Two Anglo-Saxon missionaries in Saxony: Ewald the Black and Ewald the White

Abstract

In the framework of the cultural exchanges among North Sea peoples, the English missionaries have a significant place; their action was crucial for the dissemination of Christianity in the Frankish Empire. This contribution focuses on the lives and missionary efforts of two English monks, the two Ewalds, known as the ‘Black’ and the ‘White’, respectively, on account the colour of their hair and complexions. Around the year 690, they ventured into Saxony, presumably in the footsteps of Willibrord, to spread the Christian word among the pagan populations of that region. However, their expedition was short-lived, as they were soon captured and murdered. The mission and martyrdom of the two Ewalds represent a piece (albeit marginal) of the great mosaic of relations between early medieval England and the Continent and demonstrates what tragic consequences could result from a lack of collaboration with the Frankish rulers.