Elfreda Thorne

Elfreda, which means “Elf Strength,” was a name to live up to—and she did. Disappointment in a female heir seems to be a Human phenomenon. Aelfric knew that by teaching his only daughter everything he knew from a young age, she would far exceed him over time. When that day finally arrived, he gave her his blessing to continue her education out in the world among peers. This stirred controversy and criticism, to which Aelfric sternly responded, “She is not my possession, but a gift.”