There is little information about Ethelstan's mother (Ai Gewen). Even before Norman conquered England, her name was never mentioned in the literature. There are rumors that she is the mistress of old Edward, and some historians also accept this view. However, Barbara York and Sarah Foote believe that these rumors were artificially fabricated during the struggle for inheritance in 924. There is no doubt that Eggvin is Edward's lawful wife. A chronicler of 12 century described her as a noble, possibly related to St. Dunstan. According to William of Mamsbury, Alfred the Great likes this grandson very much. He gave Ethelstan a red cloak, a belt studded with jewels and a sword with a gilded scabbard. When Alfred was dying, perhaps because Ai Gewen was dead, perhaps because he was left out in the cold, Edward married Ethel Reed II (? lffl？ D) As a wife, Ethelstan's position is actually weakened, because his stepmother is of course more concerned about her own son.

Ethel Reid II had two sons, Alfred and Edwin. In about 9 19, Edward put Ethel Reid II in the cold, and married his third wife, Ed Giff. She also has two sons, one is the future king Edmund, and the other is Edred. Besides, Edward has many daughters, about nine.

Ethelstan grew up in the palaces of his aunt (Esfred) and uncle (Ethel Reid) in Mercia, and probably received military training when he conquered Mercia (Danillo) ruled by the Vikings. His uncle Ethel Reid died on 9 1 1, and his aunt Esfred died on 9 18. According to a manuscript in 1304, in 925, Ethelstan granted the land privilege to St. Oswald monastery in Gloucester, where his uncle and aunt were buried. "In order to repay Ethel Reid, a loving father who cares about all the people in Mercia like a father," Edward directly controlled Mercia after his death, and Ethelstan may pay tribute to it instead of his father.