Betrayal

Abstract

This chapter begins by mentioning the Vita, which paints a picture of Edward the Confessor enjoying peaceful pursuits while delegating military tasks to his commanders Harold and Tostig. It analyzes how Edward liked to delegate in accordance with contemporary guidance on kingship with Harold and Tostig as his deputies. It talks about Edward's policy to let Harold and Tostig build their empires, so that they would take better care of his. The chapter looks into Tostig's dealings with the Scots that had been effective in the eight years he had occupied the northern earldom. It describes how Tostig negotiated a truce with Malcolm and brought him to submit to Edward with the aid of the northern bishops.