The Last Kingdom
A tale of loyalties in Viking-invaded England, through the eyes of a Saxon-Viking warrior.
Summary of 6 Key Points
Key Points
- Uhtred’s childhood and Danish upbringing
- Struggle with identity and loyalty
- Life as a warrior in the midst of English resistance
- Complex relationships with historical figures
- Uhtred’s quest to reclaim his ancestral home
- Depiction of 9th century England and Viking invasions
key point 1 of 6
Uhtred’s childhood and Danish upbringing
Uhtred’s childhood begins in Northumbria, where he is born to a Saxon nobleman. His early life is marked by a formative event: the Danish invasion of his homeland. This invasion leads to the death of his father and the usurpation of his land. Uhtred is captured by the Danes and taken as a slave. Despite this difficult start, Uhtred’s resilience is evident; he adapts to his new circumstances and begins to absorb the culture and fighting skills of the Danes…Read&Listen More
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Struggle with identity and loyalty
The protagonist of ‘The Last Kingdom,’ Uhtred of Bebbanburg, is a character caught between two worlds. Born a Saxon noble, he is captured and raised by Danes after they kill his father and conquer his lands. This upbringing instills in him the ways, beliefs, and martial skills of the Vikings. Uhtred’s struggle with identity is a central theme throughout the narrative. He feels an allegiance to the Danes who raised him, particularly to his adoptive father Ragnar, but he also cannot completely abandon his Saxon heritage and his claim to his ancestral home of Bebbanburg…Read&Listen More
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Life as a warrior in the midst of English resistance
Life as a warrior in the midst of English resistance is portrayed as a harsh and demanding existence, one that is both physically and mentally challenging. Warriors are depicted as having to constantly train and prepare for battle, honing their skills with weapons like swords, shields, and axes. The preparation is rigorous, reflecting the necessity to be combat-ready at a moment’s notice. This level of readiness is not just for personal glory but is tied to the survival of their community and the preservation of their way of life against invading forces…Read&Listen More
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Complex relationships with historical figures
In ‘The Last Kingdom’ series, the protagonist Uhtred of Bebbanburg has complex relationships with several historical figures of the late 9th and early 10th centuries. Uhtred, although a fictional character, interacts with real-life personages such as King Alfred the Great of Wessex, whom he serves with a mix of loyalty and frustration. Uhtred respects Alfred’s vision and intelligence but often feels stifled by the king’s piousness and rigid adherence to Christian virtues. Their relationship is a core part of the narrative, highlighting the tensions between pagan beliefs and the Christian faith at the time…Read&Listen More
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Uhtred’s quest to reclaim his ancestral home
Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the protagonist, is driven by a deep desire to reclaim his ancestral home, Bebbanburg, from his treacherous uncle, Aelfric. This desire is a central theme throughout the narrative and shapes much of Uhtred’s character and choices. His yearning is not just for the land itself but is also tied to his quest for identity and belonging. As a child, Uhtred was captured by Danes and raised among them, leading to a complex identity where he is torn between his Saxon birthright and the Danish culture he has come to admire…Read&Listen More
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Depiction of 9th century England and Viking invasions
The depiction of 9th century England in ‘The Last Kingdom’ is characterized by its portrayal of a fragmented land divided into several Anglo-Saxon kingdoms that would later become known as the Heptarchy. This period is marked by social and political turbulence, as well as the looming threat of Viking invasions. The narrative captures the essence of a country under constant threat from Norse raiders who are often portrayed as brutal and relentless. The English kingdoms, although rich in culture and tradition, are painted as struggling to maintain autonomy and cohesion amidst internal conflicts and external pressures…Read&Listen More