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__NOTOC__[[File:The-Last-Kingdom-Uhtred-Alexander-Dreymon-2.jpg|left|thumbnail|350px|The tv series <i>Last Kingdom</i> continues for a third season, ]]'''Warning this time concentrating in the later years of Alfred the Greatarticle contains Spoilers!!!'''s reign. This was a period of renewed conflict with tensions and uncertainty as to how successful the unification process of England would survive future Danish onslaught. The approximate time in which the season takes place is between 892-899.

Read our previous articles on the historical accuracy for [[File:How Historically Accurate is season 1 of The-Last-Kingdom-season-3-1524490.jpg?|thumb|<i>The Season 1]] and [[How Historically Accurate is Season 2 of Last Kingdom</i> in the third season takes place in the 890s, the last years of Alfred's reign.?|Season 2]]==Historical Background==In 892-94, another large wave of Danish and other Viking invasions took place in Wessex, attacking the rich lands of southern England south of London. Several of the raids involved Danes coming from northern Europe but also Danes from East Anglia and Northumbria came. The Danes may have intended to stay in England if they had succeeded more greatly in their raids. In 892-94, Wessex was far more prepared for renewed Dane raids, as this time they had fortified places called <i>burh</i>(s) throughout much of Wessex. The Danes has setup several key defensive areas, including in the Thames Estuary and in Devon. They were led Hastein, a chieftain who led one of the larger groups. Another group of Danes was intercepted near Farnham, which is a small town today about 30 km west of London. There, the Danes were defeated and much of the treasures stolen during their raids were taken backLast Kingdom.

While in The TV series <i>Last Kingdom</i>, based on the novel Uhtred plays<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, once againcontinues for a third season, a key role this time concentrating in defending against the Danish raids, he eventually flees north to Northumbria after his wife had died giving childbirthlater years of Alfred the Great's reign. The key historical link This was a period of renewed conflict with tensions and plot is the uncertainty of what would happen once Alfred died and as to how successful Wessex the unification process of England would hold on against survive future Danish/Viking raids, particularly as Aethelwald, Alfred's brother, would likely make a move for the crown after Alfred had diedonslaught. Although eventually Uhtred comes back to Wessex, after some The approximate time being involved in his own Viking raids in continental Europe and living with his Danish brother, Ragnar, he this time finds himself more closely allied to Æthelflæd, who which the season takes place is the wife of the Mercian lord Æthelredbetween 892-899.

When Alfred does die ====Historical Background====In 892-94, another large wave of Danish and other Viking invasions took place in 899Wessex, rebellion by Aethelwald starts that sees him combining his forces with invading attacking the rich lands of southern England south of London. Several of the raids involved Danes and coming from northern Europe but also Danes from East Anglia. Edward, son of Alfred, had succeed Alfred but some see him as not the legitimate king, as Alfred took the crown from Aethelwald early in his reign because Aethelwald was seen as incompetent and unable to lead against the DanesNorthumbria came. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle suggests Aethelward Danes may have intended to stay in England if they had been recognised more successful with their raids. In 892-94, Wessex was far more prepared for renewed Dane raids than they were in earlier invasions, as king in Northumbria at this timethey had fortified places called <i>burh</i>(s) throughout much of Wessex (Figure 2). Aethelwald also convinces the The Danes that he is the rightful kinghave set up several key defensive areas, although he is unsuccessful including in convincing anyone the Thames Estuary and in Wessex of thisDevon. The Danes began raiding Wessex which eventually They were led to an invasion by Wessex against East AngliaHastein, specifically against King Eohric a chieftain who had sided with Aethelwald. At a great battle, led one of the Battle of Holme, Eohric, Aethelwald, and other prominent Danes die, but Wessex forces retreat from East Anglialarger groups.

==Key Characters However, numerous other Viking warlords were involved, which in some way may have complicated the success of their attacks. One group of Danes was, in fact, intercepted near Farnham, which is a small town today about 30 km west of London. There, the Danes were defeated and Significance==much of the treasures stolen during their raids were taken back. Later, the Danes were also defeated in 894 at the battle of Benfleet east of London.<ref>For more on the battles and conflicts of the 890s, see: Lavelle, Ryan. 2010. <i>Alfred’s Wars: Sources and Interpretations of Anglo-Saxon Warfare in the Viking Age</i>. Warfare in History. Woodbridge: The Boydell Press. </ref>[[File:222w-95.jpg|thumbnail|left|250px|Figure 2. Burhs were important for the defense of England.]]While in the novel Uhtred plays, once again, a key role in defending against the Danish raids, he eventually flees north to Northumbria after his wife died giving childbirth. The key historical link and plot is the uncertainty of what would happen once Alfred died and how successful Wessex would hold on against Danish/Viking raids, particularly as Aethelwald, Alfred's brother, would likely make a move for the crown after Alfred had died. Although eventually Uhtred comes back to Wessex, after some time being involved in his own Viking raids in continental Europe and living with his Danish brother, Ragnar, he finds himself more closely allied to Æthelflæd, who is the wife of the Mercian lord Æthelred.<ref>For more on how the Danes from Northumbria and East Anglia began to conspire against Alfred, see: Abels, Richard. 2017. <i>Alfred the Great: War, Kingship, and Culture in Anglo-Saxon England</i>. Routledge.</ref>

In Season 3When Alfred does die in 899, Uhtred appears to possibly change rebellion by Aethelwald starts that sees him combining his loyalties forces with invading Danes, Northumbria Danes, and Danes from East Anglia. Edward, son of Alfred, had succeeded Alfred but some see him as not the legitimate king, as he leaves Wessex after Alfred took the crown from Aethelwald early in his wife diesreign because Aethelwald was seen as incompetent and unable to lead against the Danes. The <i>Anglo-Saxon Chronicle</i> suggests Aethelward may have been recognized as king in Northumbria at this time. This Aethelwald also convinces the Danes that he is because the rightful king in Wessex, although he killed a priest is unsuccessful in convincing most nobles in Wessex of this. The Danes began raiding Wessex, which eventually led to an invasion by Wessex against East Anglia, specifically against King Eohric who had insulted her after her deathsided with Aethelwald. Uhtred is now governor At a great battle, the Battle of London andHolme, although MericaEohric, led by ÆthelredAethelwald, technically rule Londonand other prominent Danes die, it although this is often considered a Danish victory as Wessex that has forces retreat from East Anglia for the real authoritytime being. In fact<ref>For more on the death of Alfred and succession, see: Campbell, James, Mercia is not allowed to have a king but only a lordEric John, keeping Wessex in charge of its affairsand Patrick Wormald. 1991. <i>The Anglo-Saxons</i>. Penguin History. After leaving Wessex for some timeLondon, England ; New York, Uhtred comes back and serves Æthelflæd as he cares for her and keeps his oath to her to protect herN.Y. He thus continues fighting for Wessex and serving under Edward, the son and successor to AlfredUSA: Penguin Books.</ref>

Hastein is a key character ====Key Characters and Significance====[[File:The-Last-Kingdom-season-3-1524490.jpg|thumbnail|350px|left|<i>The Last Kingdom</i> in the conflicts that begin third season takes place in the 890s, the last years of Alfred's reign. We do not know if Hastein was the same ]]In Season 3, Uhtred appears to possibly change his loyalties as another Hastein mentioned in texts he leaves Wessex after his wife dies. This is because he killed a priest who had also raided wide areas in Europeinsulted her after her death. Uhtred is initially the governor of London and, although Merica, led by Æthelred, technically rules London, it is Wessex that has the real authority. It In fact, Mercia is possible not allowed to have a king but only a lord, keeping Wessex in charge of its affairs and creating tension between the two although they are different people as otherwise it would seem Hastein would have lived generally united against the Danes. After leaving Wessex for a very long some time. Hastein is shown , Uhtred comes back and serves Æthelflæd as being a character willing he cares for her and keeps his oath to do whatever is needed her to ensure his positionprotect her. He is seen as orchestrating a significant part of thus continues fighting for Wessex and serving under Edward, the invasions son and conflicts, although he was able successor to extricate himself from some of the key battlesAlfred.

Edward Hastein is Alfred's legitimate son a key character in the conflicts that began in the 890s. We do not know if Hastein was the same as another Hastein mentioned in texts who becomes king after himhad also raided wide areas in Europe. It is possible they are different people as otherwise, it would seem Hastein would have lived for a very long time and been involved in attacks throughout Europe. Edward Hastein is shown as being initially unsure a character willing to do whatever is needed to ensure his position. He is seen as orchestrating a significant part of the invasions and needing guidanceconflicts, which Uhtred although he was able to provide in matters extricate himself from some of war and battle Edward begins to gain confidence and establishes his own interests soon after Alfred's death by securing the crown and fighting in East Anglia to defend his interestskey battles such as Benfleet.<ref>For more on Hastein, see: Hinds, Kathryn. 2010. <i>Vikings. Barbarians!</i> New York: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, pg. 49. </ref>

In the 890s, Edward is Alfred's weak health has begun to catch up to legitimate son who becomes king after him and he knew it. He began to groom his son Edward is shown as being initially unsure and prepare him for the challenges that were ahead. Firstneeding guidance, fighting which Uhtred was to secure the crown, then keeping the Danes provide in matters of war and Viking raids at bay, battle. Edward begins to gain confidence and finally expand and forge the dream of England that establishes his own interests soon after Alfred possessed. While 's death by securing the first two goals were clear crown and having the burh fighting in East Anglia to defend his interests. He gained valuable battlefield experience in Farnham and military system created by Wessex could prove effectiveBenfleet.<ref>For more on Edward, see: Higham, uniting a country was more complexN. J., as now one had to convince other Anglo-Saxons to accept the idea of Englandand David Hill. 2001. Alfred did begin to make plans for this by marrying his daughter to <i>Edward the Mercian lord and placing that lord under himElder, but creating something larger was a challenge899-924</i>. London ; New York: Routledge.</ref>

Æthelwald Æthelflæd, who eventually led the Mercians, is portrayed shown as a an intelligent character often drunk who eventually convinces Uhtred to come back and largely incompetent, although this could largely be an artifact of history where serve the Mercia and Wessex despite the fact that he ultimately did not rule the crown. He was given great wealth by Alfred on his deathbed but Æthelwald always at one point wanted for killing a priest. Because she cared for Uhtred this helped him against the crown and he saw his chance during a period of renewed Dane and Viking attackspeople in Wessex who were angry with him. He did not anticipate perhaps that his nephew would also be willing This permitted Uhtred to fight so hard for his claim defend her from those who plotted against her, including her own husband. Her husband sought to make Merica fully independent from Wessex, but failed because the crown country lacked sufficient resources.<ref>For more on Æthelflæd, see: Arman, Joanna. 2017. <i>The Warrior Queen: The Life and this mistake could have cost him his lifeLegend of Aethelflaed, Daughter of Alfred the Great</i>. Amberley Publishing.</ref>

==Historical Accuracy==There is a good amount of creative liberty in this season. The In the 890s were recorded in the <i>Anglo-Saxon Chronicle </i>, which is Alfred's weak health has begun to catch up to him and he knew it. He began to groom his son Edward and prepare him for the primary source for this periodchallenges that were ahead. We do not know how serious Alfred wanted to fight to secure the Dane raids were but one gets a sense they became less successful as crown, then keep the English (Anglo-Saxons) began devising more effective defensive systems. The Danes were still a formidable threat and Viking raids at bay, and finally expand and forge the fact they were campaigning throughout still much dream of England shows that. The major battles in this period While the first two goals were just outside of London clear and in an area near Cambridge. The entanglement of Danes with having the English also becomes clear <i>burh</i> and a military system created by Wessex could prove effective, uniting a country was more complex, as by now many no one had begun to convert convince other Anglo-Saxons to Christianity and accept the politics idea of the Danes and English intersected. England itself would become a mixture of Danish and English influences. The fact that Alfred was still highly successful in manipulating the situation did begin to make plans for this by marrying his favour with daughter to the Mercia Mercian lord and securing his son on the throne shows placing that lord under him, but he continued struggled to be create a wise ruler as he is depictedmore secure alliance.<ref>For more on how Alfred spent his last years, see: Abels, Richard Philip. 1998. The threat from Hastein may have not been so severe but the fact that Æthelwald could threaten the crown shows that <i>Alfred had not properly dealt with the threats from within his wider familyGreat: War, Kingship, and Culture in Anglo-Saxon England</i>. The Medieval World. Harlow, England ; New York: Longman, Chapter 9.</ref>

The portrayal Æthelwald is portrayed as a character often drunk and largely incompetent, although this could largely be an artifact of Uhtred vacillating between history where he ultimately did not rule the crown. He was given great wealth and land by Alfred on his temptation to join his brother Ragner and deathbed but Æthelwald always wanted the Danes crown and try to stay loyal to the English who often were ungrateful demonstrates also the he saw his chance during a period in which the story takes placeof renewed Dane and Viking attacks. As a king became physically weaker, enemies of Wessex He did begin not anticipate perhaps that his nephew would also be willing to contemplate if this was their chance fight so hard for his claim to get at the kingdom. The lack of Dane unity or at least coordination in their military tactics was once again partly their downfall crown and this became clearoversight cost him his life.<ref>For more on Æthelwald, see: Jones, Gwyn. 2001. Although <i>Last KingdomA History of the Vikings</i> takes great liberty with the story in this season, along with several fictional, key characters such as Skade and Harald Bloodhair, the story is well set within another period of uncertainty in English history and makes these characters believable and seemingly central to the wider story of English unification.2nd ed. London ; New York: Oxford University Press. </ref>

==Summary==Historical Accuracy====There is a great deal of creative liberty in this season. The fact 890s were recorded in the <i>Last KingdomAnglo-Saxon Chronicle </i> has continued , which is the primary source for this period. We do not know how serious the Dane raids were but one gets a third season shows that there is sense they became less successful as the English (Anglo-Saxons) began devising more effective defensive systems. The Danes were likely still a strong appetite for stories from formidable threat and the early history fact they were campaigning throughout still much of England's makingshows that. It does help that much The major battles in this period were just outside of London and in an area near Cambridge. The entanglement of Danes with the period's history is not that well known, outside English also becomes clear as by now many had begun to convert to Christianity and the politics of some major battles, Alfred's death, the Danes and subsequent rebellionEnglish intersected. This though does make it England itself would become a great opportunity mixture of Danish and English influences. The fact that Alfred was still highly successful in manipulating the situation for his favor with Mercia and securing his son on the throne shows that he continued to weave be a captivating fictional story wise ruler as he is depicted. The threat from Hastein may have not been so severe but the fact that Æthelwald could threaten the crown shows that Alfred had not properly dealt with the threats from within this historical timeline, making for some entertaining watching even if it is fancifulhis wider family.

The portrayal of Uhtred vacillating between his temptation to join his brother Ragnar and the Danes and try to stay loyal to the English who often were ungrateful demonstrates also the period in which the story takes place. As a king became physically weaker, enemies of Wessex did begin to contemplated whether there was a chance to take Wessex. Dane disunity and coordination in their military tactics and strategies played a key role their downfall and this became clear. Although the <i>Last Kingdom</i> takes great liberty with the story in this season, along with several fictional, key characters such as Skade and Harald Bloodhair, the story is well set within another period of uncertainty in English history and makes these characters believable and seemingly central to the wider story of English unification. ====Summary====The fact that <i>The Last Kingdom</i> has continued for the third season shows that there is a strong appetite for stories from early English history. The show benefits from the reality that this period's history of England is not particularly well known, outside of some major battles, Alfred's death, and the subsequent rebellion. This allows the show to weave a captivating fictional story within this historical timeline, making for some entertaining watching even if it is fanciful. ====References====<references/> {{Contributors}}[[Category:Wikis]][[Category:British History]] [[Category:English History]] [[Category:Scottish History]] [[Category:Historically Accurate]] [[Category:Medieval History]]