means so dreadfully are the Hungarians described by the Byzantine
historians. Their reputation for ferocity, and the knowledge of the
terror they inspired, enhanced their valor and audacity. Neglecting
all precautionary measures, and undervaluing their enemies, they began
to meet here and there with small disasters, and, as the Germans on
the other hand, becoming familiar with their mode of warfare, and more
accustomed to the strange appearance of Asiatic warriors, grew bolder
and bolder, we may easily account for the turn which gradually took
place in the war fortunes of the Magyars. It was Henry the Fowler, King
of Germany, who, after making preparations for nine years, inflicted
the first heavy loss upon the Hungarian adventurers near Merseburg
in 933. The Germans rushed into the battle with the cry of “Kyrie
eleyson,” whilst the Hungarians were wildly shouting “Hooy, Hooy.” The
Saxon horsemen caught up the Hungarian arrows with their shields, and
in solid ranks threw themselves in fierce onset upon the Hungarians.
The latter perceived with surprise and dismay that they were opposed by
a well-organized enemy. During the hand-in-hand fight which now ensued
the Germans achieved victory by their determined bravery. A great
many Hungarians fell in the fight, and many more were killed during
their retreat. The number of killed is assumed to have been thirty-six
thousand. The Hungarian camp with all the baggage fell into the hands
of the victors. Henry commanded that a universal thanksgiving feast
should be observed throughout the whole of Germany, and ordered that
the tribute hitherto paid to the Hungarians should be divided between
the churches and the poor.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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