Oswald

Oswald is a Germanic name rooted in the elements “ōs” meaning “god” and “weald” meaning “rule”; the name dates back to the beginning of the Middle Ages in England and was prevalent among the earliest Anglo-Saxons. The most famous name bearer was Oswald of Northumbria, an early 7th century King of Northumbria (which at the time was an Angles kingdom in the northeastern portion of present day England). After Oswald’s father was defeated and killed in an East Anglian battle, the boy’s maternal uncle became king which forced Oswald into exile. Much of this exile was spent in the Scottish-Celtic kingdom of Dál Riata where the youngster was converted to Christianity (thanks to the early missions of the Irish Saint Columba). Meanwhile, back in Britain, the King of the native Britons (Celts) and the King of Mercia (another Anglo-tribe) entered a pact to kill Edwin (Oswald’s uncle). Oswald’s brother (who was the king of the southern portion of Northumbria) was also killed when he tried to negotiate a peaceful settlement with the Briton King Cadwallon. Now it was time for Oswald to come face-to-face with his nemesis Cadwallon. It is believed that Oswald came south from Dál Riata, perhaps allied with some of his new pals the Scots and the Picts, and met Cadwallon at battle in Northumbria. He carried a cross and prayed to his new Christian god asking strength for his army. According to legend, an apparition of St. Columba appeared before Oswald promising victory and the death of Cadwallon. Despite being outnumbered by the Britons, Oswald was indeed victorious (much of his army converted to Christianity after the battle convinced there must be something to this one divine power they apparently witnessed). Oswald went on to reestablish a united Northumbria and came to be regarded as the most powerful king in Britain. Saint Aidan was sent from Dál Riata to help King Oswald convert his people to Christianity; an endeavor which proved successful. The king was ultimately killed in battle with the Mercians around the age of 38 in 642 A.D. Healing miracles have been attributed to the battle site where Oswald was killed known as Oswestry (in England near the Welsh border). King Oswald was martyred and came to be regarded as a saint (his Feast Day is August 5, the day he died). His actions in life are remembered to be pious and saintly despite his tradition as a Germanic warrior-king. Perhaps his name’s etymology is no accident: “God’s rule; divinely powerful”. Oswald’s cult was so popular in Britain it actually managed to spread to mainland Europe in medieval times. The name fell from fashion by the later Middle Ages but was revived again in the 19th century. Today, however, Oswald is back out of style.