The Last Kingdom is a popular historical fiction television series based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories series of novels. The series follows the life and adventures of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon nobleman who was captured and raised by the Danes as a child, and later became a loyal warrior to King Alfred of Wessex in his struggle against the Viking invaders. The series spans from the late 9th century to the early 11th century, covering various historical events and battles that shaped the fate of England.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the series is Uhtred’s love life, which is full of twists and turns, joys and sorrows, and multiple wives and lovers. Uhtred had two official wives in the series, Mildrith and Gisela, who both had a significant impact on his character and destiny. In this article, we will explore what happened to Uhtred’s wives in the series, how they met, how they died, and what legacy they left behind.
Uhtred Ragnarsson and Mildrith:
Mildrith was Uhtred’s first wife, who he married in season 1 as part of a political arrangement. Uhtred was given command of a small estate in Wessex by King Alfred, but he also inherited a huge debt to the church that Mildrith’s father had accumulated. Mildrith was a devout Christian, who was kind, gentle, and generous to the people on her land. She was also loyal to Uhtred, despite their differences in religion and culture.
Uhtred and Mildrith had a son together, named Uhtred after his father. However, their son died of an illness when he was still an infant, which devastated both parents. Uhtred blamed himself for not baptizing his son, while Mildrith blamed herself for not being able to nurse him. Their grief drove them apart, and Uhtred eventually left Mildrith to join King Alfred’s army in fighting the Danes.
Mildrith remarried a man named Aldhelm, who was an advisor to Aethelred, the Lord of Mercia. She appeared briefly in season 2, when Uhtred met her again at a feast in Mercia. She told him that she was happy with her new husband, and that she had forgiven him for leaving her. She also revealed that she was pregnant with Aldhelm’s child. She wished Uhtred well, and they parted on good terms.
Mildrith did not appear again in the series after season 2, so her fate is unknown. However, it is likely that she lived a peaceful life with Aldhelm and their child in Mercia.
Uhtred Ragnarsson and Gisela:
Gisela was Uhtred’s second wife, who he married in season 2 after falling in love with her. Gisela was the sister of Guthred, a former slave who became the King of Cumbraland with Uhtred’s help. Gisela was a Danish princess, who was smart, brave, and beautiful. She shared Uhtred’s adventurous spirit and pagan beliefs, and supported him in his quest to reclaim his ancestral home of Bebbanburg.
Uhtred and Gisela had three children together: two sons named Stiorra and Osbert (later renamed Uhtred), and a daughter named unnamed daughter (later renamed Cnut). They lived happily together in Coccham (later renamed Cookham), where Uhtred served as King Alfred’s warlord. They also faced many dangers and challenges together, such as being attacked by Abbot Eadred’s men, being betrayed by Ragnar the Younger’s men, being captured by Haesten’s men, and being accused of treason by Aethelwold.
Gisela died in season 3 after giving birth to her daughter. She suffered from complications during labor, which caused her to bleed heavily. She died in Uhtred’s arms, telling him that she loved him and their children. Her death shattered Uhtred’s heart, and he buried her near their home with pagan rites.
Gisela’s death also had a profound effect on their children, especially Stiorra, who inherited her mother’s appearance and personality. Stiorra grew up to be a strong-willed and independent woman, who followed her father’s footsteps in fighting for what she believed in. She also developed a romantic relationship with Sigtryggr, a Danish warlord who invaded Wessex in season 4.
Conclusion
Uhtred’s wives were both important characters in The Last Kingdom, who influenced his character development and story arc. They both loved him deeply, bore him children, and supported him in his endeavors. They also both died tragically young, leaving him heartbroken and alone. However, they also left him a legacy of courage, loyalty, and hope, which he passed on to his children and his allies. Uhtred’s wives were more than just his spouses, they were his partners in life and in war.
FAQs
Q: Who is Uhtred’s true love in The Last Kingdom?
A: Uhtred had many lovers in The Last Kingdom, but it is hard to say who was his true love. He loved both of his wives, Mildrith and Gisela, in different ways, and they both loved him back. He also had a strong bond with Brida, his childhood friend and first lover, who later became his enemy. He also had a brief affair with Iseult, a shadow queen who saved his life with her magic. He also had a complicated relationship with Aethelflaed, the Lady of Mercia and King Alfred’s daughter, who he admired and respected, but could not marry due to her status. Uhtred’s true love may be different for different fans, depending on their preferences and interpretations.
Q: How accurate is The Last Kingdom to history?
A: The Last Kingdom is based on historical events and characters, but it also takes many creative liberties and fictionalizes some aspects of the story. For example, Uhtred of Bebbanburg was a real historical figure, who was the ealdorman of Northumbria in the early 11th century. However, he was not raised by the Danes, nor did he serve King Alfred of Wessex. He also had three wives in real life, not two. The series also changes some dates, locations, and outcomes of some battles and events, such as the Battle of Edington, the Siege of Winchester, and the death of King Edward. The series also introduces some fictional characters and subplots, such as Skade, Thyra, Beocca, and Uhtred’s children. The series is meant to be an entertaining and engaging adaptation of history, not a documentary or a biography.
Q: Will there be a season 6 of The Last Kingdom?
A: No, there will not be a season 6 of The Last Kingdom. The series concluded with season 5, which was released on Netflix on March 9th 2022. Season 5 adapted the ninth and tenth books of Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories series of novels, Warriors of the Storm and The Flame Bearer. However, there was a feature-length sequel that concluded the series story, titled Seven Kings Must Die, which premiered on Netflix on April 14th 2023. Seven Kings Must Die adapted the eleventh and twelfth books of the series, War of the Wolf and Sword of Kings. It followed Uhtred’s final quest to reclaim Bebbanburg and unite England under one king.
