Bede: EHEP—Book I—Chapter 34

In 603 AD, there is a great battle ensues between King Aethelfrith of Bernicia and King Aedan of the Irish who was alarmed by Aethelfrith's conquests. King Aedan was eventually defeated (but not killed) at Degsastan (location is unknown) and until the time of Bede's writing, the Irish did not dare march on the English.

In this chapter, Bede draws a comparison between Aethelfrith and Saul, a famous biblical king (with the exception that King Aethelfrith was not Christian). The bible acts as a precedence and justification for kingly powers. Although Aethelfrith is not Christian, Bede seems to admire his prowess anyway and calls him "a very brave king" who was "most eager for glory."

This chapter concludes the end of Book 1.