Historical Accuracy of The Last Kingdom on Netflix

The critically acclaimed series The Last Kingdom, available on Netflix, is based on Bernard Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles. This article delves into the historical accuracy of the show, examining its portrayal of characters, time period, events, and cultural elements.

Time Period and Events

The series captures the tumultuous period of Viking raids, the rise of King Alfred of Wessex, and the establishment of the Danelaw. Key events such as battles and political alliances are accurately portrayed, albeit with some dramatization for narrative purposes. However, the portrayal of King Alfred, who deftly navigated fluctuating alliances to establish his kingdom, is a point of interest as the show portrays him as somewhat faltering.

Characters

Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the main character, is a fictional creation based on historical figures. Bernard Cornwell, the author, likely drew his inspiration from real historical events and figures, such as King Alfred. However, the portrayal of their personalities and relationships is often embellished or simplified, making the narrative more engaging for the audience.

Characters like Ragnar and Brida represent the Viking perspective and are based on historical archetypes; however, their specific stories are largely fictional. These fictionalized stories serve to enhance the dramatic appeal of the series without the need for strict historical adherence.

Cultural Representation

The series does an admirable job of depicting the cultural clash between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings, showcasing aspects of Norse mythology, customs, and societal structures. The Vikings are portrayed as fierce and formidable, while the Anglo-Saxons are depicted as resourceful but often in conflict. However, it is important to note that some elements may be exaggerated or romanticized for the sake of drama and entertainment.

Dramatic License

Historical dramas, by nature, often take certain liberties with the historical record to create more compelling storylines. For example, the population is presented as being distinctly Anglo-Saxon or Danish with little indication that the Anglo-Saxons were actually a blend of Anglo-Saxons, Britons, and other groups. This simplification serves to make the narrative more straightforward and engaging for the audience, but it does lose some of the complexity of historical reality.

On the whole, The Last Kingdom is a blend of factual recreation and dramatic embellishment. The show is certainly a work of fiction, designed to entertain and engage, rather than to serve as a documentary. Interested viewers should approach the series with this awareness and enjoy it for its entertainment value.

While the show can be appreciated purely as an entertaining narrative, those who are particularly interested in the historical accuracy of the time period may find some of the dramatizations a bit disappointing. Nonetheless, the series offers a compelling and richly textured portrayal of the era and its people, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of historical fiction and drama alike.