Byrhtnoth, English soldier (born 956)

Byrhtnoth, Ealdorman of Essex, died at the Battle of Maldon. His name is composed of the Old English beorht (bright) and nōþ (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.