“King Alfred” is an epic poem written by John Fitchett (1776–1838)

 

“King Alfred” is an epic poem written by John Fitchett (1776–1838), an English poet and lawyer.

Here’s an overview of the work and its significance:

🏰 Overview

• Full Title: King Alfred: An Epic Poem
• Author: John Fitchett
• Publication: The poem was left unfinished at Fitchett’s death in 1838 and later completed and published posthumously (between 1841 and 1849) by Robert Roscoe.
• Length: It is an extremely long poem, often cited as one of the longest poems in the English language—stretching to about 131,000 lines in total.

📜 Content and Themes

Fitchett’s King Alfred tells the story of Alfred the Great (849–899), the Anglo-Saxon king of Wessex who defended England against Viking invasions and laid foundations for the unified English kingdom.

Main themes include:

• Patriotism and leadership
• Christian virtue and moral strength
• The struggle for civilization and knowledge against barbarism
• National identity and divine providence

The poem blends historical narrative with romantic and moral reflection, portraying Alfred as both a warrior-king and a moral philosopher—a model of wise and just rule.

🖋️ Style and Structure

• Written in heroic couplets (rhymed iambic pentameter).
• Deeply influenced by Milton, Pope, and classical epics.
• Fitchett’s language is formal and ornate, reflecting early 19th-century neoclassical style.
• The poem incorporates battles, speeches, and philosophical digressions, making it a monumental but often heavy read.

📚 Critical Reception

• Admired for its ambition and historical scope, but rarely read due to its immense length and dense style.
• Critics often describe it as a curiosity of English literature rather than a popular or influential poem.
• Nonetheless, it reflects the Romantic-era interest in medieval England and heroic nationalism.

⚖️ Legacy

Though largely forgotten today, King Alfred stands as a remarkable example of Victorian historical epic poetry and an early literary tribute to one of England’s most revered monarchs.

🏰 Summary of King Alfred by John Fitchett

The poem retells the life and reign of Alfred the Great, the 9th-century Anglo-Saxon king of Wessex, blending history, legend, and moral reflection into an epic narrative.

1. England in Peril

The poem opens with England in chaos:

• Viking (Danish) invaders devastate the land.
• The Anglo-Saxon kingdoms fall one by one.
• Only Wessex, under King Alfred, remains a beacon of resistance.

Fitchett portrays Alfred as a divinely chosen leader destined to save his people and restore peace.

2. Alfred’s Trials and Exile

After initial defeats in battle, Alfred is forced to flee into the marshes of Athelney, living in disguise among peasants.

• This section highlights his humility, patience, and faith in God.
• One of the famous episodes recalls the “burning of the cakes” legend, where Alfred, distracted by his worries, allows bread to burn and is scolded by a peasant woman — symbolizing his human side and endurance in hardship.

3. The Rise of Hope

While in hiding, Alfred gathers loyal followers.

• He reorganizes his army, strengthens morale, and plans a counterattack.
• The poem intersperses moral meditations on leadership, virtue, and divine justice — showing Alfred as a model Christian king.

4. The Great Battle and Victory

Alfred leads his forces in a decisive battle against the Danes (usually identified as the Battle of Edington, 878).

• Fitchett describes the clash in grand, heroic style.
• Alfred triumphs, proving that faith and courage can overcome tyranny.
• The defeated Danish leader, Guthrum, eventually converts to Christianity under Alfred’s influence.

5. Peace and Restoration

With victory secured, Alfred rebuilds England:

• He reforms laws, education, and religion.
• He invites scholars to his court, promotes learning, and works to unite the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
• Fitchett idealizes him as both warrior and philosopher-king — a ruler of wisdom, justice, and moral strength.

6. Alfred’s Legacy

The poem ends on a majestic and reflective tone, showing Alfred’s later years and his vision of a peaceful, enlightened England.

• Fitchett presents him as a moral symbol of national unity, whose virtues should inspire future generations.
• The closing passages blend Christian hope with patriotic pride, celebrating Alfred as the father of the English nation.

✨ In Essence

King Alfred is not just a historical epic — it’s a moral and patriotic celebration of virtue, duty, and divine providence.
Fitchett turns Alfred’s life into a heroic allegory of faith and perseverance in the face of chaos.

a timeline of the key events in John Fitchett’s King Alfred presented in a table format:

Period / Year	Event	Description
Early 9th century	Viking invasions begin	Danish (Viking) forces attack Anglo-Saxon England, causing widespread destruction.
871	Alfred becomes King of Wessex	Alfred ascends the throne after the death of his brother, inheriting a kingdom under threat.
871–878	Struggles against the Danes	Alfred suffers several defeats but resists full conquest, showcasing his patience and strategy.
878	Exile in Athelney	After a major loss, Alfred hides in marshes, living among peasants; famous “burning of the cakes” episode occurs.
878	Rally and counterattack	Alfred gathers loyal forces, reorganizes the army, and prepares to confront the Danes.
878	Battle of Edington	Alfred achieves a decisive victory over the Danish leader Guthrum.
878–886	Treaty and peace	Guthrum converts to Christianity; Alfred establishes a lasting peace and consolidates power.
Post-878	Reforms and education	Alfred reforms laws, promotes education, and strengthens Christianity; invites scholars to his court.
Later reign	Alfred’s legacy	Alfred is celebrated as a wise, just, and virtuous king, a unifier of England and a moral exemplar.

a detailed episode-by-episode timeline of John Fitchett’s King Alfred in table format, based on the poem’s narrative:

Episode / Chapter	Approx. Year / Period	Event / Scene	Description / Significance
1	Early 9th century	Viking incursions begin	Danish invaders attack England, creating chaos and threatening Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
2	871	Alfred becomes king	After his brother’s death, Alfred ascends the throne of Wessex, inheriting a kingdom under threat.
3	871–878	Initial battles	Alfred faces multiple defeats but shows resilience, strategic thinking, and leadership under pressure.
4	878	Exile in Athelney	Following a major loss, Alfred hides in marshes; the “burning of the cakes” episode illustrates his humility and human side.
5	878	Reflection and planning	While in exile, Alfred meditates on faith, virtue, and leadership, preparing morally and strategically for a comeback.
6	878	Gathering loyal forces	Alfred rallies supporters, reorganizes the army, and strengthens morale, showing strategic genius and moral authority.
7	878	Battle of Edington	Alfred decisively defeats the Danish forces; Guthrum surrenders and eventually converts to Christianity.
8	Post-878	Treaty with Danes	Peace established, Denmark’s influence is limited, and England begins unifying under Alfred’s leadership.
9	Post-878	Reforms and education	Alfred enacts legal reforms, promotes Christian morality, and revives education by inviting scholars to his court.
10	Later reign	Consolidation of England	Alfred strengthens the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, creates a sense of national identity, and embodies wisdom, virtue, and justice.
11	Legacy	Death and remembrance	Alfred is immortalized as a model king, combining military prowess with moral and intellectual leadership.