Is 'The Last Kingdom' Based on Real Events? What You Need to Know

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Season Four of 'The Last Kingdom' is now streaming on Netflix and has fans questioning whether or not the events portrayed in the series really took place.

Netflix's The Last Kingdom is back with any other season of epic fight scenes, political intrigue and never-ending deception. Season 4 of the collection continues to observe Uhtred of Bebbanburg as he reckons together with his conflicting Saxon heritage and Danish upbringing, whilst attempting to navigate clashing loyalties and a quest for retribution. 

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Set in opposition to the historical backdrop of 9th century England, prior to its unification when the nation consisted of a sequence of impartial kingdoms, The Last Kingdom additionally revolves around the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms whose lands have been continuously being invaded through the fearsome Vikings of Northern Europe. 

But with this masterful blend of historic reality and fiction, many fans are wondering, is The Last Kingdom based on real events? We take a closer take a look at the historic records of the time to figure out whether or not Uhtred’s journey to claim his birthright is based on a true story.

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Is 'The Last Kingdom' based on real events?

The Last Kingdom is now not a true tale, however most of the show’s main points are drawn from ancient reality. The Last Kingdom is based on The Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell, which to this point contains twelve books. 

Even although the books and collection are fictional, there are lots of aspects rooted in real milestones of British historical past.  

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For instance, the backdrop of the Anglo-Saxon length with its many Viking invasions did very much happen. The depictions of infighting and alliances within the many scattered kingdoms of England, like the members of the family between Wessex and Cornwall, are also slightly correct.

Additionally, most of the display’s supporting characters are based on real historical figures. King Alfred was once a well-liked figure in his time, who received the conflict towards the Vikings, because the collection portrays, and had grand visions to unify England. Asser the Monk is also based on a real Welch monk as are King Alfred’s family, including his wife, Eahlswith; son, Edward; and nephew, Aethelwold.

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The display’s main personality, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, is additionally based on a historic determine who happens to be the e book author's real-life ancestor. However, whilst Uhtred the Bold, Earl of Northumbria used to be a real particular person, he existed smartly after the Anglo-Saxon duration. Therefore, Uhtred of Bebbanburg is a fictional persona who no doubt didn't play a role within the many real historic events depicted in the series.

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Season Four of 'The Last Kingdom' adapts Books 7 and 8 of 'The Saxon Stories'.

The Last Kingdom covers a turbulent period of British historical past and effectively blends ancient fact and fiction to create a gripping tale of revenge and identification. Season 4 will duvet the seventh and 8 books of Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories, titled The Pagan Lord and The Empty Throne. 

After King Alfred dies, his son Edward the Elder takes the throne of Wessex and his daughter Aethelflaed is married off to the ruler of Mercia. Meanwhile, the Danes, headed via Haesten and Cnut, are about to assault again, sensing that Wessex is in a weakened state as they go through a transition of rulers. 

As for the collection hero, Uhtred brings himself to problem his uncle Aelfric for the lordship of Bebbanburg in Northumbria, because it is his birthright.

Seasons 1 to Four of The Last Kingdom are streaming on Netflix now.

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