Which relative did Harold send to fight William first?

Which relative did Harold send to fight William first?

• A. Gryth
• B. Leofwine
• C. Tostig
• D. Edgar the Aethling

Answer: (A)

Harold’s decision to call on his own kin to defend the realm is the focal point here. When William’s invasion began in 1066, Harold Godwinson relied on family to bolster the army, placing his brothers in the front lines as part of the initial defense. Among them, Gyrth is the one most closely identified with being sent forward first to ride with Harold and help form the shield wall that met William’s forces. Gyrth, along with his brother Leofwine, led the central thrust and fought bravely, dying in the Battle of Hastings. Tostig, another brother, had long been estranged and was fighting for Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge earlier in the year, not with Harold against William. Edgar the Ætheling was a young cousin and claimant who did not take an active combat role in William’s invasion. So the relative who was sent to fight William first—and who is singled out in this context—is Gyrth.

Harold’s decision to call on his own kin to defend the realm is the focal point here. When William’s invasion began in 1066, Harold Godwinson relied on family to bolster the army, placing his brothers in the front lines as part of the initial defense. Among them, Gyrth is the one most closely identified with being sent forward first to ride with Harold and help form the shield wall that met William’s forces. Gyrth, along with his brother Leofwine, led the central thrust and fought bravely, dying in the Battle of Hastings.

Tostig, another brother, had long been estranged and was fighting for Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge earlier in the year, not with Harold against William. Edgar the Ætheling was a young cousin and claimant who did not take an active combat role in William’s invasion. So the relative who was sent to fight William first—and who is singled out in this context—is Gyrth.