How did the Saxons respond to the arrow attack?

How did the Saxons respond to the arrow attack?

• A. They tore them apart with their axes
• B. They retreated to the hills
• C. They surrendered immediately
• D. They repelled with longbows

Answer: (A)

When arrow fire hits a shield wall, the next move is to erase the distance and engage in close combat. Saxon troops relied on sturdy shield walls to absorb arrows, but once they could reach the archers, they fought with axes and swords to break through and overwhelm the enemy. Axes were well suited for chopping through shields and armor in melee, making it possible to tear into opposing ranks after the initial volley. That direct, close-quarters response neutralizes the advantage of ranged attackers and explains why this option best matches how they typically pressed the fight. The other ideas—pulling back to hills, surrendering, or relying on longbows—don’t align with the common tactic of closing in and fighting hand-to-hand to defeat archers.

When arrow fire hits a shield wall, the next move is to erase the distance and engage in close combat. Saxon troops relied on sturdy shield walls to absorb arrows, but once they could reach the archers, they fought with axes and swords to break through and overwhelm the enemy. Axes were well suited for chopping through shields and armor in melee, making it possible to tear into opposing ranks after the initial volley. That direct, close-quarters response neutralizes the advantage of ranged attackers and explains why this option best matches how they typically pressed the fight. The other ideas—pulling back to hills, surrendering, or relying on longbows—don’t align with the common tactic of closing in and fighting hand-to-hand to defeat archers.