EDMUND or EADMUND (c. 980-1016), called IRONSIDE, king of the English, was the son of Aethelred II. (the unready) by his wife Emma, or Aelfgifu. When Canute invaded England in 1015, Edmund was betrayed and deserted by the ealdorman Ethic, who went over to Canute, and Wessex submitted to the Danish king. Next year Canute and Edric together harried Mercia, while Edmund with infinite difficulty gathered an army. His attack on the invaded districts of Northumbria was brought to an end by Canute's northward march, and he was forced to return to Lon don. The death of Aethelred on April 23, 1016, was followed by a double election to the English crown. The citizens of London chose Edmund; the rest of the Witan meeting at Southampton elected Canute. In the warfare which ensued Edmund fought at the severest disadvantage, for his armies dispersed after every engagement. Canute besieged London, but the citizens success fully resisted all attacks. Edmund meanwhile received the sub mission of Wessex. At Pen in Somersetshire he engaged the Danes and defeated them. Canute now raised the siege of London and, after being defeated by Edmund at Pen, came into conflict with him again at Sherston in Wiltshire. The battle was indecisive, but Canute left Edmund in possession of Wessex. Edmund hastened after him and relieved London, which Canute was besieging. He defeated the Danes at Brentford and at Otf ord, and drove them into Sheppey. He was now joined by Edric, with whom he fol lowed the Danes into Essex, overtaking them at Assandun (or Ashington). In the battle which ensued Edric again played the traitor, and the English were routed. Edmund retired into Glou cestershire, whither he was followed by Canute. Edric and the Witan then persuaded Edmund to accept a reconciliation, which took place at Olney. The kingdom was divided—Canute taking the north, Edmund the south. Soon afterwards Edmund died (Nov. 3o, 1016), probably from natural causes, though later historians hint at foul play.