Legend has it that in the year 871, a great dragon ravaged the surrounding lands of Wantage, a historic town situated in the Vale of the White Horse in Oxfordshire. The dragon was considered a symbol of trouble, destruction, and disaster. It could fly and spit fire, scorching lands, livestock, and any living thing that crossed its path. The residents, living in fear, were desperate for a savior. This era was also the reign of King Alfred, known also as Alfred the Great. Upon hearing the plight of his people, he decided to take on the menace himself. At the time, King Alfred was merely a prince, the youngest son of King Æthelwulf of Wessex. He was not the obvious choice for a savior, given his relative inexperience in battle. But this dragon would be his stepping stone to greatness. King Alfred made a plan to slay the dragon. He and his men traced the dragon back to its lair in the Snakeshill field, just south of Wantage. It was a fierce battle, and many lives were lost. But King Alfred’s sheer bravery shone through. He pierced the dragon’s hide with his spear, and with a mighty roar, the creature fell, defeated and slain. Alfred’s victory over the dragon marked him as a brave and capable leader, setting the stage for his future reign. Even today, the town of Wantage marks its place in folklore with the legendary tale of King Alfred and the Dragon. The scene of this legendary battle has even been marked with a monument, a tribute to the courage of Alfred the Great.