The translation that seems to make the most sense is “overconfidence”, which is an ambiguous term because it can be seen in both positive and negative light, though we it comes to Birhtnoth yielding ground to the Vikings I believe his overconfidence should be seen in a positive light. Even though he possesses the ability to slowly kill the Vikings one by one if they attempt to cross the bridge, he decides that fighting a fair battle is worth more to him than whether he wins or looses. This is demonstrated when Birhtnoth decides to allow the Vikings cross and says, “Now the way is laid open for you. Come straightway to us, as men to battle. God alone knows which of us may be master of the field” (91-93). Birhtnoth is acknowledging that he
