10 Most Intriguing Characters From The Last Kingdom

Æthelflæd is as brave as she is smart, and her natural flair for leadership, coupled with her love for her people, makes her a thoughtful and passionate ruler.

While the Danish shieldmaidens of The Last Kingdom regularly have their moments to shine, Anglo-Saxon women were far more restricted and reserved due to their religion and culture. Æthelflæd is an exception to this rule however, and she has come into her own as a leader and warrior in her own right. She has overcome both mental and physical abuse from her husband, survived assassination attempts, and was eventually crowned Queen of the Mercians following the death of her husband, Æthelred.

With the support of Uhtred, Æthelflæd was able to maintain Mercia’s autonomy as an ally of Wessex, rather than a vassal state under the control of her brother, Edward. This decision was not without personal sacrifice though, as the Lords of Mercia insisted that she swore a vow of chastity to prevent her from being ruled over by another man. Her blossoming relationship with Uhtred may have been brought to an early end, but their love for one another remains intact.