The Last Kingdom on Netflix completed its last season in 2022, while the resolution of Uhtred, son of Uhtred’s narrative debuted in April of this year in a two-hour film titled Seven Kings Must Die.
The Last Kingdom derives its narrative from Saxon Stories, a series of novels by Bernard Cornwell, chronicling the tale of Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
The Netflix adaption was divided into five seasons, depicting Uhtred’s transformation from a Saxon by birth, known as “Uhtred of Northumbria,” to his abduction by the Danes and subsequent adoption by the Viking Ragnar (Peter Gantzler), thereby becoming “Uhtred Ragnarsson.”
After a rival tribe of Danes assassinates Ragnar and abducts Uhtred’s adopted sister Thyra (Julia Bache-Wiig), compelling her into servitude, Uhtred pledges retribution.
Concurrently, his biological uncle, Aelfric (Joseph Millson), has usurped Bebbanburg and intends to eliminate Uhtred. Uhtred’s objective thereafter transforms into avenging Ragnar and asserting his entitlement to the throne of Bebbanburg.
Although both the television series and the literary work are grounded in real occurrences, the narrative centers on Uhtred’s dual identity as a Dane and a Saxon.
Alexander Dreymon depicts Uhtred of Bebbanburg/Ragnarsson, who, akin to all illustrious heroes, experiences a substantial character development. He develops as a leader, adept at navigating the intricate balance of his dual heritages amidst their renowned conflict.
Dreymon navigates this line with a subtle performance, set against the historic backdrop of renowned European cities, especially those in the United Kingdom. Ragnar is a legendary Viking whose exploits remain highly celebrated in local mythology.
The extensive history and numerous narratives associated with the plot can often complicate the distinction between reality and fiction. Which characters are authentic, and which events transpired?
Is Bebbanburg an Actual Location?
The village, now referred to as Bamburgh, was formerly known as Bebbanburg and is located in present-day Northumberland on the northeastern coast of England.
As mentioned in The Last Kingdom, Northumberland was formerly referred to as “Northumbria” and constituted an Anglo-Saxon kingdom. Bebbanburg served as the capital of Northumbria.
Shortly after the Neolithic period, a nomadic hunter-gatherer tribe established itself in Northumbria, however evidence indicates their existence dates back to the Ice Age. By 550 AD, the Anglo-Saxons seized possession of Bebbanburg, calling it after the Saxon Queen, Bebba.
The Last Kingdom is set in the Medieval Age, approximately between 866 AD and 918 AD, during which the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons engaged in prolonged conflict, serving as a prominent backdrop for the series.
Which Characters in ‘the Last Kingdom’ Were Inspired by Historical Figures?
True to its beginnings, the series features a plethora of historical figures, to the extent that enumerating them all would require days; however, prominent among them are Odda the Elder (Simon Charles Kunz), Aethelwold (Harry McEntire), Guthrum (Thomas W. Gabrielsson), and Aelswith (Eliza Butterworth), the actual spouse of King Alfred the Great.
Although most of these individuals were not central characters in the program, they made substantial contributions to the narrative, chiefly because of their historical significance. Numerous historical individuals significantly contributed to The Last Kingdom in detail.
Uhtred, son of Uhtred, is fictional; while he is partially inspired on Uhtred the Bold, the two have minimal similarities beyond name, title, and birthplace. Uhtred was the ealdorman governing Northumbria from Bamburgh during the period of 1006 to 1016.
In the series, Uhtred of Bebbanburg possesses a contentious relationship with Alfred the Great (David Dawson), serving him while simultaneously respecting him, despite their differences. Numerous disputes arise from religious disparities, as Uhtred adheres to the pagan beliefs of the Danes.
Alfred’s allegiance remains steadfastly with the Saxons, creating a conflict with Uhtred, whose devotion is intricately divided between his biological and adoptive families. The Last Kingdom depicts Alfred as a determined and formidable sovereign, which closely aligns with historical accuracy.
In reality, Alfred the Great safeguarded England from Danish subjugation; so, if Uhtred were a historical figure as depicted in The Last Kingdom, their connection would be quite intricate. Alfred the Great, also known as Alfred of Wessex, was born in Wantage, Berkshire, in 849 to King Aethelwulf, the ruler of the West Saxons.
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While the Danes invaded and pillaged numerous kingdoms in England, Alfred transitioned from his teenage years into early adulthood until the Danes ultimately advanced towards Wessex.
King Alfred was 21 years old when the Danes invaded Wessex. Despite his brother’s death in battle, Alfred would persist in fortifying a fortress against the Vikings in Southern England.
In early 878, the historical figure Alfred the Great will ultimately confront the Danish King Guthrum in The Last Kingdom. King Guthrum would seize Chippenham in northwest Wiltshire and initiate an endeavor to dominate Wessex.
Alfred led a small contingent of friends into the Somerset marshes and, employing strategic tactics acquired from the Danes, vanquished King Guthrum’s forces. In a remarkable diplomatic maneuver, King Alfred, recognizing his inability to expel the Danes from all of England, brokered a peace pact.
The peace established between the Danes and Saxons resulted in Guthrum’s renunciation of Viking paganism and his conversion to Christianity, with Alfred serving as his godfather. Alfred of Wessex is perhaps the most notable historical figure in Saxon Stories, and the reasons for this are readily apparent.
As reported by the Hollywood Reporter, in April 2022, The Last Kingdom accumulated 1.423 billion minutes of viewing time following the launch of its fifth and final season. It is an immensely popular series, and its conclusion was profoundly sorrowful.
The Last Kingdom’s focus on genuinely high-stakes conflicts around its protagonist accounts for the series’ appeal. In addition to its notable origins, the performances of the leads in The Last Kingdom are particularly distinguished.
Fans of the series will undoubtedly miss the actors, including Emily Cox as the astute character Brida and Eva Birthistle as Hild, as Uhtred’s narrative concludes.
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