990
edits
Changes
→Historical Accuracy
In fact, there are not many historical sources before this battle and the few indications suggest that Wessex was unsuccessful in some of their encounters with the Vikings. This explains why he may have cautiously approached warfare with the Danes. The series shows that the Wessex forces did not rush into participating in the battle against the Danish raids on Mercia. The raids themselves did occur but they probably did not sack any major Mercian capital as shown in the series. On the other hand, the side-story of Uhtred trying to regain his ancestral lands in Bebbanburgh is entirely fictional. Uhtred is an entirely fictional character, but his quest provides his character with a powerful motivation to fight for the English.
Sigtrygg becomes an important character in Season 4 of the series. Even though he fights for the Vikings, he is becomes connected to Uhtred. Like Uhtred, Sigtrygg in his has great bravery and ultimately he marries Uhtred's daughter. The Viking raids in Wales and attempts to even conquer parts of it did occur after the Battle of Tettenhall, but some years well after that battle.
Additionally, there is no evidence the Welsh and the Welsh king (Hywel Dda)supported Wessex and Mercia in their fight against the Vikings at the Battle of Tettenhall. Edward's father in law is also shown as an important character, whereas historically he probably played a limited or even none existent role as he may have been dead by the time the series takes place. Aethelred's death did have a possible connection to the battle, while his wife Æthelflæd does, in fact, become a well-respected ruler and leader of the Mercians. In fact, she may have been among the earliest English female rulers of any level.
Eardwulf, the commander for Aethelred, is not a known historical character, who is depicted as a scheming nobleman. In fact, she may have been among the earliest English female rulers of any level. The danger to Aethelstan, first son of Edward, may have been real, as he likely had to fight or contest his throne with Edward's other children, including Ælfweard. Aethelstan's early years were obscure and he may have been partially raised in a monastery while Edward was married to his second wife (Ælfflæd). This period, in general, has few historical sources, which gives the series more creative liberties, but it is likely that among all the seasons this has the fewest historical links.
===Summary===