10 Most Intriguing Characters From The Last Kingdom

As ruler of the West Saxons, Alfred always dreamed of a larger goal – uniting the kingdoms of Wessex, East Anglia, Mercia and Northumberland as a single English kingdom. Even in his darkest moment, hidden in the marshland at Athelney after the fall of Winchester, Alfred held onto his faith in God and his hope for victory. With the support of Uhtred, the forces of Wessex were able to defeat the Great Heathen Army and Alfred was able to secure the boundaries of his kingdom, just as the dream of one Anglo-Saxon nation seemed lost.

Alfred’s tumultuous alliance with Uhtred often tested both men to their limits and their worldviews clashed on many occasions over the years. However, their respect for one another usually overcame any disharmony, leading to a relationship which built the foundations for Wessex to push back against the Danish occupiers.

David Dawson’s masterful performance perfectly balanced Alfred’s subtle power with his necessary ruthlessness, creating the most layered character in The Last Kingdom. His death was a major loss for the show, but the legacy left behind by Alfred has powered the series forward. While he ultimately perished before he could see the birth of England, his children, Æthelflæd and Edward, now have the opportunity to finish what their father started.