The years of the second Viking age were very tumultous and very complex. The political and military maneuvers showed considerable talent on all sides involved. I just think that it is ironic that in the last year of Anglo-Saxon England, the three armies in the field were all basically descendants of, or were Vikings themselves. Harold Godwinson had Danish blood in him, Harald Hardrada was a Viking King, and as we all know William of Normandy was a close desendant of the Viking chieftain Rollo.
After the first age of Viking raids ceased in intensity after Alfred's treaty with Guthrum, it is almost convienient to think that the Vikings would never have come back. Yet then the Kings of England were Vikings (Cnut, Harold Harefoot, Harthacnut). Even Edward the Confessor had Viking blood in him through his mother's Norman blood. As stated, then Harold Godwinson ruled for his short reign, and once again, Danish blood ran through his veins. William of Normandy took over, and the King of England was once again a man with Scandinavian blood in him. Does evidence such as this force one to rethink the racial makeup of late Anglo-Saxon England? Should it even be called Anglo-Saxon England?