The subject of Vikings largely remains a mystery to everyone’s eyes. We know the answers to the basics of what, when, where but “why” is yet to be discovered. All the information that we even know is because of the discovery of artefacts from their period and interaction with Europeans especially the Saxons in terms of recorded sources like literature. Nevertheless, Vikings are still mysterious to common eyes.
To make it less complicated, Vikings is the title that has been given to the seafaring people from Scandinavia countries. Scandinavia countries include- Denmark, Norway and Sweden. From the late 8th century to the 11th century, these people raided, pirated, traded and settled throughout Europe. However, why is this subject important in context of the series?
BBC’s The Last Kingdom is based out of the book series- The Saxon Stories, which is authored by Bernard Cornwell and as the name suggest, it does not revolve around Vikings. For a matter of fact, it revolves around the central character of Saxon who were the enemies of the Vikings. Interestingly, the series explores through the pariah ideology of these people.
Back in the 9th century, Northumbria was invaded by the Great Heathen Army. Northumbria is the present-day northern England. Lord Uthred of Bebbanburg along with his nobles were killed. However, his son, whose name was also Uthred, was kidnapped by a Danish family. Uthred is brought up in the middle of Danes which makes him a sort of an alien for the both the communities of Danes and Saxon.
While Uthred is brought up as a Dane, he also has a yearning to get back his rightful castle, the Castle of Bebbanburg. However, Uthred is held back by his uncle whose ulterior motive is to finish Uthred to claim the castle. As we proceed, Uthred’s adopted family is murdered as well and Uthred flees to Wessex. He does this out of the fear that he might be seen as the murderer by the community of Danes. Without any options left, he moves to join Alfred. Here, he helped by his childhood priest and teacher who is also serving Alfred at the time. Uthred agrees to fight against the Danes since Alfred gives him the assurance that he would be helped in claiming back his ancestral castle. Due to this reason, he gets involved with the Saxons and marches forward to fight the Danes. Those Danes among whom he grew.
For all the Game of Thrones fan, The Last Kingdom will work as a perfectly good alternative. It serves you all the components that GOT had to serve, maybe less but not disappointing.
Edited by- Subbuthai Padma
Published by- Radhika. N
