Vikings: Every Character Based On Real Historical Figures
13. Aethelwulf
True to the show, King Aethelwulf of Wessex reigned in the mid 9th century AD and was the son of King Ecgberht . However the show made him look quite weak, like a pawn that others just used to get what they wanted. The historical records portray him as a strong leader who successfully fought off Vikings and took care of his people.
Rather than having one child with Judith, as seen in the show, he had six children with his first wife, Queen Osburh, and no children with his second wife, Queen Judith. He also took the time to go on a pilgrimage to Rome, whereas in the show he sends his son Alfred the Great on that pilgrimage.