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[[File:Last_Kingdom_2.jpg|thumbnail|left|300px|The Last Kingdom - Season 2]] <i> Warning: May contain This article contains spoilers!!!!</i> Check out our summaries for [[How Historically Accurate is season 1 of The Last Kingdom?|Season 1]], [[How Historically Accurate is season 3 of The Last Kingdom?|Season 3]], and [[How Historically Accurate is Season 4 of The Last Kingdom?| Season 4]].

The <i>The Last Kingdom</i> is a historical-based series set in Anglo-Saxon England in the 9th century AD during a time of major Viking (Norse and Dane) invasions. Season 2 focuses on family conflicts that embroiled Uhtred, the protagonist, and the conquest of London, an actual historical event. ====Set of Events====Season 2 is divided into two novels from the <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LEYI47C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00LEYI47C&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=5896bb38392fa928ad7836385dccf0d Saxon Tales]</i> series written by Bernard Cornwell, namely books 3 and 4 (Season 1 was books 1-2). The novels span roughly between 878-886 (Figure 1). The main focus for Season 2 in the first four episodes is Uhtred's quest to go north from Wessex into Northumbria, a less tamed area of England that is ruled more by Danes but their hold is somewhat less clear. Uhtred seeks his ancestral home in Bebbanburg (Bamburgh Castle) and also wants revenge against Kjartan, who killed his adopted Danish father.<ref>For more on the series, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Saxon_Stories</ref>  Uhtred finds himself helping a Dane, King Guthred, who was a slave envisioned to be a king by priests serving Saint Cuthbert, specifically abbot Eadred. This was a period after Halfdan, a Dane, had conquered Northumbria. Guthred was indicated to be Hardcanut's son, who somehow ended up in slavery. The story of Guthred being freed is depicted in the first episode, as he is rescued by Uhtred. The crowning of Guthred was preceded by a period of some anarchy, as the population arose against the Danes. Historically, there was uncertainty after Halfdan was killed in battle as he was fighting in Ireland. This was used by the series to create the context in which Guthred came to power. [[File:2000px-England 878.svg.png|thumbnail|left|thumbnail|Figure 1. Map of England in 878 and during the period of Series 2.]]Later, after Guthred was crowned as king of Northumbria, Uhtred became the leader of Guthred's household guard. Much of the rest of the first four episodes are not so much historical but more focused on Uhtred and the revenge exacted against Kjartan. The only main highlight is the focus on Dunholm, which was a the base of Kjartan. Dunholm, modern Durham, is little known historically at this time, although it may have had an important fortress already in the Anglo-Saxon period, as suggested by the series. Overall, the first episodes show that in parts of England, Danish and English people were becoming intermixed, where some Danes, such as possibly Guthred, became Christian as well. In effect, the population was become hybrid and some conversions were taking place to make the Vikings Christians.<ref>For more on the historical eventGuthred, see: Campbell, J., John, E. & Wormald, P. (1991) <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140143955/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0140143955&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=b8ad3933677a311cc75e14d5b42858bf The Anglo-Saxons]</i>. London, England ; New York, N.Y., USA, Penguin Books, pg. 81.</ref>

[[File:P04w2wqw.jpg|thumbnail|Poster from Season 2.]]==Set of Events==Historical Characters====Season 2 is divided into two novels from The series develops several significant characters that were introduced in the <i>Saxon Stories</i> series, namely books 3 and 4 (Season 1 was books 1-2)first season. The novels span roughly between 878-886 (Figure 1)first being Æthelflæd, who is now of marriageable age. The main focus for Season 2 She is to become be an important historical figure in the first four episodes is Uhtred's quest leading Mercia to go north full independence from Wessex into NorthumbriaViking occupation. Her parents marry her to Æthelred, a less tamed area who is Lord of England that is ruled more by Danes but their hold is somewhat less clear. Uhtred seeks his ancestral home in Bebbanburg Mercia, (Bamburgh Castlethe areas of Mercia free from Danish rule) n order to form a strategic alliance between Wessex and also wants revenge against KjartanMercia. The marriage is portrayed, however, who killed as unhappy. Æthelred is adopted Danish depicted as abusive and as marrying Æthelflæd solely in order to advance his position with her father, King Alfred. There is some historical account to suggest they had an estranged or less than happy marriage, although the two did form an important political combination in Mercia.<ref>For more on the seriesÆthelred and Æthelflæd, and their role in uniting Mercia and Wessex, see: Marafioti, N. (2014) <i>[https://enwww.wikipediaamazon.orgcom/gp/product/wiki1442647582/The_Saxon_Storiesref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1442647582&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=6adde8dd803068319e28a91c24747861 The king’s body: burial and succession in late Anglo-Saxon England]</i>. Toronto Anglo-Saxon series. Toronto, University of Toronto Press, pg. 58.</ref>

Uhtred finds himself helping a Dane, King Guthred, who was a slave envisioned to be a king by priests serving Saint Cuthbert, specifically abbot Eadred. This was a period after Halfdan, a Dane, had conquered Northumbria. Guthred was indicated to be Hardcanut's son, who somehow ended up in slavery. The story of Guthred being freed is depicted in the first episode, as he is rescued by Uhtred. The crowning of Guthred was preceded by a period of some anarchy, as the population arose against the Danes. Historically, there was uncertainty after Halfdan was killed in battle as he was fighting in Ireland. This was used by the series to create the context in which Guthred came to power. Later, after Guthred was crowned as king of Northumbria, Uhtred became the leader of Guthred's household guard. Much of the rest of the first four episodes are not so much historical but more focused on Uhtred and the revenge exacted against Kjartan. The only main highlight is the focus on Dunholm, which was the base of Kjartan. Dunholm, modern Durham, is little known historically at this time, although it may have had an important fortress already in the Anglo-Saxon period, as suggested by the series. Overall, the first episodes show that in parts of England, Danish and English people were becoming intermixed, where some Danes, such as possibly Guthred, became Christian as well. In effect, the population was become hybrid and some conversions were taking place to make the Vikings Christians.<ref>For more on the historical Guthred, see: Campbell, J., John, E. & Wormald, P. (1991) <i>The Anglodh-Saxons. Penguin history.</i> London, England ; New York, N.Y., USA, Penguin Books, pg. 81.<ad/ref>

In Another key character introduced in the last first four episodes, the focus is Guthrud. He was likely a few years after the events where Uhtred had helped his Danish brother, Ragnar the Younger, to take DunholmDane and he may have been a Christian. Now, Uhtred It is based in Cookhamunclear if he really was a slave, a small village near London which but accounts do suggest that was, in fact, occupied as a more prominent settlement in Anglo-Saxon timesthe case. Once again, Uhtred had sworn allegiance to While Alfred, after Alfred had helped free Uhtred from slavery. It shows Uhtred was shown as leading Alfred's borough of Cookham. In factscheming to help make him king, Cookham was the last important borough before reaching Londonreality is less clear. Overall, England is divided into Danelaw, areas in northern Mercia, He may have simply become king because the population of Northumbria, and East Anglia, and Wessex, which also ruled over southern Mercia. London in 886 was little known becoming increasingly intermixed and the historical accounts simply mentioned that Alfred had restored the town, including rebuilding its Roman walls. The series shows the events in having a more theatrical manner, ruler showing greater sympathy to the Norse had, initially, taken the cityDanes and Christian Anglo-Saxons may have suited everyone in Northumbria. ThenHe also may have simply succeeded normally as any Dane would, they tricked but the Anglo-Saxons in allowing them tried to take make it look legitimate through the city so stories of St. Cuthbert selecting him. There is a story that St. Cuthbert's body did not decay and, in the Lady Æthelflæd could be captured. The series concludes with Uhtred leading a daring rescue that saw her freed, he is shown as relatively well preserved, as his corpse is used to give the new king Guthrud his blessing.<ref>For more on the events leading to 886St. Cuthbert, see: Inwood Marner, SD. & British Library (19982000) <i>A history of London[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0712346864/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0712346864&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=8c244d371d8366274e6a7cc14f71af96 St. Cuthbert: his life and cult in medieval Durham].</i> LondonToronto; New York, Macmillan, pg. 64University of Toronto Press.</ref>

One of the Vikings was Haestein, who seems to be a key aid to the leader Norse in the series, namely the brothers Sigefrid and Erik. While Siegfried and Erik seem fictional, Haestein who may have come to England in the late 9th century and launch some devastating attacks. His role, however, in this season is more minimal, focusing on his support of the two Norse brothers.<ref>For more on Haestein, see: Craughwell, T.J. (2008) <i>[[Filehttps:2000px-England 878//www.svgamazon.png|thumbnail|Figure 1. Map of England in 878 com/gp/product/1592333036/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1592333036&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=44291a423dc425c1f210eca587ff0e8d How the barbarian invasions shaped the modern world: the Vikings, Vandals, Huns, Mongols, Goths, and Tartars who razed the old world and during formed the period of Series 2new].</i> Beverly, MA, Fair Winds Press, pg. 199.]]</ref>

==Historical Characters==The series develops several new or more significant characters that were introduced in the first seasonstory also introduces Osferth, who likely was Alfred's illegitimate son. The first is Æthelflædhistorical records on him do not make it clear, who and in the series he is now shown as a grown womanmonk who wants to join Uhtred's warriors. She would later be an important historical figure in leading Mercia to full independence There does exist records from Viking occupation. She is depicted as marrying Æthelred, who Alfred's will that suggests Osferth was Lord of Mercia, that is the areas of Mercia free from Danish rule. The series focused on Æthelred and Æthelflæd getting married as a key alliance to bring the non-Dane parts son of Mercia into closer alliance with Wessex. Their marriage was shown, however, as less than pleasantAlfred's, where Æthelred was shown to be abusing her. There he is called kinsman, and he even held some important positions as ealdorman in historical account to suggest they had an estranged or less than happy marriagetexts.<ref>For more on Æthelred and Æthelflæd, and their role in uniting Mercia and WessexOsferth, see: Marafioti Abels, NR.P. (20141998) The king’s body<i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1138808121/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1138808121&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=011e368cfa6485952d2a7141c26bb10a Alfred the Great: burial war, kingship, and succession culture in late Anglo-Saxon England. Toronto Anglo-Saxon seriesThe medieval world]. Toronto</i> Harlow, University of Toronto PressEngland ; New York, Longman, pg. 5848.</ref>

Another The other key character characters were introduced in the first four episodes was Guthrum. He was likely a Dane and he may have been a Christian. It is unclear if he really was a slaveSeason 1, but accounts do suggest that was the casesuch as Alfred. While Alfred was shown as scheming to help make him king, the reality Uhtred is less clear. He may have simply become king because the population of Northumbria was becoming increasingly intermixed and having a ruler showing greater sympathy to the Danes and Christian Anglo-Saxons may have suited everyone in Northumbria. He also may have simply succeed normally as any Dane wouldfictional character, but the Anglo-Saxons tried to make it look legitimate through the stories of St. Cuthbert selecting him. There is a story although historical characters with that St. Cuthbert's body did not decay name andfrom Bebbanburg are, in the series, he is shown as relatively well preserved, as his corpse is used to give the new king Guthrum his blessing.<ref>For more on St. Cuthbert, see: Marner, D. & British Library (2000) <i>St. Cuthbert: his life and cult in medieval Durham.</i> Toronto; New Yorkfact, University of Toronto Pressknown.</ref>

One of ====How Accurate is the Vikings was HasteinStory?====Season 2, who seems to be which focused more heavily on Uhtred's trials as he became a key aid slave, got married to the leader Norse in the seriesGuthrud's sister, namely the brothers Siegfried and Erik. While Siegfried his assistance in taking London and Erik seem fictional, Hastein is known to have come to England in rescuing the late 9th century and did launch some devastating attacksLady Æthelflæd. His role, howeverAs this was a period of relatively less conflict, in this season is more minimalcomparison to Season 1, focusing on his support of the two Norse brothersseries did take more liberties in interpreting historical events.<ref>For more on Hastein, see: Craughwell, T.J. (2008) <i>How the barbarian invasions shaped the modern world: the Vikings, Vandals, Huns, Mongols, Gothsinstance, while Guthrud may have come from a famous Viking father and Tartars who razed the old world and formed the new.</i> Beverlymay have been a slave, MA, Fair Winds Press, pg. 199relatively little is known about how he ruled.</ref>

The story also introduces Osferth, who likely was Alfred's illegitimate son. The historical records on him do not make it clear, and in In the series , he is shown as a monk who wants weak and easily pliable king, acting to join his own detriment and that of Uhtred's warriors. There does exist records from Alfred's will that suggests Osferth was marrying his daughter Æthelflæd is shown as an important move to unite Mercia and Wessex. This is historically accurate and it likely did cause tension between the two kingdoms as the former powerful kingdom of Mercia became more closely associated with Wessex. The taking of Lady Æthelflæd is, however, a likely fictional event. In effect, there are not a son large number of Alfred'shistorical events, where he is called kinsmanbut the places, and he even held some important positions such as ealdorman in historical texts.<ref>For more on OsferthCookham, see: Abels, Rkey events (e.Pg. (1998, taking of London) <i>Alfred the Great: war, kingship, and culture in Anglo-Saxon Englandsome of the key characters (e. The medieval worldg.</i> Harlow, England ; New YorkGuthrud and Osferth) are historical. Because relatively little is known about this period, Longmansuch as how London was taken, pg. 48the writers were able to add their own version of events to make it an interesting story.</ref>

The other ====Summary====Season 2 shows key characters historical events, the taking of London and the beginning of rulers who were introduced in Season 1Christian and Danish, such possibly changing the character of the country even as Alfredit was ruled by Danes. Uhtred The unity of Mercia and Wessex is a fictional characteralso shown, although historical characters with including how that name process developed. The series indicates how the attempt by the Norse, in this case, Siegfried and Erik, failed to take over England. The establishment of the boroughs, indicated in Series 2, were critical in thwarting Viking raids in England, which were indirectly shown and from Bebbanburg arediscussed in the series. Overall, however, as the years in factwhich the events took place were relatively quiet, knownthere was more liberty for the series to focus on character stories such as Uhtred and his brother Ragnar taking back Dunholm.

==How Accurate is the Story?==References====Season 2, which focused more heavily on Uhtred's trials as he became a slave, got married to Guthrum's sister, and his assistance in taking London and rescuing the Lady Æthelflæd. As this was a period of relatively less conflict, in comparison to Season 1, the series did take more liberties in interpreting historical events. For instance, while Guthrum may have come from a famous Viking father and may have been a slave, relatively little is known about how he ruled. In the series, he is shown as a weak and easily pliable king, acting to his own detriment and that of Uhtred's. Alfred marrying his daughter Æthelflæd is shown as an important move to unite Mercia and Wessex. This is historically accurate and it likely did cause tension between the two kingdoms as the former powerful kingdom of Mercia became more closely associated with Wessex. In effect, there are not a large number of historical events, but the places, such as Cookham, key events (e.g., taking of London), and some of the key characters (e.g., Guthrum) are historical. Because relatively little is known about this period, such as how London was taken, there is also a lot of liberty for the writers to add their own version of events to make it an interesting story.<references/>

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