Editing Hengist and Horsa (section)

===''History of the Britons''===
[[File:Hengest and Horsa Verstegan.jpg|thumb|Hengist and Horsa arriving in Britain, as depicted by [[Richard Rowlands]] (1605)]]
The 9th century [[Historia Brittonum|''History of the Britons'']], attributed to the Briton [[Nennius]], records that, during the reign of Vortigern in Britain, three vessels that had been exiled from Germany arrived in Britain, commanded by Hengist and Horsa. The narrative then gives a genealogy of the two: Hengist and Horsa were sons of Guictglis, son of Guicta, son of Guechta, son of Vouden, son of Frealof, son of Fredulf, son of Finn, son of Foleguald, son of Geta. Geta was said to be the son of a god, yet "not of the omnipotent God and our Lord Jesus Christ", but rather "the offspring of one of their idols, and whom, blinded by some demon, they worshipped according to the custom of the heathen". In 447 AD Vortigern received Hengist and Horsa "as friends" and gave to the brothers the Isle of Thanet.<ref name=GUNN18>Gunn (1819:18).</ref>

After the Saxons had lived on Thanet for "some time" Vortigern promised them supplies of clothing and other provisions on condition that they assist him in fighting the enemies of his country. As the Saxons increased in number the Britons became unable to keep their agreement, and so told them that their assistance was no longer needed and that they should go home.<ref name=GUNN22>Gunn (1819:22).</ref>

Vortigern allowed Hengist to send for more of his countrymen to come over to fight for him. Messengers were sent to "[[Scythia]]", where "a number" of warriors were selected, and, with sixteen ships, the messengers returned. With the men came Hengist's beautiful daughter. Hengist prepared a feast, inviting Vortigern, Vortigern's officers, and Ceretic, his translator. Prior to the feast, Hengist enjoined his daughter to serve the guests plenty of wine and ale so that they would become drunk. At the feast Vortigern became enamored with her and promised Hengist whatever he liked in exchange for her betrothal. Hengist, having "consulted with the Elders who attended him of the Angle race", demanded Kent. Without the knowledge of the then-ruler of Kent, Vortigern agreed.<ref name=GUNN22-23>Gunn (1819:22–23).</ref>

Hengist's daughter was given to Vortigern, who slept with her and deeply loved her. Hengist told Vortigern that he would now be both his father and adviser and that Vortigern would know no defeat with his counsel, "for the people of my country are strong, warlike, and robust". With Vortigern's approval, Hengist would send for his son and his brother to fight against the Scots and those who dwelt near the wall. Vortigern agreed and [[Octa of Kent|Ochta]] and Ebissa arrived with 40 ships, sailed around the land of the Picts, conquered "many regions", and assaulted the [[Orkney]] Islands. Hengist continued to send for more ships from his country, so that some islands where his people had previously dwelt are now free of inhabitants.<ref name=GUNN23-24>Gunn (1819:23–24).</ref>

Vortigern had meanwhile incurred the wrath of [[Germanus of Auxerre|Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre]] (by taking his own daughter for a wife and having a son by her) and had gone into hiding at the advice of his council. But at length his son [[Vortimer]] engaged Hengist and Horsa and their men in battle, drove them back to Thanet and there enclosed them and beset them on the western flank. The war waxed and waned; the Saxons repeatedly gained ground and were repeatedly driven back.<ref name=GUNN29>Gunn (1819:29).</ref> Vortimer attacked the Saxons four times: first enclosing the Saxons in Thanet, secondly fighting at the river [[River Derwent, North East England|Derwent]], the third time at [[Battle of Aylesford|Epsford]], where both Horsa and Vortigern's son [[Catigern]] died, and lastly "near the stone on the shore of the Gallic sea", where the Saxons were defeated and fled to their ships.

After a "short interval" Vortimer died and the Saxons became established, "assisted by foreign pagans". Hengist convened his forces and sent to Vortigern an offer of peace. Vortigern accepted, and Hengist prepared a feast to bring together the British and Saxon leaders.<ref name=GUNN30-31>Gunn (1819:30–31).</ref> However, he instructed his men to conceal knives beneath their feet. At the right moment, Hengist shouted ''nima der [[seax|sexa]]'' (get your knives) and his men massacred the unsuspecting Britons. However, they spared Vortigern, who ransomed himself by giving the Saxons Essex, Sussex, Middlesex and other unnamed districts.<ref name=GUNN31-32>Gunn (1819:31–32).</ref>

Germanus of Auxerre was acclaimed as commander of the British forces. By praying, singing "[[hallelujah]]" and crying to God, the Britons drove the Saxons to the sea. Germanus then prayed for three days and nights at Vortigern's castle and fire fell from heaven and engulfed the castle. Vortigern, Hengist's daughter, Vortigern's other wives, and all other inhabitants burned to death. Potential alternate fates for Vortigern are provided.<ref name=GUNN33>Gunn (1819:33).</ref> However, the Saxons continued to increase in numbers, and after Hengist died his son Ochta succeeded him.<ref name=GUNN34>Gunn (1819:34).</ref>