Hengest was a legendary figure in early medieval history who is said to have been one of the leaders of the Anglo-Saxon conquest of Britain in the 5th and 6th centuries. While many stories have been told about Hengest over the centuries, the known facts about his life are few and often disputed.
According to historical sources, Hengest was a Jutish warrior who came to Britain with his brother Horsa in the late 5th century, in response to an invitation from the British king Vortigern. Vortigern is said to have invited the Anglo-Saxons to help defend Britain against marauding Picts and Scots, but he soon found himself outmatched by his new allies.
Hengest and Horsa are believed to have led the Anglo-Saxon armies in a series of battles against the Britons, including the Battle of Aylesford in 455. The Anglo-Saxons were victorious in this battle, and Vortigern was forced to flee. Hengest and Horsa went on to found the kingdom of Kent, with Hengest as its first king.
The details of Hengest's reign in Kent are largely unknown, but he is believed to have ruled for several decades and to have been succeeded by his son Aesc. According to some sources, Hengest was later killed in battle against the British king Arthur, but this claim is highly questionable and is likely a later embellishment of the Hengest legend.