Tall Tales.

This article focuses on Thorkell the Tall, a prominent Viking mercenary of the early 11th century who played a pivotal role in the Danish conquest of England during the period known as the "second Viking Age." Leading a diverse Viking army from 1009, Thorkell initially raided England but later entered the service of King Æthelred, receiving payment through the heregeld tax to defend the realm. Following the Danish invasions led by Svein Forkbeard and later Cnut the Great, Thorkell became a powerful magnate, serving Cnut as earl of East Anglia and governor of Denmark until his death around 1023. Despite his significant influence in Anglo-Scandinavian politics, Thorkell's legacy diminished in later historical accounts, overshadowed by other rulers of the era.