Hence the name of the show focuses on the struggles of this last Kingdom to remain strong against the enemies and intruders. Pitched battles were rare. First, both series seem to be riding the Thrones train, but more importantly, it seems as though The Last Kingdom is merely a riff off Vikings. With one following the Viking arc and the other the birth of England, these two apparently similar shows ended up striking out in very different directions.Â, Why The Last Kingdom is actually very different from Vikings. While I can repeat this about the Last Kingdom, the English peoples did not call themselves "Saxons" anymore than they called the Danes "Vikings." If Alfred the Great were born a bastard, he would have been shipped off to a monastery and history books would not have mentioned him. Both depict the conflict between Nordic people and their Saxon victims. BBC America’s sprawling, arresting eight-part historical miniseries The Last Kingdom proves that there’s room enough on television for more than one Viking invasion. From the similarities in the costume, to the strikingly similar tone and set, Vikings will remind you immediately of The Last Kingdom, and in the best way possible! This is commented on by English sources who consider the Danes strange and effeminate for it. He was seized by King Aella of Northumbria and killed by being thrown into a pit of snakes. Rollo and Ragnar never met. While Cornwall is now an almost-entirely English-speaking region, in the 9th century they’d have all spoken Cornish. Alfred the Great was very sick. It’s just so much easier and quicker to draw from the hip, as soldiers of the time would have done, than from the back. The Seer could easily be cast in Star Wars or Star Trek, literally. Norse peoples had all sorts of dyes, and preferred red, yellow, blue, green, etc. Please see my blog on Shield Walls here: https://www.aldsidu.com/blog/shield-walls-of-our-heathen-ancestors They did fear "losing too many men" as The Last Kingdom portrays. © 2023 by Name of Site. But he probably was filled with arrows, and did have a gruesome death. The Last Kingdom opens with an invasion in 866 CE, the Great Heathen Army, which Nordic legends claim was started by the sons of Lothbrok for his execution by King Aella of Northumbria in 865. Game of Thrones | 11 Best Historical TV Shows Like Vikings. The Danish Viking invasion of England. I can't resist mentioning this; the phrase "plowing a field" was a sexual phrase in Angle-land for sure. It is "odd" to me that the sons of Ragnar are portrayed as having civil wars against each other as the focus of their lives, and not doing the exploits together that made them famous in the Sagas. Biker "sons of anarchy" leather was certainly not how "vikings" looked historically. The Last Kingdom is set against the backdrop of the VIking invasions of Anglo-Saxon England (Netflix) Alfred the Great. He was married three times: to the shield maiden Lagertha (3rd wife, assuming Saxo is not fictional, as scholars believe him to be), to the noble woman Dôra (first wife), and to Aslaug (2nd wife). Vikings The Battle of Edingdon: the Danes were driven into a fort and then besieged, and did not have an open battle on a plain as is depicted. Please check out our other blogs at www.aldsidu.com. Chronologically, there is no way he could have been contemporary with Ragnar Lodbrok, let alone his brother, as stated above. The first series of eight episodes premiered on 10 October 2015 on BBC America, and on BBC Two in the UK on 22 October 2015. Better than Barley! At a glance, The Last Kingdom is merely retreading ground covered in Vikings, but from a Saxon perspective. The Last Kingdom (TV Series 2015– ) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. King Ecbert did not have an affair with his daughter in law, and Ecbert's son was not the happy cuckold. This is not an accurate description of a Heathen Thing in the open air with a law-speaker. Alfred the Great was not a bastard child. Uhtred is a child and heir to Bebbanburg (Bamburgh) in Northumbria. Please join us on the Facebook Group "Saxon Heathenry." Last Kingdom wins the historical accuracy prize as it build its narrative around the rule of Alfred the Great. The battle armor appears to be mostly leather scales when in fact iron chain mail or just normal clothes would dominate battlefields, and the Danish horses have headgear that gives the impression they have horns. The Anglisc did not use rectangular shields, but would have used circular shields. The Norse Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok's children portrays Aslaug as a warrior queen. The depiction of the Anglian King Edmund being captured and killed by the Danes could very likely be accurate. English and England. I also prefer the cinematography in Vikings. The Battle of Edingdon: the Danes were driven into a fort and then besieged, and did not have an open battle on a plain as is depicted. Vikings begins with the Lothbrok's experiences during the raid of Lindisfarne in 793 CE, which historians point to as the start of the Viking Age. Proudly created with, https://www.aldsidu.com/blog/shield-walls-of-our-heathen-ancestors. Lets take a look at the inaccuracy issues for both shows. Lagertha flat out murdered her husband, and was not abused by him, assuming Saxo is correct. Despite these apparent similarities, however, the shows create their stories from almost opposite types of historical sources. 100% of the rest of the weapons and clothing is flat out wrong. The other, even more dramatic difference, is that these stories take place at two different points in English History. Vikings is coming to an end, with just the final half season to air. The Last Kingdom Vikings is built around the somewhat murky history of a person who may just be just amalgamation of legends. The exploits the sons of Ragnar accomplish in the show are given very little screen time, the focus is on the "family drama." In The Last Kingdom we follow Uhtred, son of Uhtred. Having a hero your audience can get behind is important. Very rare. There would have been no back scabbards, as not only was that impractical, but also dangerous to those behind (friendly forces) anyone with a back scabbard. The Last Kingdom too talks about Ragnar and Alfred the Great, two characters whose lives have been talked about in the epic show Vikings. The Anglish called all Northmen invaders "Danes" whether they came from Geatland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, or somewhere else. The Last Kingdom is a British historical fiction television series based on Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories series of novels. The Last Kingdom begins in 866, the year that Vikings first seized control of York. The stories, then, occur in two different generations. Vikings follows the expansion of the Viking culture while The Last Kingdom follows King Alfred the Great's efforts to hold out against that invasion, an effort that led to the foundations of an English identity. It is this last point that actually led Bernard Cromwell to write the series The Saxon Stories, books that provide the basis for The Last Kingdom. No eye shadow (Lagertha and others in Vikings as well). The Vikings have conquered most of England, leaving the Kingdom of Wessex under King Alfred the Great (David Dawson) — the only independent Saxon territory. It is hit and run, get in, get the treasures, and get out, before the warning bells bring in troops. The Missionary Ansgar was not the failure that Hirst (creator of Vikings) depicts being executed by queen Aslaug when he failed a test. Spears and Axes were the weapons of choice, also bows and arrows. Vikings is based on Norse history and mythology, while The Last Kingdom focuses on Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon) and is based on The Saxon Stories. There are scenes of massacres of civilians, women and children, depicted in Vikings. A second series of eight episodes was aired on BBC Two in the UK in March 2017. Vikings is inspired by historical events. Alfred the Great was very sick. One show adds a gritty realism to its essentially legendary story, while the other attempts to flesh out a series of dry chronicles that hint at a larger drama. Almost all used spears and axes historically. Extremely rare. The once very entertaining show became far less entertaining when Travis Fimmel left (Ragnar was killed), as Ragnar's sons have not been embraced by fans of the show to the same level that Ragnar was, not even close. Ivar was the oldest of the sons of Aslaug. Considering that the Vikings were invaders, they took extraordinary measures to erect comprehensive fortification structures, normally in circles, surrounded by a moat and sharpened stakes, with all their habitations neatly organised within this fortification. The series shows the Danish and Anglisc armies using swords as their primary weapon in battle. The Last Kingdom is by far the most historically accurate show of the two, as Vikings is just more Hollywood than "history." Rollo (846 – 932 A.D.) seized Rouen in 876 A.D. and led the Viking fleet that besieged Paris 885-886 A.D. This test is "borrowed" from Continental Saxon sources, in the writings of Widukind of Corvey, his book "Deeds of the Saxons" from the 10th century. The Last Kingdom showcase the plot where all the kingdoms have been taken under the rule of Viking Danes but one kingdom Wessex remains intact. Characters overlap as well. He merely owned a few estates in the north-east. No fortifications? Then the Princess is put on trial for adultery, has an ear lopped off, only to later have an adulteress affair with the King responsible for chopping her ear off for adultery, is "odd" to say the least. In a bizarre twist, the History Channel portrays the Vikings as settling without any semblance of security, with indefensible villages spread out in the open, without any form of stockade, fortification or protective measures. The Last Kingdom is by far the most historically accurate show of the two, as Vikings is just more Hollywood than "history." In fact Ansgar (801-865) known as The Apostle to the North, not only lived a long life, but succeeded in winning many to Christ. Making a king out of a bastard and claiming Alfred the Great was a bastard son, is the most egregious historical inaccuracy in the show, as the people in that time period, hypocrites or not, did publicly refute all sorts of sexual sin, and feared their sins (sexual and non-sexual) were the reason why "God" was punishing them with Viking raids. His sons avenged him by invading England with the Great Heathen Army in 865 A.D. However, these are not of Anglisc civilians killed by Norse invaders, but Norse settlers killed by brutal and treacherous Anglisc people! Ad – content continues below Hence our escapist need for Barbarians, a new German historical drama that fills the gap while we wait for the next … The English called themselves Anglisc, (pronounced "Anglish") which is why the English language and the country is named after the Angles today, i.e. Vikings is coming to an end, with just the final half season to air. It is quite similar to Vikings, minus the great Wardruna music and some great performances (Ragnar, Floki,...). The Last Kingdom and Vikings are historical fictions based upon the same historical event. The Last Kingdom features some of the most famous and influential figures from the early years of England, incorporating them into the fictional story of … The Last Kingdom season 5 theories Season five will consist of another 10 episodes on Netflix, based on books nine and ten of The Saxon Stories: Warriors of the Storm and The Flame Bearer. Better than Barley! But no helmets at all? The difference is most clearly seen in the contrast between the first focal character of Vikings, Ragnar Lothbrok, and the first focal historical character of The Last Kingdom, Alfred the Great. Most of what we know about Lothbrok comes from legends woven around the Vikings and the occasional reference in a chronicle. Well, glad the show got that right. Ragnar wishes to raid the British Isles, but the jarl insists there is no such place. Much of this book parallels the TV series "The Vikings." The Last Kingdom challenges players to control 13 new factions, including the Vikings themselves, the Saxons, Scots, Irish, Welsh and Norman, and to embark on a campaign to dominate the British Isles. He was baptized as a Christian, married a French princess and it was his great, great, great grandson, William the Conqueror, who invaded England in 1066 and became William I of England. The Norse Sagas identify Ragnar Lodbrok as the father of Ivar the Boneless, Björn Ironside, Halfdan Ragnarsson, and Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye (but not Ubba). Many suggest he had what is known today as Crohn's disease. He was not however, roped to a cross inside a church. “The Last Kingdom” is fun and easy-to-read, well-written and brings to life King Alfred’s battles with the Vikings. Ragnar was the son of the Swedish king Sigurd Hring and a cousin of the Danish king, Gudfred. Saxo is the only source for Lagertha, who is not even mentioned in the Norse Sagas. Many suggest he had what is known today as Crohn's disease. The Last Kingdom Series. Much like Vikings, the clothes are just wrong. Nope, not at all accurate. The Last Kingdom is based on the novels by Bernard Cornwell (The Saxon Stories -- definitely worth a … Uhtred is a child and heir to Bebbanburg (Bamburgh) in Northumbria. While people have always been sexually active with adultry etc throughout human history, the church strongly condemned it. I would recommend this book for the young adult crowd who has enjoyed the “Harry Potter” series. The Danes all look like they haven’t washed in months. Creating a villain your viewers can enjoy rooting against is… The Last Kingdom is as … 7 Shows Like Vikings That You Should Watch if You ... - MSN With enough time lapsed for everyone who will finish Game of Thrones to have finished Game of Thrones, people may be looking for their next fix of medieval-esque drama, sex, and blood — meaning most likely either Vikings on Amazon Prime or The Last Kingdom on Netflix. Shield Walls in both Vikings and The Last Kingdom are completely wrong. These two TV shows have brought droves of people into Asatru, like it or not. However others felt Vikings dipped in quality from season four onwards while The Last Kingdom is an ‘engrossing’ series with ‘great action, no storyline gaps or filler that wasn’t relevant’. The Vikings of The Last Kingdom are running roughshod over poor ninth-century England, raiding the country’s fractious kingdoms more or less with impunity. The Last Kingdom versus Vikings I started to watch The Last Kingdom. Those "sins" were hidden from the people, and there was no better place to hide your sins than in the church. Vikings (6 Seasons) If The Last Kingdom had any television inspiration, it was this History channel … ‘The Last Kingdom’ TV Review: How Saxons Beat the Vikings Weaving fact with fiction, BBC America’s powerful historical drama shows how faith … Shield Walls in both Vikings and The Last Kingdom are completely wrong. Crucifixion by Christians? Norse tactics were to only fight when they had the advantage, took their enemy by surprise, and to avoid the death tolls of pitched battles. Sigurd was not murdered by Ivar, and the brothers did not try to kill each other or fight each other. Not even towers are erected. In 866, Leeds is a decent sized town, but in The Last Kingdom, it is a tiny farmstead with a handful of houses. Ragnar was 40 years earlier than Rollo, and Rollo was not Ragnar's brother. Therefore, those involved in the path of Asatru and/or Historically based Heathenry should be prepared to know a few facts about these TV shows. Better than Barley! Therefore, Rollo is one of the ancestors of the present-day British Royal family. Alfred the Great appeared in some more documentation, grounding him more as an historic figure, as can be seen by his comparatively fleshed-out entry in Britannica. In terms of hair styles, Scandinavians would be aware of the incredibly biting cold. Even sacking of monasteries is not a pitched battle. Aethelflaed, The Lady of the Mercians, ruled the prominent English midland kingdom for seven years following the death of Aethelred. The Saxon Stories tell the tale of Alfred the Great and his descendants through the eyes of Uhtred, an English boy born into the aristocracy of ninth-century Northumbria, captured by the Danes and taught the Viking ways. King Alfred had little control over Cornwall. Evidence to the contrary, they were a happily married couple for decades. They have no leg wraps, footwear that is too modern, no chain mail, and no helmets at all... Why? Here's a series that will instantly immerse you in a vast… In reality Danes washed at least once a week. First aired in 2013, Vikings is a show that The Last Kingdom seems to have gotten inspiration from. Because of this, Encyclopedia Britannica has almost no information about him. Bjorn Ironside was a younger child of Aslaug, not Lagertha. What do we know of Ragnar Lodbrok? The Last Kingdom, set in the 9th century, follows the path of Uhtred son of Uhtred, the son of an English nobleman, kidnapped by the Vikings and raised as a Dane, while Vikings… Would not have happened. In fact, they were together in what was called "The Great Heathen Army." Vikings pretty much has everyone in black and very dark brown. Scholars consider Saxo in regards to Lagertha and Ragnar to be fictional. A Saxon born, Danish adopted warrior who takes on the name Uhtred Ragnarson, referring to his Danish step-dad. Ragnar invaded Paris in 846 AD, therefore, he could not have also raided Lindesfarne in 793 AD. History With A Touch Of ‘Soapie’ Vikings includes everything that makes binge-watching of the … Please see my blog on Shield Walls here: © 2023 by Name of Site. Proudly created with Wix.com. He threatens Ragnar with the confiscation of his property if he doesn’t get in line. No horned helmets. Better than Barley! Despite these apparent similarities, however, the shows create their stories from almost opposite types of historical sources. And the idea that Germanic and/or Norse peoples did not know where Britannia was (calling it "England" which is also an anachronism) is ludicrous. Vikings & The Last Kingdom: How Accurate are these Shows Historically? English was the language of the hated English enemies who’d been conquering their land for the better part of 400 years, and even Cornishmen who spoke English wouldn’t have spoken it to each other. The Uppsala temple pictured as a wooden stave church in the mountains. To deliberately remove the hair from ones’ head when living in often icy conditions and sailing the open seas, would be insane. He distinguished himself with many raids and conquests, including the first siege of Paris, 846 A.D. Bjorn Ironside going to the extreme North Norway in biker leather and no furs or skins to keep him warm, no hat, etc was just silly... No Norwegian would have done such a thing, much less dive naked into the freezing cold waters while having no furs later to keep him warm. No such horse armor has ever been discovered or even attested. Enjoy that amazing final battle among danes (vikings) and saxons full of amazing fights and effects. At a glance, The Last Kingdom is merely retreading ground covered in Vikings, but from a Saxon perspective. On Vikings, Aslaug is the opposite of a warrior, and Lagertha is a shield maiden. The Cornish appear to speak English. Earl Haraldson rules like a feudal lord, dominating the “Thing”, bullying and threatening everyone. It was Ivar, the eldest, who blood-eagled Aella, if we are to believe the sources. In reality, the use of swords was extremely rare during this time period, as swords were typically viewed as being a status symbol for the wealthy as well as those of high military ranking. The Last Kingdom TV Shows Based on Books As Alfred the Great defends his kingdom from Norse invaders, Uhtred -- born a Saxon but raised by Vikings -- seeks to claim his ancestral birthright. Here, however, some may pause. The major difference between the two shows lies in the fact that while Vikings accentuate the Scandinavian story of the Vikings, The Last Kingdom leans more on their English counterparts. (Incidentally, there is no real evidence to support his portrayal in the Last Kingdom as a malicious, abusive psychopath). In an interview with Entertainment Monthly, he explained how the impulse for the series came from a desire to illustrate how the Saxon kingdoms began to find a common identity: "Americans know [where their country came from], they even have a starting date, but the English just seemed to assume that England had always been there, so the idea of writing a series about the creation of England was in my head for a long time."