 | This article has multiple issues. Please helpimprove it or discuss these issues on thetalk page.(Learn how and when to remove these messages) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
|
| Ongendus | |
|---|---|
| King of the Danes | |
| Reign | c. 710 – 738 |
| Successor | Unknown, possiblyHarald Wartooth |
| Born | 7th century Denmark(presumed) |
| Died | 8th century Denmark(presumed) |
| Issue | ? |
| Dynasty | ? |
| Religion | Norse paganism |
Ongendus (perhapsAngantyr inDanish) was a king of theDanes, reigning c. 710, the firstDanish king known from contemporary literature.
He was presumably king of a stronger and more unified Denmark that rose at the end of the 7th century.
Ongendus' reign probably followed the rise of a strong kingdom in centralJutland which lasted from about 200 to 600 CE, and from 400 also includedKent andIsle of Wight.[1]
Given the time, it is assumed that Ongendus was involved with the construction of theDanevirke, as it was under construction at this time.
He may have foundedRibe,[2] and reinforcedDanevirke in 737.[3]
About 710,Saint Willibrord visited the Danes whilst Ongendus was ruling and returned with 30 boys to instruct in missionary work. No further details are given about Ongendus, other than that he was "more savage than any beast and harder than stone" — the ideal of man in the Viking Age. Against Willibrord's account, however, one should also consider that he was apparently well received, could travel in peace through Ongendus' realm and was allowed to return with his potential disciples, so the savagery of Ongendus may well be overstated. It may just have been the obligatory classification of any heathen ruler.
