According to legend Alfred had a plan to conquer the Danes, but he needed to know how many Danes he should have to fight, where their camp was situated, how it was guarded, and where the general's tent stood. So he disguised himself as a bard, took his harp, and walked boldly into the Danish camp. The soldiers were glad to see a bard, and, gathering around him, called for song after song. The soldiers were so pleased with Alfred's songs and jests that they led him to their general, Guthrum, who, after hearing him sing and play, gave him some gold and praised his skill. Alfred the Great (849 - October 26, 899) was King of Wessex from 871-99. He successfully defended his kingdom against the Viking attempt at conquest, and by the time of his death had become the dominant ruler in England. He is the only English monarch to be accorded the epithet "the Great". His reign is remembered for the formulation of a code of ethics and a rebirth of religious and scholarly activity, along with the promotion of education. He died in 899 at the age of 50.