The Enigmatic Osbert: Unveiling the Mystery Behind His Role in The Last Kingdom

The Osbert Last Kingdom introduction during the season 5 finale hinted at the emergence of a significant character, a teenage boy who arrived with Abbess Hild at Bebbanburg after Uhtred and King Edward conquered the fortress. Initially a mysterious figure, it was soon revealed that Osbert is Uhtred's long-lost third child, who was separated from his father as a baby when Uhtred was exiled to Northumbria from Wessex. Sadly, he was also responsible for the death of Uhtred's wife.

In Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories novels, which serve as the basis for The Last Kingdom, Osbert appears in books 7-10. However, his portrayal was omitted from the show's fourth season and most of its fifth season. In the final moments of The Last Kingdom, Osbert's introduction hinted that his story would be explored in Netflix's spinoff film, Seven Kings Must Die, which concludes the series' overall narrative. Despite expectations, Osbert ended up playing a smaller role than anticipated, as the focus shifted primarily to the power struggle between brothers Aelfwynn and Aethelstan.

Uhtred And Gisela's Son Osbert Explained

Osbert is the third child of Uhtred and Gisela, along with their other children Stiorra and Young Uhtred. Unfortunately, Gisela passed away while giving birth to Osbert in The Last Kingdom season 3, episode 1. In that episode, Hild informs Uhtred of Gisela's death while he was away battling against the Danes, and the infant is briefly shown in the arms of a nursemaid. Uhtred had previously fathered two other children in season 1 - his son with Mildrith died under unknown circumstances, and his child with Brida was lost due to a miscarriage.

After being raised by Hild, Osbert's introduction in The Last Kingdom season 5 finale involves a much-anticipated reunion with his father at Bebbanburg. As Hild leads him to the fortress, she hints to Osbert about seeking information on his true heritage from the new lord. This suggests that Osbert is unaware that Uhtred is his father. In season 5, episode 9, Uhtred mentions his need for someone's assistance in reclaiming Bebbanburg, and Hild refers to Osbert.

What Happened To Osbert In Seven Kings Must Die

When Uhtred arrived to retrieve Osbert, Hild insisted that the boy was too young. However, Uhtred clarified that his true intent was to seek Haesten for the mission. By introducing Osbert in the series finale, The Last Kingdom not only reveals the mystery of Uhtred's estranged third child but also sets the stage for a potential story arc in Seven Kings Must Die. Unfortunately, Osbert, son of Uhtred, did not have the opportunity to experience that privilege.

With the conclusion of The Last Kingdom season 5 finale, viewers finally witnessed Osbert make his long-awaited debut on-screen. This pivotal moment paved the way for his integral role in Seven Kings Must Die, which draws its inspiration from the last three novels of The Saxon Stories. However, by refraining from depicting the reunion between Uhtred and Osbert, The Last Kingdom left its audience pondering the dynamic and progression of their father-son bond. As Uhtred now possesses the rightful claim to Bebbanburg and assumes the role of Lord of Northumbria, he is bound to encounter formidable contenders vying for his newly gained authority.

However, Osbert had minimal involvement in the movie. Instead, Seven Kings Must Die centered on the ambitions of Edward's sons, Aethelstan and Aelfweard, in their quest for the throne. The tragic outcome occurred when Aelfweard chose to surrender, yet his brother still killed him. Aethelstan did everything within his power to maintain control and shape his own destiny. He went so far as to kill some of his closest friends, capture Osbert and Edmund, and exile Uhtred to the Shetlands. Fortunately for Osbert, who had recently reunited with his father, he managed to survive by staying hidden.

Producer Nigel Marchant provided an explanation for Osbert's absence from The Last Kingdom, despite appearing in the books, until the finale. "We believed that by introducing Uhtred’s two children, along with Aelfwynn and Aethelstan, who were embroiled in all the action, it would have been one character too many," (via Den of Geek). Even though Osbert reappeared in the movie, he still did not receive as much screen time as fans of the books may have desired. After Uhtred's death, Osbert pledged Northumbria to Aethelstan under the condition that he named Edmund as his sole heir, effectively concluding Osbert son of Uhtred's story as well.

Who Was The Real Osbert From The Last Kingdom?

The name Osbert holds great significance in the overarching narrative of The Last Kingdom. It was the original name of Uhtred before his elder brother's death, leading his father to later bestow it upon the younger son. Uhtred already has a son named after him, but the decision to name the younger boy Osbert carries equal weight. In The Saxon Stories novels, Osbert, son of Uhtred, becomes known as Uhtred due to his father's disapproval of his older son's Christian beliefs. In the show, Osbert is introduced at a later stage than in the books, offering an intriguing development that is not explored in the feature film adaptation of The Last Kingdom.

There are other characters with the name Osbert in The Last Kingdom, including a king who forms an alliance with Uhtred during the Siege of Eoferwic. However, before Uhtred's son arrives, who is Osbert? This man joins forces with King Uhtred in season 1 to fight against the Danish army, but they are ultimately defeated. The Osbert seen in the season 5 finale and in the subsequent events of Seven Kings Must Die is a distinct individual, displaying great loyalty to his father despite being abandoned as a child.