The Empty Throne

It's 911. King Æthelred of Mercia is dying, and the council must pick a successor. The favorite is Eardwulf, head of the king's guard. Uhtred, still carrying his wound from Tettenhall, realizes Aethelhelm summoned him to pull him away from Æthelstan, whom Aethelhelm wants dead. Uhtred fakes dying, protects the boy and foils Eardwulf, who becomes an outlaw. Chosen to rule Mercia, Uhtred immediately steps aside for Æthelflæd. He then goes to Wales for the sword Ice-Spite, which he believes is the only cure for his wound. Finally, he crushes Sigtryggr's attack on Ceaster, and Stiorra leaves with Sigtryggr.

1. ChangeÆthelred's death

   In the book, Æthelred dies slowly of wounds from Tettenhall. On the show, Eardwulf kills him.

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2. ChangeEardwulf's fate

   In the book, Uhtred hands Eardwulf to Æthelstan, who executes him as part of his training. On the show, Eardwulf lasts much longer.

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3. ReferenceThe sword that heals

   Uhtred believes only Ice-Spite, the sword that wounded him, can heal the wound. He goes to Wales for it, and Eadith uses the blade to drain the injury.

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