The Last Kingdom

England, 866. The Danes invade Northumbria, the lord of Bebbanburg is killed, and his son Uhtred is taken by Earl Ragnar, who raises him as a Dane alongside Brida. When Kjartan burns Ragnar to death in his hall, Uhtred and Brida flee to Wessex, the last Saxon kingdom. There Alfred becomes king, distrusts Uhtred and uses his sword anyway. Uhtred marries Mildrith, kills Ubba at Cynwit and watches another man take the credit. Guthrum strikes without warning, and Alfred hides in the marshes. The season ends with the Saxon victory at Ethandun, Guthrum's baptism, and Uhtred riding north toward Bebbanburg.

1. Behind the scenesUhtred came from the author's family tree

   Bernard Cornwell met his birth father only at 58. That's when he learned he descended from the Saxon lords of Bebbanburg, including Uhtred the Bold. That's where the hero came from.

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2. CameoRutger Hauer as Ravn

   Ragnar's father, the old blind skald Ravn, is played by Rutger Hauer, Blade Runner's replicant Roy Batty.

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3. ReferenceEthandun really happened

   The battle that closes the season is Edington, in 878. Alfred's win forced Guthrum to make peace and be baptized, just as in the show.

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