Edmund Ironside was declared King of England following the demise of his father, Æthelred the Unready, who had reigned during a tumultuous period marked by constant Viking raids and internal strife. Æthelred's death in April 1016 left the kingdom in a precarious position, with Danish forces led by Cnut poised to invade and claim the throne. While Æthelred had struggled to repel the invaders, his son Edmund was determined to take a stand and unify the country against foreign dominance.

Upon his coronation, Edmund quickly faced the challenge of asserting his authority and consolidating power in a kingdom deeply affected by prior conflicts and betrayals. The country was divided, and many nobles had switched allegiances during Æthelred's reign. As Cnut's forces advanced, Edmund demonstrated remarkable leadership by garnering the loyalty of many English nobles and warriors. His strategy centered on defending key territories and rallying a resistance against the encroaching Danish army. This led to a series of passionate battles, highlighting Edmund's dedication to reclaiming stability.

The conflict with Cnut and the subsequent battles defined Edmund's brief reign. Although he fought valiantly, culminating in the significant Battle of Assandun later that year, Edmund's efforts ultimately resulted in his defeat and death in 1016. Despite his short time in power, his legacy would influence English politics, as the culmination of the Viking invasions shifted the balance of power in favor of Cnut, leading to a new era of Scandinavian influence over England.