The True History of Uhtred of Bebbanburg: The Historical Inspiration Behind The Last Kingdom's Hero
The True History of Uhtred of Bebbanburg: The Historical Inspiration Behind The Last Kingdom's Hero
Blog Article
Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the central character in Bernard Cornwell's The Last Kingdom series, is a complex figure, blending the line between history and fiction. While Cornwell’s work is a captivating portrayal of early medieval England, it is rooted in the historical backdrop of the Anglo-Saxon period, particularly the struggles between the Saxons and Vikings during the 9th and 10th centuries. But who was the real Uhtred of Bebbanburg, and how did his story become intertwined with that of the legendary hero of The Last Kingdom?
The Historical Uhtred of Bebbanburg
The real Uhtred, often referred to as Uhtred the Bold, was a historical figure who lived in the 10th century. He was the son of a prominent Anglo-Saxon nobleman, also named Uhtred, who governed the Northumbrian fortress of Bebbanburg (modern-day Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland). Bebbanburg, located on the rugged coast of Northumbria, was one of the most strategically significant fortifications in early medieval England. It controlled the vital route along the North Sea and was a symbol of Northumbrian strength.
Uhtred the Bold’s life was filled with political intrigue, military battles, and shifting allegiances. His story is one of ambition, loyalty, and vengeance. He rose to prominence as a warrior and leader, becoming one of the key figures in the volatile political landscape of Northumbria during the reign of Æthelstan, the first King of all England.
Uhtred’s Early Life and the Northumbrian Struggle
Born into a world already deeply embroiled in conflict, Uhtred was caught between the Saxon world of his father and the ever-growing threat of Viking expansion. In The Last Kingdom, the character of Uhtred is captured and raised by the Vikings after the fall of Bebbanburg to the Danes. This fictionalized element serves as a significant part of his development into a fierce warrior, torn between his Saxon heritage and his Viking upbringing.
In reality, Uhtred’s early life was not as dramatic as the fictional version, though it was filled with betrayal and military conflict. The historical Uhtred's early life was marked by his father's death at the hands of the Viking raiders, a traumatic event that forced Uhtred into a life of power struggles within Northumbria. During this period, the Northumbrian throne was unstable, with various Viking factions vying for control and the Saxon kings of Wessex trying to expand their influence in the north. shutdown123 Report this page