Byrhtnoth

Statue of Byrhtnoth in Maldon, Essex created by John Doubleday

Byrhtnoth (Old English: Byrhtnoð), Ealdorman of Essex (c. 931 - 11 August 991), died at the Battle of Maldon. His name is composed of the Old English beorht (bright) and noþ (courage). He is the subject of The Battle of Maldon, an Old English poem; J.R.R. Tolkien's short play in verse, The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth, Beorhthelm's Son; and a modern statue at Maldon.