Hengest or Hengist (d. 488?) was a semi-legendary ruler of Kent in southeast England. His name is common Germanic for "stallion". He is paired in the early sources with his brother Horsa ("horse"). Accounts of Hengest There are several early sources that refer to a "Hengest". The earliest clear source is Bede, whose Ecclesiastical History of the English People (written about 730) states that Hengest was brought to Britain by Vortigern as a mercenary, to fight the Picts. Bede's dating puts thi… (More on Hengist)