Key Historical Figures in "The Last Kingdom"

King Alfred the Great (849–899) Alfred, depicted in the series as a wise and strategic leader, was the King of Wessex during the Viking invasions. He is known for his decisive victories against the Vikings, particularly at the Battle of Edington in 878, which led to the Treaty of Wedmore. This treaty allowed the Vikings to settle in the Danelaw, but it also helped secure the survival of Wessex, and Alfred’s efforts in defense and governance earned him the title "the Great."

Historical Accuracy: Alfred's portrayal in "The Last Kingdom" is largely accurate, though some dramatic liberties are taken. The real Alfred was a deeply religious man who also focused on legal reforms, education, and military defense. The show shows him as a pious but determined ruler, and while it does portray some of his struggles, it may exaggerate some of the emotional tensions.

Uhtred of Bebbanburg Uhtred, the main protagonist, is a fictional character created by Bernard Cornwell, though his story is set against the backdrop of real historical events. Uhtred is the son of a Saxon nobleman who is captured by the Vikings and raised among them, but his ultimate goal is to reclaim his ancestral home of Bebbanburg, a fortress in Northumbria.

Historical Accuracy: Uhtred’s personal story is entirely fictional. While there were many individuals with the name Uhtred (Uhtred the Bold, for example, was a real historical figure), the character’s journey and his internal conflict between his Saxon roots and Viking upbringing are a product of Cornwell’s imagination. However, his story is woven into the fabric of real historical events, such as the rise of King Alfred and the battles between Saxons and Vikings.

King Æthelred the Unready (966–1016) Æthelred, who appears in the later seasons of the show, was the King of England during the Viking invasions in the early 11th century. His reign is often remembered for the disastrous payments of "Danegeld" (a tax to pay off the Vikings) and his inability to effectively defend his kingdom from Viking raids, particularly those led by Sweyn Forkbeard and his son Cnut.

Historical Accuracy: Æthelred’s reign is often viewed as a time of weakness and indecision, and "The Last Kingdom" portrays him as a ruler struggling with these very issues. His portrayal is relatively accurate, with some dramatizations of his relationship with his advisors and his emotional state.

King Cnut the Great (995–1035) Cnut, the Danish king who would later become the ruler of both England and Denmark, is one of the key figures in the later parts of the series. He famously becomes the king of England after the death of Æthelred and the defeat of his son Edmund Ironside.

Historical Accuracy: Cnut is portrayed as a shrewd and pragmatic ruler, which aligns with historical records. His consolidation of power over England and Denmark is a significant historical event, and the show accurately captures his ambition and the political intrigue surrounding his rise to power. shutdown123

KEY HISTORICAL FIGURES IN "THE LAST KINGDOM"