The Flame Bearer

It's 917. Uhtred makes another try at retaking Bebbanburg, held by his cousin, while Constantin's Scots besiege the fortress. He uncovers a plot by Aethelhelm, King Edward's father-in-law, to fake a Danish attack, kill Æthelstan and clear the way for his own grandson. Uhtred exposes the scheme before Edward, Æthelflæd and Sigtryggr and takes Æthelstan as a hostage to keep him safe. He then pretends to give up on Bebbanburg and says he's sailing for Frisia. He disguises his ships as Aethelhelm's supply fleet and gets through the gate. After hard fighting he kills his cousin, who refused single combat, and takes Bebbanburg. Aethelhelm ends up ransomed instead of killed.

1. ChangeAethelhelm's end

   In the book, Æthelstan talks Uhtred into ransoming Aethelhelm instead of killing him. On the show, Aethelhelm takes his own life.

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2. ChangeCousin versus Wihtgar

   In the book, Bebbanburg is held by Uhtred's cousin, who refuses single combat and dies in the fight. On the show, the last obstacle is Wihtgar.

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3. ReferenceConstantin, king of Alba

   The Scottish king besieging Bebbanburg is based on Constantín mac Áeda, who ruled Alba for over 40 years.

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