The Anglo-Saxons, by now ruled by the hapless Aethelred the Unready, were once again put to the sword, and huge amounts of money and goods were extorted from the native population in the form of Danegeld – a tax raised by the Vikings.
I think they've been reading some of the old history books. Upon more recent examination, I think Ethelred has stood up a little better under close examination. History is, after all, written by the winners. Or the politically savvy.