Ælfhelm was a notable figure in early medieval England, serving as the ealdorman of Northumbria during the late 10th century. He was a member of the royal family and played a significant role in the political landscape of the time, particularly during the reign of King Æthelstan and his successors. Ælfhelm's leadership was marked by efforts to maintain stability in a region often troubled by Viking invasions. In 1006, Ælfhelm was captured by the Danish king Sweyn Forkbeard and later executed. His death marked a turning point in the power dynamics of Northumbria, as it led to increased Danish influence in the area. Ælfhelm's legacy is remembered as part of the complex history of Anglo-Saxon England.