Is The Last Kingdom Based On True Events?

As a big fan of historical dramas, I was immediately drawn to The Last Kingdom. The show, which is set in the 9th century, follows the story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg as he tries to reclaim his birthright and fight against the invading Danes. But as I watched the show, I couldn’t help but wonder: is The Last Kingdom based on true events?

The True Story Behind The Last Kingdom

The answer is yes and no. While The Last Kingdom is a work of fiction, it is based on real historical events and figures. The show takes place during a time when England was divided into multiple small kingdoms, each vying for power and control. The Danes, led by the famous Viking warrior Ragnar Lothbrok, invaded England and began to take over these smaller kingdoms.

One of the main characters in The Last Kingdom, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, is based on a real historical figure named Uhtred the Bold. Uhtred was an Anglo-Saxon nobleman who was captured by the Danes as a child and raised by them. He later fought alongside the Saxons against the Danes and helped to unite England under one ruler.

The Fictional Elements of The Last Kingdom

While The Last Kingdom is based on real historical events, the show also takes some creative liberties. For example, the character of Brida, who is Uhtred’s childhood friend and later becomes his enemy, is a fictional character. There is no historical evidence to suggest that Uhtred had a friend or ally named Brida.

Additionally, the show’s portrayal of King Alfred as a sickly and weak ruler is also somewhat fictional. While King Alfred did suffer from health issues, he is widely regarded as one of England’s greatest kings and is known for his military victories against the Danes.

Events and Celebrations in The Last Kingdom

The Last Kingdom features a number of events and celebrations that are based on real historical traditions. For example, the Great Summer Army, which is featured in the show’s second season, was a real event that took place in the 9th century. The Great Summer Army was a massive Viking raiding party that descended on England and caused widespread destruction.

The show also features a number of religious celebrations, such as Easter and Christmas. These celebrations were important in Anglo-Saxon culture and were often marked by feasting and gift-giving.

FAQs: Is The Last Kingdom Based On True Events?

Q: Did Uhtred of Bebbanburg really exist?

A: Yes, Uhtred the Bold was a real historical figure who lived in the 9th century. However, the character’s portrayal in The Last Kingdom is fictionalized.

Q: Is King Alfred accurately portrayed in The Last Kingdom?

A: While King Alfred did suffer from health issues, he is widely regarded as one of England’s greatest kings and is known for his military victories against the Danes. The show’s portrayal of him as weak and sickly is somewhat fictional.

Q: Are the events and celebrations in The Last Kingdom accurate?

A: Yes, many of the events and celebrations depicted in The Last Kingdom are based on real historical traditions.

Conclusion

While The Last Kingdom is a work of fiction, it is based on real historical events and figures. The show’s portrayal of 9th century England and the conflict between the Saxons and the Danes is largely accurate, although there are some fictional elements. As a fan of the show, I appreciate the way that it brings history to life and makes it accessible to a wider audience.