The Philosophy of The Last Kingdom
More than Fate is Inexorable
The philosophy and worldview of Uhtred of Bebbanburg has remained consistent, despite becoming a thirteen book series and an acclaimed Netflix series. Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom series, offers a near barbaric perspective which is as sophisticated as anyone’s today.
The world of Uhtred is one with thatch roofs, swords, shields, war and war lords. At the beginning of series, he is kidnapped after his father’s death, held captive by Danes and adopted as one of the Northmen. As an adult, he finds himself oath sworn to Alfred of Wessex, a king he respects but hates, and fighting the Danes who he loves. It is a world filled with conflict, of both a personal and visceral nature.
Through Uhtred’s life, we witness the battles and divisions which create the kingdom which would become “England.” The kingdom of the West Saxons starts as the Last Kingdom of the English speaking people, assaulted by the invading Danes. As we reach the conclusion, Wessex has become the eminent power of the isle of Britain, with only Uhtred’s Northumbria as the Last Kingdom outside of their control.
There are three themes which are repeatedly brought up in this saga, themes which are explicitly relate to the life of the warrior in an ancient kingdom, but also implicitly apply to those…
