The Last Kingdom

Just like Aethelflaed's fate in book 10 of Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories, upon which The Last Kingdom is based, Aethelflaed died of breast cancer. Sadly, ...

The real Aethelflaed ruled Mercia from 911 until her death in 918. But her time on the Mercian throne is cut short, and in Episode 4 she dies, breaking Uhtred's heart. She was thought to be 47 or 48 years old at the time of her death. Sadly, despite efforts by Aelswith (Eliza Butterworth) and Father Benedict (Patrick Robinson) to source some divine intervention to save her, Aethelflaed died from her illness. She was known as Lady of the Mercians after the death of her husband Ethelred, Lord of the Mercians in 911. Just like Aethelflaed in The Last Kingdom, the real Aethelflaed was the eldest daughter of Alfred the Great (David Dawson) and his wife Aelswith.

The Last Kingdom season 6 might not happen as the show has been cancelled – here's what lies in store for the franchise beyond season 5, including a new ...

After all, this wouldn't be the first time that a show has moved beyond the realms of the source material into pastures new. "However, we did know there were a few more books (not to spoil anything!) following on from where we get to at the end of season 5. If there's a sudden resurgence of interest in the film, Netflix may decide to commission a sixth season, regardless of whether Cornwell writes a 14th book or not. "Season 5 does feel like the end of the TV series, and the movie will be much more standalone. Following that announcement, there was also a lot of concern regarding how the story would be tied up. Over the five seasons there was a very definite beginning, middle and end, so it was a group decision that we came to.

Accompanied by Father Benedict, Aelfweard makes his way to Bebbanburg to be reunited with his grandfather, who in the space of one conversation implies that ...

Uhtred’s plan is to cut off Constantin’s invasion, take Bebbanburg, and control it for Edward. It’s sensible and will result in the most acceptable losses of innocent life, as well as giving him a home for his family. Aldhelm sides with Uhtred. Father Pyrlig sides with Uhtred. Even Aeslwith sides with Uhtred. Edward tries to turn the tables by offering Aethelstan the kingship, but Aethelstan sides with Uhtred — right in Edward’s face. He plans to forfeit Aelfweard and clear the path for he and Eadgifu’s son to continue his lineage, allowing Aelfweard and Aethelhelm to roam as fugitives, and giving him time to fortify against them. Since Aelswith refuses to part with gold to persuade men to pursue what she deems to be a noble, necessary cause, Eadith instead tries to persuade Uhtred to take his men to search for her. As Aethelhelm tries to outline his plans to Aelfweard in a kind of censored, kid-friendly way, Wihtgar constantly translates what he really means, putting Aethelhelm on the spot repeatedly. For all his faults and his terrible haircut, Aelfweard isn’t really having any of this, but he’s pleased to see his granddad, obviously not realizing that it was him who facilitated the murder of his mother, albeit accidentally.

The Last Kingdom season 5 cast member Stefanie Martini tells us how Eadith came by her new healer experience. Episodes 1-4 spoilers ahead.

In The Flame Bearer, Book 10 of Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories saga (now renamed The Last Kingdom saga in honour of the TV adaptation), it’s also suggested that Aethelflaed dies of breast cancer. In Chapter Six, Uhtred visits Aethelflaed and urges her to get help with her illness. The study of disease was underway even in the 9th century. Those were the first steps in Eadith’s journey to independence, which led to her spending the years between seasons four and five learning the role of a healer. When the pair meet as arranged at Uhtred’s trading post of Rumcofa, Eadith discovers that Aethelflaed’s disease – the canker – is too advanced to cure. The Last Kingdom fans were introduced to Eadith as an adjunct to powerful men.

On the other, Uhtred of Bebbanburg star Alexander Dreymon announced in October 2021 that The Last Kingdom would return in the form of a feature-length film, ...

"However, we did know there were a few more books (not to spoil anything!) following on from where we get to at the end of Season 5. The series is based on The Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell, adapting two books per season. Over the five seasons, there was a very definite beginning, middle, and end, so it was a group decision that we came to. It'll be an extra treat for the fans of the TV series, but you could also watch it even if you've never seen the TV show." At the time The Last Kingdom made it to the small screen, Cornwell had written 10 books in total, therefore the last season would be based on books nine and 10: Warriors of the Storm and The Flame Bearer respectively. Uhtred will live on, but in an exciting new format.

The violent, loosely historical drama series follows Uhtred, a Saxon taken by Danes as a youngster, who embarks on an epic quest to reclaim his birthright.

We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going. NationalWorld is a new national news brand, produced by a team of journalists, editors, video producers and designers who live and work across the UK. Find out more about who’s who in the team, and our editorial values. The fifth season of the viking drama is available on Netflix now

Based on Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories novels and developed by Stephen Butchard, the series began premiering on the BBC in 2015 but later moved to ...

He added: “Season 5 does feel like the end of the TV series, and the movie will be much more standalone. “We did know there were a few more books following on from where we get to at the end of season 5. Sure, it’s been an incredibly fulfilling and emotional experience with plenty of highlights.

Dreymon, who's shooting the series' epic follow-up film, gives us the lowdown on just how dangerous it gets for Uhtred, and what keepsake the actor might ...

One of his worst qualities is that he is extremely loyal to people on opposite sides. One of Uhtred’s best qualities is that he is extremely loyal. That meant that when we would not be climbing, we could sit back in our harnesses and dangle in front of the wall like marionettes.

The Last Kingdom star Alexander Dreymon and executive producer Nigel Marchant explain why The Last Kingdom is ending with season 5 on Netflix.

"Season 5 does feel like the end of the TV series, and the movie will be much more standalone," he said. "However, for a good while now we've been in talks about maybe a little extension... it's a lot of story you tell within that and you have to be careful not to repeat," he explained in July 2021. And how long can you keep going with those two themes without ever getting to a climax?" I think it's always nicer if you curate that, rather than it just finishes and you don't finish telling the story." "We had always planned for it to be five seasons only so it came as a surprise to no one really.

The Last Kingdom producer Nigel Marchant has revealed that the sequel film Seven Kings Must Die will tell a standalone story to the Netflix show.

He has continued on to indicate that Seven Kings Must Die will act as more of an epilogue, and will exist independently from the main story in a way. It has recently been revealed that the series' creators will be reuniting one last time to produce a sequel to the series in the form of a film entitled Seven Kings Must Die. Seven Kings Must Die is currently filming in Hungary, and as of yet, no release date has been revealed. The Last Kingdom producer Nigel Marchant has revealed that the sequel film Seven Kings Must Die will tell a standalone story.

The Last Kingdom Season 5 review - More sneaky politicking, grand battles, and historical drama make the fifth season of The Last Kingdom worth the wait.

If this is the last of The Last Kingdom, it went out on a high. When it comes to the action, both large-scale and more personal, The Last Kingdom Season 5 delivers there too, though it occasionally runs the risk of being a little underlit or overedited. Well, the wait is over, as all ten episodes of The Last Kingdom Season 5 debuted on Netflix on March 9, 2022.

'The Last Kingdom' Season 5 ending explained: does Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon) die? What happens to Brida (Emily Cox)? Who is Osbert?

The Last Kingdom Season 5 was intended to be the show’s final season and it rightfully ends with Uhtred reclaiming his birthright. Uhtred and Aethelstan reunite in the burning courtyard of Bebbanburg. Aethelstan wants him to leave, but Uhtred says it is his destiny to die in Bebbanburg. The heavens open up and quench the fires with rain. (Osbert is also the boy Hild says is too young to help Uhtred in The Last Kingdom Season 5 Episode 9.) The Last Kingdom Season 5 opens by revealing that Brida has been hiding out in Iceland for a few years. In doing so, he seems to rekindle a bit of the old Brida, but it’s for nought. Uhtred and Wihtgar grapple in the dark and our hero easily kills his evil cousin by pushing him off a balcony. Osbert is Young Uhtred and Stiorra’s full sibling, so it would have been interesting to see that reunion. For the last five seasons, Uhtred has fallen in love, fought with valor, and changed the course of history. Stiorra and her people agree and manage to attack the Scots from the rear. Uhtred and pals head back to the ramparts where they can see Constantin’s trap. We saw the warrior’s final showdown with Brida (Emily Cox), his tragic farewell to lady love Aethelflaed (Millie Brady), and Uhtred’s long-awaited return to Bebbanburg. So how exactly does Netflix’s The Last Kingdom end? And Netflix’s The Last Kingdom has finally met its destiny.

Alexander Dreymon and Emily Cox reflect on Uhtred and Brida's love-hate relationship in Netflix's The Last Kingdom.

It’s the last time I’m putting on these shoes and I’m putting on her clothes and taking her axe. Scary, but also strangely content, says Cox. The season five opener finds Brida as happy as she could be, with a cult-like army of followers and a mission from the Gods. “From her point of view, big injustice has happened to her and she’s ready to take revenge and to destroy the people who did that to her. (A Netflix movie, not announced at the time we speak and about which the actors were sworn to secrecy, is currently in production) “It’s quite sad. A fervent believer in Danish supremacy, for her, fighting for Daneland is the only true path. Cox talks about the character of Brida with affection and compassion – no easy task for a character capable of such sadism. She went straight from playing warrior Brida to a lead role on feature film Alma & Oskar, even having to miss the wrap party with her beloved Last Kingdom co-stars.

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NationalWorld is a new national news brand, produced by a team of journalists, editors, video producers and designers who live and work across the UK. Find out more about who’s who in the team, and our editorial values. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going. Aelfweard is King Edward’s son and this young royal has just come of age.

The Last Kingdom season 5, episode 6 recap - An impressive battle results in tragic consequences as crisis can't quite be averted in time.

She stabs him in the gut and tells him to pass on a message to Uhtred if he survives. As Uhtred rushes into the fray to try and get word to Sigtryggr, Edward arrives and sees the carnage. And while he’s initially willing to give Uhtred time to try and resolve the conflict, he can’t wait any longer and rides into the battle, immediately turning the tide. It descends into chaos when necessary and gives the audience clarity when a key figure needs to emote. When Uhtred reaches Edward and explains, and Edward believes him, it gives us a moment of hope. It begins by teasing battle – Stiorra and Sigtryggr marching, Edward preparing the sacrifice of his own men to turn the tide of the war before it even begins – and then teasing the possibility of it being averted thanks to Uhtred and Finan, who have figured out Aethelhelm’s involvement and are racing to reveal it.

Will Uthred finally conquer Bebbanburg? the-last-kingdom-alexander-dreymon-02 Image via BBC America. It has been ...

At the end of the season, Uthred manages to prevent another battle and the Saxons agree to give the Danes control over the city of Efowic in exchange for Wessex. As the elders cease to confirm the betrothal and are unfavorable to Wessex’s influence in determining Mercia’s future, Eardwulf and his men track down Uthred in the hopes of finding Aelfwynn (Helena Albright). When they are about to capture the princess, Edith (Eardwulf’s sister, played by Stefanie Martini) reveals that her brother was responsible for killing the King of Mercia. When he finds out about this wrongdoing, Edward loses his trust in Aethelhelm and leaves Mercia under Uthred’s authority, who then passes along the title to Aethelfled. To mitigate the elder men’s anger, Aethelfled avouches to a vote of chastity despite her feelings for Uthred. While he lies in bed waiting for his tragic fate, Aethelfled and Uthred try to negotiate the terms on Mercia’s successor by hiding her daughter in a convent alongside Uthred’s daughter Stiorra (Ruby Hartley). King Edward decides to take the matter into his own hands by suggesting that his niece get betrothed to Eardwulf. At his deathbed, Aethelred refuses the idea of Eardwulf inheriting the throne. Seeing that it is up to her to defend her people, Aethelfled secretly flees Wessex and requests that the King of Wales send his men to help fight the Danes. Now that the wait is over, viewers can expect even more epic battles between the Saxons and the Danes, as well as a resolution to Uthred’s (Alexander Dreymon) journey to conquer Bebbanburg.

Season 4 of 'The Last Kingdom' dealt with finding a successor to the Mercian throne, the path of Dane, and the return of a lost character.

Father Beocca (Ian Hart) and Uhtred had been friends since childhood, making the priest’s death at the end of Season 4 all the more heartbreaking. Aethelflaed then took a vow of chastity to ease the fears of the Ealdormen. Throughout the season, he also refused Uhtred’s advice and declined to help him regain his childhood land. Sigtryggr agreed to the truce, much to the chagrin of Brida, who ended the season hellbent on vanquishing her former friend. Sigtryggr then held both of the king’s sons captive, causing Uhtred to offer himself up as a hostage to save the boys. Eadith (Stefanie Martini), Aethelred’s mistress, saw Eardwulf kill Aethelred, forcing Eardwulf to flee from Mercia and join up with Brida and Sigtryggr. However, they killed him when they learn that he murdered Aethelred.

The Last Kingdom is back, with the fifth season premiering on Netflix on Wednesday, March 9th 2022. Based on Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories novels and ...

However, rain begins to fall and put out the fire that would ultimately have claimed his life. This amounts to a bloody battle as Edward leads against Bebbanburg; meanwhile, Wihtgar preys on Uhtred within the walls. The Last Kingdom is back, with the fifth season premiering on Netflix on Wednesday, March 9th 2022.

The Last Kingdom's Stiorra and Uhtred will clash over their similarities in final season, says star.

"But in the end, they really love each other. "I love their relationship in this season. Although it definitely goes up and down, I feel the only reason it does that is because they are just so similar," the actor said in a prepared statement (via Digital Spy).