan Eden
(Joshua's calling)
As the fire inside
Is ignited by bloodshed
In warriors from the south
Could it be as was said
When Leviathan be woken
Behemoth roars
Swedish Hebrews, marching ashore
Forged in Gan Eden by the hand of Hashem
Out from heaven, a viking ship sails
Never to turn back again
First to the battle
First to learn
Destiny waiting
No retreat
Retreat!
Swedish Hebrews, marching ashore
Forged in Gan Eden by the hand of Hashem
Out from heaven, a viking ship sails
Never to turn back again
The first mass conversion and its ramifications
The accounts give no foreknowledge of this event. The various writings have this event suddenly leap into the records of the Jutland and Roskilde Beith Dhins. In one morning over 200 Norse, three numbers are given but the Roskilde official number of 128 men over bar mitzvah age. Leading them was a Jew who had for the past few years taught them by the name of Simeon Ben Yehoshuah. They carried with them teffilin and tsitsith hand made according to the laws of Moses. This was of course a shock to the community there. The Beith Din debated at length their conversion and it was eventually decided to convert them. Each individual and family was then brought into the Beith Dhin and interviewed concerning themselves and their neighbors. This was recorded into the archives of the Roskilde Beith Din and would serve as the precedent for other mass conversions among the Tsaphonim. Each and every one of these new Jews were then circumcised individually and one by one went into the Mikvah. The sources then remark, “The party rivaled Simchath Toirah with its revelry.”
Simeon Ben Yehoshuah and a few other of the new converts remained behind temporarily to study in the Yeshivah. Their writings were preserved as the works of the school of Volda. The Volda Beis Din was formed with Simeon Ben Yehoshuah at its head. With his death, a convert by the name of Zechariah Ben Avraham took over as head of the Volda Beis Din. It is from here that the reputation of Norse zealousness first began. With Simeon Ben Yehoshuah no longer stopping them, the records show a sudden increase in converts. While the sources do not specifically say that the Volda Jews were engaged in open proslytization at this time, several writings in the works of the school of Volda do argue for the reaching out towards other Norse in order to join the Tsaphonim. Interestingly enough this is the first use of the word Tsaphonim to describe the Jews of the North.
The Anglo Saxon Chronicle
A most curious attack occurred in Northumbria during the start of the raiding season. This time only two ships assaulted the coast. However these Norsemen were not pagans but instead Jews. The monestaries and churches were looted and each village saw only these destroyed. They would return the following year repeating this process up and down the Northumbrian coast. At villages lacking a church, they would preach adherence to the law of Noah or for the elect, Moses. They taught that if one truly wanted to be powerful and righteous they must follow Moses in order to strengthen one’s soul and body. The laws of Noah were for those who did not wish to be warriors or sages. Any village that would follow the laws of Noah would be safe from their attack, and any who wished to follow Moses and become a warrior or sage should return with them to undergo many tests to see if they were worthy. No village took them up on this offer, however.
The king of Northumbria, Eadwulf, set out to put a stop to these raids. In the summer he received new that they had began raiding in the north. He march down just further south and waited for them. When he espied their ships with the hammer of Judah, the Lion of Judah, the honey comb of Samson, and other such symbols in the distance. He waited and hid near a monestery. They came ashore and assaulted the monastery. Eadwulf then assaulted the Jews. After a fierce battle the king retreated, unable to defeat the Jews. They pursued him to some distance and forced a battle. King Eadwulf was defeated decisivly and fled on horse back. The Jews then retreated back to the sea. The king rose another force to stop the Norse Jews and met them again in battle. This time they were led by their Rabbi Zechariah. South of the city of South Shields they met in battle. The Norse at first clash retreated. The king, spurred on by the promise of victory against the Jews, charged forward. He managed to corner them against a river where upon they surrendered.
Seeing that Zechariah wasn’t among them, the king began riding back to South Shields. Smoke was quickly seen as the city was being sacked. Seeing the smoke, the surrendered soldiers again took up arms and fought. The soldiers were demoralized from the fall of the city and quickly fled. The king managed to gather together a small force and made a stand, which the small force of Norse unable to push him. However, Zechariah arrived, riding upon a stolen horse, and led them in a charge. The lines broke and King Eadwulf was killed. South Shields was sacked that day, and burnt to the ground. The population was massacred, and to this day, the city has not recovered.
Norse Saga concerning Rabbi Zechariah Ben Avraham
Rabbi Zechariah Ben Avraham, hearing of the attack upon the ships of Volda, organized 20 ships of men from the House of the Norse. Along side him, Aleksander Ben Meshulam the uncuttable brought with him 10 ships of men gathered from the Norse and Danes. The 30 ships sailed to Northumbria where they met the King Eadwulf Ben Aethelthrith in battle. Remembering the deeds of Joshuah, they placed a force led by Aleksander to serve as bait. The king of Northumbria, seeing the army rode out. The army retreated to a nearby river to make the king think he had them. They then turned around and fought. At this time, smoke began rising from South Shields. The soldiers were demoralized and were easily cut down. The king however fought like 20 men, daring all to fight him. Aleksander however dropped his weapons and stepped forward. The king attacked him, think that Aleksander would fall easily. To his surprise, sword and spear broke upon his chest. The king attempted to run, however, he was caught by Aleksander who drug him before Zechariah. They convened a Beith Dhin and executed him by the sword. His body was lain upon the ashes of South Sheild.
South Shield was sacked, with the houses of those that followed the laws of Noah being spared, and left to repopulate the city. According to the laws of war, men over the age of 13 were tried and executed, all women and children were either left to scatter with what men ran or taken as bondmen and women. Much loot was taken, with the noachides left to take the rest.
After the sack of South Shield, the cowardly Christians finished the sack, killing all the noachides and burning the city completely. Aleksander returned with his ships and slaughtered the soldiers personally, then buried them. He came back his clothes rent, but with no breaking of skin. When asked why, he said, “It is written, do not cut for the dead. I was doing this for the dead, thus I like my father did not allow myself to be cut.”
A letter to the Volda Yeshivah from the Jutland and Roskilde Beis Dihn
Rabbi Zechariah Ben Avraham’s Beis Dhin
Peace be upon you, we have read your responsa concerning the conversion of additional Norse. As the leading Beis Dins of the Jews in the north, we have ruled that your responsa will not be the official law for the Jews of the north. While we do recognize the Volda Beis Din as legitimate, we ask that all converts make the journey south to be reaffirmed by us. On the journey they are to be subject to all the laws and statutes that any other Jew would be, we are merely affirming, not actually converting. We would also like to inquire as to the rumors that you are continuing to use pagan symbols such as the swatzika and Thor’s hammer. We would caution against using such symbols.
The Danish Beis Dhins
The response, both this and the previous letter are printed in the book, collected responsa of the Volda Beis Dhin, which is in the greater 10 volume set, teachings of the Volda Yeshivah. The teachings contained within would be instrumental in forming the Norse school of Tsaphonim Judaism. Even today it, along with its competition with the 13 principle of faith, is viewed as the greatest work of the Volda School and authoritative by Beith Norim and some Beith Svenskim Tsaphonim.
To the Danish Beith Dhin’s
With all due respect to your Torah learning as the greatest sages in the north your legal authority does not extend into the House of the Norse.(1) However because of your great learning we will do as you ask and send our converts to you.
As to the issue of pagan symbols let it be known that the Beith Dhin has condemned the use of the swastika. This is because of the book of Leviticus where is is written, “neither shall you walk in their ways.” This refers not only to foreign worship as you well know but also how they act. For example this law bans shaving your head. If shaving your head is barred, how much more so is a symbol? This symbol of the swastika is commonly found on Thor’s hammer and grants protection from the gods. Tractate Avadah Zarah tells us that it is forbidden to even derive benefit from idols, for example wine sacrificed to idols. How much more then would accepting their protection be deriving benefit.
(It goes on at length discussing the laws concerning pagan symbols)
We must then discuss the issue of Thor’s hammer. All of the hammers of Thor were upon the coming of Simeon Ben Yehoshuah the Righteous to our lands, we burned and melted them all. Their remains were cast into the Fjord for it is written, “He scattered it on the water.” The hammers hanging around the neck of us Tsaphonim is plain, and flat. It bears no symbols or resemblance to the hammer of Thor except that it is a hammer. Yehudah is called hammer in our holy Talmud. You will also note that around that neck of other Tsaphonim is the jaw bone made of metal or alternatively that of a honeycomb. The hammer is purely coincidental, and not even the molds used for the hammer of Thor are reused. They were also poured into the Fjord. We are thus innocent of this accusation.
Yours, the Volda Yeshivah
The accounts give no foreknowledge of this event. The various writings have this event suddenly leap into the records of the Jutland and Roskilde Beith Dhins. In one morning over 200 Norse, three numbers are given but the Roskilde official number of 128 men over bar mitzvah age. Leading them was a Jew who had for the past few years taught them by the name of Simeon Ben Yehoshuah. They carried with them teffilin and tsitsith hand made according to the laws of Moses. This was of course a shock to the community there. The Beith Din debated at length their conversion and it was eventually decided to convert them. Each individual and family was then brought into the Beith Dhin and interviewed concerning themselves and their neighbors. This was recorded into the archives of the Roskilde Beith Din and would serve as the precedent for other mass conversions among the Tsaphonim. Each and every one of these new Jews were then circumcised individually and one by one went into the Mikvah. The sources then remark, “The party rivaled Simchath Toirah with its revelry.”
Simeon Ben Yehoshuah and a few other of the new converts remained behind temporarily to study in the Yeshivah. Their writings were preserved as the works of the school of Volda. The Volda Beis Din was formed with Simeon Ben Yehoshuah at its head. With his death, a convert by the name of Zechariah Ben Avraham took over as head of the Volda Beis Din. It is from here that the reputation of Norse zealousness first began. With Simeon Ben Yehoshuah no longer stopping them, the records show a sudden increase in converts. While the sources do not specifically say that the Volda Jews were engaged in open proslytization at this time, several writings in the works of the school of Volda do argue for the reaching out towards other Norse in order to join the Tsaphonim. Interestingly enough this is the first use of the word Tsaphonim to describe the Jews of the North.
The Anglo Saxon Chronicle
A most curious attack occurred in Northumbria during the start of the raiding season. This time only two ships assaulted the coast. However these Norsemen were not pagans but instead Jews. The monestaries and churches were looted and each village saw only these destroyed. They would return the following year repeating this process up and down the Northumbrian coast. At villages lacking a church, they would preach adherence to the law of Noah or for the elect, Moses. They taught that if one truly wanted to be powerful and righteous they must follow Moses in order to strengthen one’s soul and body. The laws of Noah were for those who did not wish to be warriors or sages. Any village that would follow the laws of Noah would be safe from their attack, and any who wished to follow Moses and become a warrior or sage should return with them to undergo many tests to see if they were worthy. No village took them up on this offer, however.
The king of Northumbria, Eadwulf, set out to put a stop to these raids. In the summer he received new that they had began raiding in the north. He march down just further south and waited for them. When he espied their ships with the hammer of Judah, the Lion of Judah, the honey comb of Samson, and other such symbols in the distance. He waited and hid near a monestery. They came ashore and assaulted the monastery. Eadwulf then assaulted the Jews. After a fierce battle the king retreated, unable to defeat the Jews. They pursued him to some distance and forced a battle. King Eadwulf was defeated decisivly and fled on horse back. The Jews then retreated back to the sea. The king rose another force to stop the Norse Jews and met them again in battle. This time they were led by their Rabbi Zechariah. South of the city of South Shields they met in battle. The Norse at first clash retreated. The king, spurred on by the promise of victory against the Jews, charged forward. He managed to corner them against a river where upon they surrendered.
Seeing that Zechariah wasn’t among them, the king began riding back to South Shields. Smoke was quickly seen as the city was being sacked. Seeing the smoke, the surrendered soldiers again took up arms and fought. The soldiers were demoralized from the fall of the city and quickly fled. The king managed to gather together a small force and made a stand, which the small force of Norse unable to push him. However, Zechariah arrived, riding upon a stolen horse, and led them in a charge. The lines broke and King Eadwulf was killed. South Shields was sacked that day, and burnt to the ground. The population was massacred, and to this day, the city has not recovered.
Norse Saga concerning Rabbi Zechariah Ben Avraham
Rabbi Zechariah Ben Avraham, hearing of the attack upon the ships of Volda, organized 20 ships of men from the House of the Norse. Along side him, Aleksander Ben Meshulam the uncuttable brought with him 10 ships of men gathered from the Norse and Danes. The 30 ships sailed to Northumbria where they met the King Eadwulf Ben Aethelthrith in battle. Remembering the deeds of Joshuah, they placed a force led by Aleksander to serve as bait. The king of Northumbria, seeing the army rode out. The army retreated to a nearby river to make the king think he had them. They then turned around and fought. At this time, smoke began rising from South Shields. The soldiers were demoralized and were easily cut down. The king however fought like 20 men, daring all to fight him. Aleksander however dropped his weapons and stepped forward. The king attacked him, think that Aleksander would fall easily. To his surprise, sword and spear broke upon his chest. The king attempted to run, however, he was caught by Aleksander who drug him before Zechariah. They convened a Beith Dhin and executed him by the sword. His body was lain upon the ashes of South Sheild.
South Shield was sacked, with the houses of those that followed the laws of Noah being spared, and left to repopulate the city. According to the laws of war, men over the age of 13 were tried and executed, all women and children were either left to scatter with what men ran or taken as bondmen and women. Much loot was taken, with the noachides left to take the rest.
After the sack of South Shield, the cowardly Christians finished the sack, killing all the noachides and burning the city completely. Aleksander returned with his ships and slaughtered the soldiers personally, then buried them. He came back his clothes rent, but with no breaking of skin. When asked why, he said, “It is written, do not cut for the dead. I was doing this for the dead, thus I like my father did not allow myself to be cut.”
A letter to the Volda Yeshivah from the Jutland and Roskilde Beis Dihn
Rabbi Zechariah Ben Avraham’s Beis Dhin
Peace be upon you, we have read your responsa concerning the conversion of additional Norse. As the leading Beis Dins of the Jews in the north, we have ruled that your responsa will not be the official law for the Jews of the north. While we do recognize the Volda Beis Din as legitimate, we ask that all converts make the journey south to be reaffirmed by us. On the journey they are to be subject to all the laws and statutes that any other Jew would be, we are merely affirming, not actually converting. We would also like to inquire as to the rumors that you are continuing to use pagan symbols such as the swatzika and Thor’s hammer. We would caution against using such symbols.
The Danish Beis Dhins
The response, both this and the previous letter are printed in the book, collected responsa of the Volda Beis Dhin, which is in the greater 10 volume set, teachings of the Volda Yeshivah. The teachings contained within would be instrumental in forming the Norse school of Tsaphonim Judaism. Even today it, along with its competition with the 13 principle of faith, is viewed as the greatest work of the Volda School and authoritative by Beith Norim and some Beith Svenskim Tsaphonim.
To the Danish Beith Dhin’s
With all due respect to your Torah learning as the greatest sages in the north your legal authority does not extend into the House of the Norse.(1) However because of your great learning we will do as you ask and send our converts to you.
As to the issue of pagan symbols let it be known that the Beith Dhin has condemned the use of the swastika. This is because of the book of Leviticus where is is written, “neither shall you walk in their ways.” This refers not only to foreign worship as you well know but also how they act. For example this law bans shaving your head. If shaving your head is barred, how much more so is a symbol? This symbol of the swastika is commonly found on Thor’s hammer and grants protection from the gods. Tractate Avadah Zarah tells us that it is forbidden to even derive benefit from idols, for example wine sacrificed to idols. How much more then would accepting their protection be deriving benefit.
(It goes on at length discussing the laws concerning pagan symbols)
We must then discuss the issue of Thor’s hammer. All of the hammers of Thor were upon the coming of Simeon Ben Yehoshuah the Righteous to our lands, we burned and melted them all. Their remains were cast into the Fjord for it is written, “He scattered it on the water.” The hammers hanging around the neck of us Tsaphonim is plain, and flat. It bears no symbols or resemblance to the hammer of Thor except that it is a hammer. Yehudah is called hammer in our holy Talmud. You will also note that around that neck of other Tsaphonim is the jaw bone made of metal or alternatively that of a honeycomb. The hammer is purely coincidental, and not even the molds used for the hammer of Thor are reused. They were also poured into the Fjord. We are thus innocent of this accusation.
Yours, the Volda Yeshivah
Subtle syncretization, nice.
Also, you say in your bio that you're a chassid. Which group? I'm Modox, but if I were a chassid I'd be a Boyaner.
Also, you say in your bio that you're a chassid. Which group? I'm Modox, but if I were a chassid I'd be a Boyaner.
Im a lubavitcher, before you ask, the Rebbe of blessed memory was a man, I am not a messichist.
Gotcha. I studied in a yeshiva a while ago that was, if not outright messichist, was at least sympathetic to them. Wasn't for me, but I did learn a lot.
Interesting TL excited to see how far this goes also you may want to put trademarks on The posts for the TL So people don’t get confuse when you post a new chapter
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Entry 4
The great Judeo-Heathen Army(Going back in time 50 years because I messed up dates, and added a century in my head to the great heathen army and Danelaw excuse me, Judeo-Danelaw)
In 863 of the Piusnian calendar a combined army of Jews and scandinavian pagans invaded Anglia. The reason is disputed between the sources with the sagas blaming the death of Ragnar Lothbrook at the hands of king Aella, while the Anglo-Saxon sources saying that they wished to conquer England. The other primary source, The Wars of Ivar the Boneless, agrees with the sagas, however, weather this is hearsay, a false justification, or true is debated by historians. One of the author’s students, Rabbi Seth says the following concerning his teachers work. “While my teachers account when he was there is assuredly accurate, I have come to doubt the parts he was not. Certainly, Ivar’s father Ragnar Lothbrook lived and died but with the extent of stories about him, some of these recorded in my master’s book, I doubt can be true.” Authorization, for the invasion as given by the Jutland Beith Dhin records no motive and reads only as follows.
With the assent of Bagscg, king of Denmark and the Jews of the North, the Jutland Beith Dhin hereby authorizes the Jarls of Denmark in an invasion of conquest of the lands of the Saxons, Angles, and Jutes lead by Ivar Ben Ragnar. Ten percent of all booty is to be surrendered to the widows and orphans. When land is divided, the heirs of the fallen shall also be included.
The army numbered according to some estimates 1300 men and was made up of more than the Danes, but men from all over Scandinavia. This army landed in Anglia where King Edward gifted them horses so that he wouldn’t be attacked and allowed them to winter there. From there they marched up to Northumbria where on the advice of the Rabbis there, inspired by their holy book, an effective feint was used. In this attack, the bulk of the forces, lead by Ivar Ben Ragnar would attack a city and draw out its defenders. From there, a detachment would take the city and burn it. The army saw its first real battle outside of York where this tactic was first used. The army of Aella king of Northumbria met them outside of York where they were defeated through this method and the King captured. York was sacked and Rabbi Shimon Ben Levi lead a beith dhin to try him. There was a disagreement between Ivar Ben Ragnar and Shimon Ben Levi as to the punishment to be meted out. It was determined that as a murderer with no witnesses he couldn’t be killed, the sagas then state that he met the end of the idolaters. The Anglo-Saxon chronicle accuses them of burning him alive, however according to the wars of Ivar the Boneless he was hung and his body burnt.
After seizing Northumbria, an informal Beith Dhin was formed and the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok were granted rulership, and the Rabbis present crowned Ivar Ben Ragnar King of Northumbria. At the urging of the Rabbis, who felt it was prudent to isolate Mercia before destroying the kingdom, the army marched south to Wessex after the failed attempt at seizing Nottingham and the successful invasion of East Anglia. A letter written by Rabbi Shimon Ben Levi is in the archives of the Jutland Beith Dhin and relates briefly the discussion between the leaders of the army before announcing that the land of the Saxons will be free of idolatrous kings. Historians have used this statement to demonstrate that Ivar Ben Ragnar, who was supported as king of Beissaxon, was Noachide, however we have no other evidence and it is generally assumed that he remained pagan.
The letter was one of several that would later be assembled into a single volume by Rabbi Shimon named the Wars of Ivar the Boneless, which described his campaigns and rulership after the death of his brother lead to him ending his campaigning. Historians debate the reason for this, but the reason given by the student of Rabbi Shimon, Rabbi Yitzhak is that his teacher wished to lend legitimacy for what would eventually become the York Beith Dhin, encourage Danish and Jewish relations to remain friendly, and to motivate Danes and Jews to move to the new Judeo-Danelaw region.
An excerpt from Wars of Ivar the Boneless, written by Rabbi Shimon
Chapter 3: Conquest of Northumbria
After wintering in the East of The House of the Angles, we departed with our horses to Northumbria to avenge to death of Ragnar Ben Sigurd. We first marched to the city of York with the goal being to conquer the city and pass judgment upon King Aelia. As we approached the city, we took council, I, Rabbi Calev Ben Ari, Rabbi Fishel ben Yitzhak, and Ivar Ben Ragnar the Boneless, Halfdan Ben Ragnar and Ubba ben Ragnar. We discussed how to take the city. The brothers of Ivar Ben Ragnar proposed that we besiege the city and burn the gates in a frontal attack. I, supported by my fellow Jews, proposed that we draw them out of their city. Ivar Ben Ragnar took my advice despite the protests of his brothers. We camped in two camps, one in plain sight with extra fires while the other hid behind the cit. We then gave challenge to York and King Aella. Ivar Ben Ragnar, not content to let the army die from the city, smote the army as the fires were first began at York. He surrounded the army, leaving for them only a small place to flee back to the city. The army was crushed and with the hope of the city behind them they fled quickly. His brother, Halfdan Ben Ragnar lead the second detachment where I was in the rear. We rushed the gate and with axes chopped it to splinters. We rushed into the town and began to burn and loot it. As the smoke started to rise, the soldiers fleeing from Ivar Ben Ragnar met with our troops, with King Aelia at their head. Halfdan Ben Ragnar and I fought King Aelia, us making sure he could not flee. With the soldiers trapped we slaughtered them. Ivar the Boneless returned, finding Halfdan Ben Ragnar and I fighting with King Aelia. See him return, I allowed him to instead fight the king. Ivar Ben Ragnar and his two brothers defeated King Aelia and sliced off his hand.
All inhabitants were gathered outside and with the agreement of the sons of Ragnar we held a Beith Dhin in York and before the inhabitants of the city. We heard the witnesses and judged King Aelia guilty. We hung the king on the tree outside the city and burned his body. We convened and decided that the town would be spared if they burnt their idols and churches. We offered this deal and most accepted, the rest we seized their property as booty, and took the gold from the churches before burning them. The Beith Dhin also with the authority vested in us according to the Torah and the agreement of his brothers, crowned Ivar Ben Ragnar king of the Saxons, and the Danes, Norse, and Swedes, in their lands.
We appointed two men, Cnut Ben Arvid and Rabbi Pinchas Ben Yitzhak brother of Rabbi Fishel to rule the House of the Saxons in the stead of King Ivar. With them a hundred Jews and Danes agreed to stay there. And thus we wintered here.
AD 866 This year Ethered, brother of Ethelbert, took to the West-Saxon government; and the same year came a large heathen and Jewish army into England, and fixed their winter- quarters in East-Anglia, where they were soon horsed; and the inhabitants made peace with them
AD 867 This year the army went from the East-Angles over the mouth of the Humber to the Northumbrians, as far as York. And there was much dissension in that nation among themselves; they had deposed their king Osbert, and had admitted Aella, who had no natural claim. Late in the year, however, they returned to their allegiance, and they were now fighting against the common enemy; having collected a vast force, with which they fought the army at York. The Heathens and Jews sought to deceive King Aella by making him think they were in a weak position. He sought battle whereupon his army was scattered. They broke open the town and entered in. Then there was an immense slaughter of the Northumbrians, some within and some without; and both the kings were slain. King Aella was burnt alive by the heathens. The survivors made peace with the army. The same year died Bishop Ealstan, who had the bishopric of Sherbon fifty winters, and his body lies in the town.
A/N: I have two ideas where to take this. First is that Wessex loses someof its land, then unites with Mercia under Edward as historical, to defeat the five bouroughs, and the land taken by Gunfred. The other is that wessex is fully conquered and Mercia is the only kingdom left, which will mean Danelaw will last longer, and William the conquerer will remain just Norman. I haven't decided yet so I would like to get y'all's input on which should I do.
In 863 of the Piusnian calendar a combined army of Jews and scandinavian pagans invaded Anglia. The reason is disputed between the sources with the sagas blaming the death of Ragnar Lothbrook at the hands of king Aella, while the Anglo-Saxon sources saying that they wished to conquer England. The other primary source, The Wars of Ivar the Boneless, agrees with the sagas, however, weather this is hearsay, a false justification, or true is debated by historians. One of the author’s students, Rabbi Seth says the following concerning his teachers work. “While my teachers account when he was there is assuredly accurate, I have come to doubt the parts he was not. Certainly, Ivar’s father Ragnar Lothbrook lived and died but with the extent of stories about him, some of these recorded in my master’s book, I doubt can be true.” Authorization, for the invasion as given by the Jutland Beith Dhin records no motive and reads only as follows.
With the assent of Bagscg, king of Denmark and the Jews of the North, the Jutland Beith Dhin hereby authorizes the Jarls of Denmark in an invasion of conquest of the lands of the Saxons, Angles, and Jutes lead by Ivar Ben Ragnar. Ten percent of all booty is to be surrendered to the widows and orphans. When land is divided, the heirs of the fallen shall also be included.
The army numbered according to some estimates 1300 men and was made up of more than the Danes, but men from all over Scandinavia. This army landed in Anglia where King Edward gifted them horses so that he wouldn’t be attacked and allowed them to winter there. From there they marched up to Northumbria where on the advice of the Rabbis there, inspired by their holy book, an effective feint was used. In this attack, the bulk of the forces, lead by Ivar Ben Ragnar would attack a city and draw out its defenders. From there, a detachment would take the city and burn it. The army saw its first real battle outside of York where this tactic was first used. The army of Aella king of Northumbria met them outside of York where they were defeated through this method and the King captured. York was sacked and Rabbi Shimon Ben Levi lead a beith dhin to try him. There was a disagreement between Ivar Ben Ragnar and Shimon Ben Levi as to the punishment to be meted out. It was determined that as a murderer with no witnesses he couldn’t be killed, the sagas then state that he met the end of the idolaters. The Anglo-Saxon chronicle accuses them of burning him alive, however according to the wars of Ivar the Boneless he was hung and his body burnt.
After seizing Northumbria, an informal Beith Dhin was formed and the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok were granted rulership, and the Rabbis present crowned Ivar Ben Ragnar King of Northumbria. At the urging of the Rabbis, who felt it was prudent to isolate Mercia before destroying the kingdom, the army marched south to Wessex after the failed attempt at seizing Nottingham and the successful invasion of East Anglia. A letter written by Rabbi Shimon Ben Levi is in the archives of the Jutland Beith Dhin and relates briefly the discussion between the leaders of the army before announcing that the land of the Saxons will be free of idolatrous kings. Historians have used this statement to demonstrate that Ivar Ben Ragnar, who was supported as king of Beissaxon, was Noachide, however we have no other evidence and it is generally assumed that he remained pagan.
The letter was one of several that would later be assembled into a single volume by Rabbi Shimon named the Wars of Ivar the Boneless, which described his campaigns and rulership after the death of his brother lead to him ending his campaigning. Historians debate the reason for this, but the reason given by the student of Rabbi Shimon, Rabbi Yitzhak is that his teacher wished to lend legitimacy for what would eventually become the York Beith Dhin, encourage Danish and Jewish relations to remain friendly, and to motivate Danes and Jews to move to the new Judeo-Danelaw region.
An excerpt from Wars of Ivar the Boneless, written by Rabbi Shimon
Chapter 3: Conquest of Northumbria
After wintering in the East of The House of the Angles, we departed with our horses to Northumbria to avenge to death of Ragnar Ben Sigurd. We first marched to the city of York with the goal being to conquer the city and pass judgment upon King Aelia. As we approached the city, we took council, I, Rabbi Calev Ben Ari, Rabbi Fishel ben Yitzhak, and Ivar Ben Ragnar the Boneless, Halfdan Ben Ragnar and Ubba ben Ragnar. We discussed how to take the city. The brothers of Ivar Ben Ragnar proposed that we besiege the city and burn the gates in a frontal attack. I, supported by my fellow Jews, proposed that we draw them out of their city. Ivar Ben Ragnar took my advice despite the protests of his brothers. We camped in two camps, one in plain sight with extra fires while the other hid behind the cit. We then gave challenge to York and King Aella. Ivar Ben Ragnar, not content to let the army die from the city, smote the army as the fires were first began at York. He surrounded the army, leaving for them only a small place to flee back to the city. The army was crushed and with the hope of the city behind them they fled quickly. His brother, Halfdan Ben Ragnar lead the second detachment where I was in the rear. We rushed the gate and with axes chopped it to splinters. We rushed into the town and began to burn and loot it. As the smoke started to rise, the soldiers fleeing from Ivar Ben Ragnar met with our troops, with King Aelia at their head. Halfdan Ben Ragnar and I fought King Aelia, us making sure he could not flee. With the soldiers trapped we slaughtered them. Ivar the Boneless returned, finding Halfdan Ben Ragnar and I fighting with King Aelia. See him return, I allowed him to instead fight the king. Ivar Ben Ragnar and his two brothers defeated King Aelia and sliced off his hand.
All inhabitants were gathered outside and with the agreement of the sons of Ragnar we held a Beith Dhin in York and before the inhabitants of the city. We heard the witnesses and judged King Aelia guilty. We hung the king on the tree outside the city and burned his body. We convened and decided that the town would be spared if they burnt their idols and churches. We offered this deal and most accepted, the rest we seized their property as booty, and took the gold from the churches before burning them. The Beith Dhin also with the authority vested in us according to the Torah and the agreement of his brothers, crowned Ivar Ben Ragnar king of the Saxons, and the Danes, Norse, and Swedes, in their lands.
We appointed two men, Cnut Ben Arvid and Rabbi Pinchas Ben Yitzhak brother of Rabbi Fishel to rule the House of the Saxons in the stead of King Ivar. With them a hundred Jews and Danes agreed to stay there. And thus we wintered here.
AD 866 This year Ethered, brother of Ethelbert, took to the West-Saxon government; and the same year came a large heathen and Jewish army into England, and fixed their winter- quarters in East-Anglia, where they were soon horsed; and the inhabitants made peace with them
AD 867 This year the army went from the East-Angles over the mouth of the Humber to the Northumbrians, as far as York. And there was much dissension in that nation among themselves; they had deposed their king Osbert, and had admitted Aella, who had no natural claim. Late in the year, however, they returned to their allegiance, and they were now fighting against the common enemy; having collected a vast force, with which they fought the army at York. The Heathens and Jews sought to deceive King Aella by making him think they were in a weak position. He sought battle whereupon his army was scattered. They broke open the town and entered in. Then there was an immense slaughter of the Northumbrians, some within and some without; and both the kings were slain. King Aella was burnt alive by the heathens. The survivors made peace with the army. The same year died Bishop Ealstan, who had the bishopric of Sherbon fifty winters, and his body lies in the town.
A/N: I have two ideas where to take this. First is that Wessex loses someof its land, then unites with Mercia under Edward as historical, to defeat the five bouroughs, and the land taken by Gunfred. The other is that wessex is fully conquered and Mercia is the only kingdom left, which will mean Danelaw will last longer, and William the conquerer will remain just Norman. I haven't decided yet so I would like to get y'all's input on which should I do.
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This is great!
I'm not sure I have an opinion about the Wessex & Mercia question. I kind of like the second option, but would it be too much of a wank?
I'd be really interested to see the effects of all this on Jews in the rest of Europe (and in the Muslim world, since they were trading with Scandinavia)
I'm not sure I have an opinion about the Wessex & Mercia question. I kind of like the second option, but would it be too much of a wank?
I'd be really interested to see the effects of all this on Jews in the rest of Europe (and in the Muslim world, since they were trading with Scandinavia)
Reminds me of the bit about Jews living in Vinland in Empty America:
www.alternatehistory.com
www.alternatehistory.com
www.alternatehistory.com
timelines:empty_america_-_archived_version [alternatehistory.com wiki]
www.alternatehistory.com
timelines:empty_america_-_archived_version [alternatehistory.com wiki]
www.alternatehistory.com
timelines:empty_america_-_archived_version [alternatehistory.com wiki]
www.alternatehistory.com
Thanks achi!
The wank is what I'm afraid of, I do want things to be cool, and then a crusade murdered everyone isn't a good timeline, but I don't want a Jewish England, and do what some version of the UK to form. I'll probably putter around for a little bit before I decide.
Anti semetism is higher in the areas hit by Viking raids. I don't know of any changed with the muslim world beyond hey some of these traders are Jews now. My outline does have some interaction between them however.
Far better recomendation then the HTTYD fan fic some one else did. Not that I don't appreciate it. I have enjoyed what I have read so far, thanks for the reccomendation.Reminds me of the bit about Jews living in Vinland in Empty America:
timelines:empty_america_-_archived_version [alternatehistory.com wiki]
timelines:empty_america_-_archived_version [alternatehistory.com wiki]
timelines:empty_america_-_archived_version [alternatehistory.com wiki]
You bet! Earlier I made a reference to how they were adopting some scandinavian clothing costums, I've been considering doing an interum after a certain amount of time. Do you have any ideas for that floating around?
Was there a break? Or is this intentional? Because it kinda...upsets me that there is no (.) on the end...to be honest noy, adding "Unknown" or "unnamed author" is a lot better...for myself alone so far.
What is the religious importance of burning the body? So far, i thought it is a denial for them to rise in the last judgement.
It is a good deal, I hope the inhabitants will be discreetly told that they will be spared by the Norse in there Raids when they converted to the Teachings of the Torah.
*proud beard tugging* I am content that the Teachings of The Torah is being spread.
Wait...is this the same warrior Bishop in that show Vikings?...good thing he died then, crusade and later genocide of the Danes of Danelaw will be avoided then.
Let us fully deviate from the historical timeline...but then again...the chapters will be alot harder for you to create due to you, creating your own Alt timeline.
To be honest i cant see any alternatives.
Wanking your own people? Yes, it has been done a hundred times, Its just there aren't that many religious Jews on the forum so we don't get wanked as much.