7 Major Characters In The Last Kingdom Who Aren't Even Real
3. Ragnar Ragnarsson
The entire family that adopts Uhtred and Brida is fictional, Ragnar the Fearless, his wife Sigrid and the blind Ravn (played excellently by the veteran Rutger Hauer). Most of them don't last beyond the first episode, with the notable exception being Ragnar Ragnarsson, the eldest child of Ragnar the Fearless. He was in Ireland when his family was killed and he does not return until a few episodes later.
When he does, he offers his adoptive brother and Brida the chance to join him in seeking vengeance on Kjartan the Cruel. By this time, Uhtred has already sworn an oath of service to King Alfred of Wessex. An oath is a powerful thing in these times and Ragnar acknowledges that their vengeance can wait. They swear that they will confront their enemy together, no matter how long they have to wait.
As time passes, the adoptive brothers find themselves on opposite sides as King Alfred takes battle to Earl Guthrum at Ethandun. This battle is a crucial turning point for the Saxon kingdom of Wessex, breaking the power of the Danes in the region. Ragnar and Brida are taken as hostages and treated well by King Alfred and later, Ragnar is recruited by the King to perform a mission that would benefit both men.