This text is a detailed account of historical events related to the Viking Age and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It covers the succession of English kings, Viking invasions and settlements, the rivalry between William the Conqueror and Harold Godwinson, the Battle of Hastings, and the Norman influence on the English language and culture.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
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3. The story begins in England in the Middle Ages, around the year 900.
4. Europe was being raided by Vikings during this time.
5. The King of the Franks gave the Vikings land in northern France in exchange for protection from other Vikings.
6. The Vikings set up the Duchy of Normandy and adopted French culture.
7. England was also conquered by Danish Vikings, but the Anglo-Saxons eventually drove them out.
8. Viking settlers remained in England and had children with the locals.
9. A king in England had two sons, but didn't specify which one should inherit the throne.
10. The king's advisors suggested killing the Viking settlers, which led to a Danish invasion.
11. The Anglo-Saxons and Vikings fought back and forth, with the Vikings eventually conquering England again.
12. The king's family went into exile, including a man named Edward.
13. Edward lived in Normandy for 30 years and tried to return to England with his brother Alfred.
14. They were betrayed by the Earl of Wessex, who blinded Alfred.
15. Edward escaped back to Normandy.
16. The Earl of Wessex, Godwin, became powerful in England and had a massive fortune.
17. Godwin's son, Harold, became the new Earl of Wessex and a close advisor to King Edward.
18. King Edward died without an heir, leading to a dispute over who should inherit the throne.
19. Harold Godwinson, William the Bastard (Duke of Normandy), and Harald Hardrada (King of Norway) all claimed the throne.
20. William the Bastard was born out of wedlock to the Duke of Normandy and a tanner's daughter.
21. William spent his childhood avoiding assassination and became known as a tough leader.
22. William and King Edward were friends, and Edward allegedly promised the throne to William.
23. Harold Godwinson visited William and pledged an oath to support his claim to the throne.
24. William gathered his armies and prepared to invade England.
25. The Pope gave William his blessing to conquer England.
26. William's invasion was delayed due to bad weather.
27. Harald Hardrada invaded England from the north, but was defeated by Harold Godwinson's army.
28. William's army sailed to England and landed at Pevensey.
29. Harold's army marched south to meet William's army, and they clashed at the Battle of Hastings.
30. The Normans had tactical advantages, including archers and cavalry.
31. The English formed a shield wall, but the Normans eventually broke through.
32. Harold Godwinson was killed in the battle.
33. William was crowned king and went on to quell rebellions and burn down villages to assert his authority.
34. The Norman Conquest of England led to significant changes in the English language and culture.
35. The Normans introduced French words and phrases into the English language.
36. The written English language changed, with the Normans introducing new spellings and vocabulary.
37. William the Conqueror couldn't read or write, but he brought significant changes to England.
Note: I've excluded opinions and focused on extracting factual information from the text.