Alfred the Great (David Hemmings) changes his plans to becomes a priest and aspires to political greatness. When the invading Danes kidnap his wife Aelthswith (Prunella Ransome), he goes to battle to retrieve his queen and drive the enemy from England. She offers no resistance when King Guthrum (Michael York) desires her sexually, and she eventually gives birth to his child. Alfred the Great was one of England's most revered monarches and is considered the father of the British Navy. Spectacular battle scenes highlight this historical drama.