BattlefieldsOdda of Devon Defeats Danish Force at Cynuit 878
Early Medieval

Odda of Devon Defeats Danish Force at Cynuit 878

878
Somerset, England
Also known as: Battle of Cynuit 878 · Ubba defeated in Devon
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Somerset, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danes (Ubba Ragnarsson)
Forces
Danish fleet force of 23 ships
VS
Victor
Devon (Ealdorman Odda)
Forces
Devon fyrd in hillfort
Outcome
Ubba killed; raven banner captured; Danish fleet destroyed; Devon preserved
The Battle

History & Significance

While Alfred was at Athelney, a Danish force under Ubba landed in Devon with 23 ships and besieged Ealdorman Odda in a hillfort. The West Saxons sortied at dawn before the Danes had properly fortified their position and killed Ubba and eight hundred men. The sacred raven banner was captured. This small victory helped sustain West Saxon morale.

Casualties & Losses

Ubba and approximately 840 Danes killed; raven banner captured

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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