Further proof of Birhtnoth’s confidence is shown through the men who follow him, they went into battle and pledged their allegiance to him. These men had enough confidence in Birhtnoth to die fighting in his honour, “They all desired either of two things, to leave life or avenge the man they loved” (194-195). Birhtnoth must have shown great confidence as a leader to have received the kind of loyalty that he did that day. The loyalty his men had for him furthermore proves why the translation “overconfidence” makes the most sense because Birhtnoth would have to of been a confident man in order to receive such loyalty. To the men death was a better alternative than living without their lord. I believe these beliefs are also influenced by the Warrior
