Stupid Deaths: King Harold's Brothers

Death welcomes two Saxon warriors who identify themselves as King Harold’s brothers, Gyrth and Leofwine. They enthusiastically describe their part in the Battle of Hastings: a strong position on a hill, a successful shield wall and an apparently fleeing Norman army. Their decision to chase the enemy breaks their formation and leads to a fatal reversal, yet they still discuss the battle as though they are giving sporting scores. Death explains the consequences for their brother’s reign and Saxon England, then grows frustrated when his visitors fail to appreciate his jokes.