The debut of Osbert in the season 5 finale of The Last Kingdom appeared to establish a new significant character, as the adolescent boy arrived with Abbess Hild on the shores of Bebbanburg after Uhtred and King Edward’s assault of the fortress.
Initially appearing enigmatic, Osbert (Olly Rhodes) is soon disclosed to be Uhtred’s third surviving offspring, who was estranged from his father as a baby when Uhtred sought refuge in Northumbria, fleeing from Wessex. He was regrettably responsible for the demise of Uhtred’s wife.
In Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories, which serve as the basis for The Last Kingdom, the character Osbert is present in volumes 7-10 but is omitted from the portrayal in season 4 and most of season 5 of the series.
Osbert’s appearance in the concluding moments of The Last Kingdom suggests that his tale will be included in Netflix’s spinoff film, Seven Kings Must Die, which wraps off the series’ storyline.
The last film depicted brothers Aelfwynn and Aethelstan engaged in a struggle for the crown, while Osbert assumed a less significant part than anticipated.
Explanation of Osbert, the Son of Uhtred and Gisela
Osbert is the third child of Uhtred and Gisela, who are also the parents of Stiorra and Young Uhtred. Gisela tragically perished during childbirth while delivering Osbert in season 3, episode 1 of The Last Kingdom.
The newborn is momentarily depicted in the embrace of a nursemaid, while Hild conveys to Uhtred the news of Gisela’s demise during his absence in combat against the Danes. In The Last Kingdom season 1, Uhtred fathered two further children; however, his infant son with Mildrith died from an unspecified cause, and his kid with Brida was lost due to a miscarriage.
Following his upbringing under Hild’s guardianship, the Osbert narrative in The Last Kingdom commenced with his long-anticipated reunion with Uhtred upon arriving in Bebbanburg at the season 5 finale.
While guiding him to the stronghold, Hild informs Osbert, “I believe the new lord may possess knowledge regarding your lineage,” suggesting that Osbert is unaware that Uhtred is his father. In season 5, episode 9, Hild mentioned Osbert when Uhtred indicated his need for assistance in reclaiming Bebbanburg.
Hild emphasized that the youngster was too young, assuming Uhtred had come to retrieve Osbert. Uhtred specified that he sought Haesten for the assignment, rather than Osbert.
By introducing Osbert in the series finale, The Last Kingdom resolves the enigma of Uhtred’s alienated third kid and establishes a foundation for a prospective narrative in Seven Kings Must Die. Nevertheless, Osbert, the son of Uhtred, did not have such privilege.
What Happened With Osbert in Seven Kings Must Die?
The finale of The Last Kingdom season 5 marks Osbert’s first on-screen appearance since his childhood, establishing his eventual role in Seven Kings Must Die, which is derived from the final three volumes of The Saxon Stories.
The Last Kingdom’s omission of Uhtred and Osbert’s reunion on screen left viewers uncertain about the development of their father-son bond. As the sole heir to his birthright of Bebbanburg and Lord of Northumbria, Uhtred was poised to encounter rivalry for his newly acquired authority.
Nonetheless, Osbert had minimal involvement with the film. Conversely, Seven Kings Must Die concentrated on Edward’s progeny, Aethelstan and Aelfweard, and their ambition for the crown. The situation culminated in tragedy when Aelfweard opted to surrender, however his brother murdered him nevertheless.
During that period, Aethelstan exerted every effort to maintain his authority and dictate his fate. He murdered several of his oldest companions, apprehended Osbert and Edmund, and exiled Uhtred to the Shetlands.
The positive development for Osbert, who had recently reestablished contact with his father, was that he was unharmed and located safely, remaining concealed to guarantee their survival. Producer Nigel Marchant elucidated the rationale for Osbert’s absence in The Last Kingdom until the climax, despite his being in the books.
“We believed we were introducing Uhtred’s two offspring, along with Aelfwynn and Aethelstan, who were involved in the unfolding events, but concluded that it would result in an excessive number of characters,” (via Den of Geek).
Despite his return for the film, he received significantly less screen time than what book enthusiasts may have anticipated. Upon Uhtred’s demise, he pledged Northumbria to Aethelstan, contingent upon the stipulation that Edmund be designated as his sole heir, thereby concluding the narrative of Osbert, Uhtred’s son.
Who Was The Real Osbert From The Last Kingdom?
The name Osbert in The Last Kingdom has significant importance within the larger plot. Uhtred was originally named Osbert before the death of his elder brother Uhtred, which prompted his father to subsequently assign his name to his younger son.
Uhtred has a son bearing his name, yet naming the younger lad Osbert holds equal significance. In The Saxon Stories novels, Osbert, son of Uhtred, subsequently adopts the name Uhtred due to his father’s disdain for his elder son’s Christian beliefs.
While Osbert’s adolescent character is introduced later in the series than in the novels, his emergence offered a compelling progression, but The Last Kingdom’s film adaptation opted to overlook it.
Other individuals share the same name in The Last Kingdom, including a king who allied with Uhtred at the Siege of Eoferwic.
Prior to the arrival of Uhtred’s son in The Last Kingdom, the other Osbert was the one who allied his forces with King Uhtred’s in season 1 to combat the Danish army, resulting in their annihilation.
The Osbert featured in the season 5 finale and thereafter in a minor capacity in Seven Kings Must Die is markedly distinct, mostly exhibiting loyalty to his father despite his childhood abandonment.
Are you interested in Osbert’s trip in The Last Kingdom and his involvement in Seven Kings Must Die? Understand the hidden aspects of Uhtred’s mysterious offspring and his unforeseen developments.
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