King Oswald killed by Cadwallon

King Oswald often regarded as one of the most influential and powerful figures in dark ages Britain decisively won the battle of Heavenfield against superior numbers. In the process killing Cadwallon King of Gwynedd (Wales) and defeating an alliance of Mercians and Welsh. King Oswald united the Northumbrian lands and famously converted to Christianity eventually becoming a Saint and the focal point of a popular Christian cult.

However WI Oswald had been defeated by Cadwallon and Penda of Mercia? Would the Anglo Saxons have continued to be Pagan for longer even perhaps a generation or two? And could this victory have provided the catalyst for Welsh reconquista?
 
Ok bumped threads can be somewhat annoying but I’m surprised no one has replied to this one.

The butterflies caused by such an event often overlooked could be truly staggering and in my opinion intrrrsting although clearly I’m biased.

The alliance between Penda the pagan Saxon and Cadwallon the Christian welsh king was at least a little precarious. If their military alliance had been successful what changes would have occurred?
 
Perhaps not a lot would change. He had already heavily defeated Edwin at Hatfield Chase and ravaged Northumbria. Also Penda regularly ravaged Bernicia in the following few years after Heavenfield (including failing rather spectacularly to capture Bamburgh) especially after actually killing Oswald at Maserfield . So if Oswui still manages a win at Winwaed or its ITTL equivalent then history doesn't change much.
 
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