Why Was Hereward Called the Wake?

Hereward is an Old English name, composed of the elements here, "army" and ward "guard" (cognate with the Old High German name Heriwart). ... The epithet "the Wake", first recorded in the 14th century, may mean "the watchful", or derive from the Anglo-Norman Wake family who later claimed descent from him.

Why is Hereward the Wake famous?

Hereward the Wake, the guerrilla leader who fought William the Conqueror for five years from 1066, was, according to new research, a high-ranking Dane. ... From a base in the Fens, Hereward led a war of resistance against the Normans until he was finally defeated in 1071.

What was the name of Hereward the wakes sword?

For years he was a pain in the Norman's backside, and a legend for the Saxons. He died in an ambush, fighting the Normans with his sword, Brainbiter, covered with their blood. Hereward is currently NOT in any of the SAGA books. He WILL return!