The Last Kingdom: Unforgettable Tragedies That Will Leave Heartbroken

Summary

The Last Kingdom's character deaths are both gruesome and devilishly sad, thanks to the violent period in which the show takes place.

The show's ability to craft dynamic characters enables it to eliminate well-liked characters without losing its hold on the viewers. The demises of Leofric, Ragnar the Fearless, Alfred, Aethelflaed, and other individuals are particularly poignant, as each death carries significant emotional weight and affects the narrative.

The Last Kingdom is filled with tragic deaths, but 10 of them stand out as particularly heart-wrenching. Set in a violent era of history, the show portrays character demises that are both horrific and deeply mournful. What sets The Last Kingdom apart is its ability to establish strong connections between the characters and the audience, making it all the more devastating when these characters meet their untimely ends. This exceptional character development allows the show to eliminate beloved names without losing its hold on viewers. Regardless of who perishes, there is always a compelling reason to continue watching. This masterful storytelling leads to the creation of truly gut-wrenching deaths that will push audiences to their emotional limits. With all five seasons of The Last Kingdom in perspective, there are 10 deaths that resonate as the saddest moments the series has to offer.

10 Leofric

9 Ragnar The Fearless

Leofric, coined as Uhtred's "arseling" nickname in The Last Kingdom, is undeniably one of the most endearing characters in the show. This is why his death in the season 1 finale, at the Battle of Edington, is particularly heart-wrenching to witness. Unexpectedly, during the clash, a sword breaches the Saxons' impenetrable shield wall and delivers a devastating gash across Leofric's neck. The abruptness of this tragic loss, combined with the sorrow of bidding farewell to such a beloved character, transforms it into one of the most poignant deaths in The Last Kingdom.

Earl Ragnar the Fearless makes a brief but captivating appearance in a single episode of The Last Kingdom. He is instantly endearing, and his demise is truly heart-wrenching. Ragnar's remarkable decision to spare Uhtred's life, followed by his choice to adopt him instead of subjecting him to enslavement, speaks volumes about Ragnar's empathy towards his fellow human beings. Ragnar exemplifies honesty and compassion, which intensifies the sorrow we feel witnessing his tragic betrayal. Coupled with the horrifying spectacle of him being ruthlessly burned alive on screen, Ragnar's death ranks among the most poignant losses in the series.

8 Brida

Brida, a character who oscillates between lovability and contempt, plays a complex role in the story. Initially a dedicated ally to Uhtred, she later becomes his greatest enemy. Despite this tumultuous dynamic, Uhtred and Brida maintain a deep love for each other throughout. Regardless of fans' changing perceptions of her, her eventual demise signifies the end of an era in The Last Kingdom. Brida's presence spans all five seasons of the show, and her positive moments are just as remarkable as the negative ones. Her death resurrects the turbulence and conflict of her narrative, resulting in one of the most emotionally charged moments in the series.

7 Alfred

Alfred the Great, a character beloved by The Last Kingdom's fans, meets a fate that was perhaps not entirely unexpected. However, the departure of this intriguing character leaves a profound impact, turning it into one of the most emotionally wrenching moments of the series. Season 3 of The Last Kingdom expertly draws out the passing of Alfred, infusing it with a weight and significance that surpasses many of the show's other tragedies. In witnessing Alfred's struggle with his regrets and mistakes, viewers are confronted with the harsh reality of his impending death, transforming it into one of the most heartrending scenes depicted in the series.

6 Aethelflaed

When Aethelflaed meets her demise in The Last Kingdom, it not only perpetuates the pattern of Uhtred experiencing the loss of every woman he loves but also serves as a heartrending event for a multitude of reasons. Aethelflaed transcends being merely a love interest; she stands as a captivating and multi-dimensional character. Primarily, her righteousness, unwavering sense of duty, and strong moral compass make her truly exceptional within the world of The Last Kingdom. These qualities are a rarity in this realm, which amplifies the impact of her untimely demise. Aethelflaed is unquestionably virtuous, and the fact that her death feels unjust only adds to the overwhelming sadness it evokes, solidifying it as one of the most poignant moments in the show.

5 Gisela

In The Last Kingdom season 3, Gisela, Uhtred's second wife, tragically passes away during childbirth. This heartbreaking event devastates Uhtred, becoming one of the most poignant moments in the show. The loss of their mother further adds to the overwhelming sadness felt by Gisela's children. It is undeniably sorrowful that Gisela's life was cut short in such a tragic manner. She deserved to enjoy a long and joyful existence alongside Uhtred and their children, highlighting the profound tragedy of her premature death. If her passing had been portrayed directly on-screen, it would have likely been even more emotionally impactful.

4 Ragnar Ragnarsson

3 Thyra

Ragnar Ragnarsson, also known as Ragnar the Younger, is Uhtred's adopted brother in the Last Kingdom series. His untimely demise, orchestrated by the deceitful Aethelwold, is undeniably one of the most heart-wrenching scenes to witness. Aethelwold ruthlessly takes Ragnar's life while he is peacefully asleep, causing further anguish as it is believed that Ragnar cannot enter Valhalla since he didn't meet his end in honorable combat with his sword in hand. The aftermath of Ragnar's tragic death intensifies the sorrow experienced by Uhtred and Brida. Ragnar's endearing character and the immense grief portrayed by his loved ones make this loss extraordinarily impactful.

Thyra, the wife of Father Beocca and Uhtred's adoptive sister, meets a profoundly tragic end. Trapped under the floorboards of her burning home, Thyra chooses to end her own life rather than endure the agonizing fate of suffocation or being consumed by flames. A character who never intended harm, Thyra's demise is truly undeserved, adding to the profound sorrow it brings. Witnessing the horrifying circumstances of her death, coupled with the knowledge of the heartbreak it will inflict on other characters in The Last Kingdom, solidifies this as one of the show's most devastating moments.

2 Osferth

Osferth's placement at number two in this ranking stems from the tragic circumstances surrounding his demise and the genuine affection he evokes. Despite his tender age, Osferth's untimely passing leaves a sense of unfinished potential. There is a constant hope that his innocence will shield him in some capacity, only to be shattered when he meets his end on the battlefield, mirroring the fate of his uncle, Leofric. The poignancy of this scene is magnified by the manner in which he perishes- Finan, torn between aiding Osferth and safeguarding his wife, is compelled to prioritize his spouse. Though comprehensible, the knowledge that Osferth's death could have been averted intensifies the burden of grief.

1 Father Beocca

The death of Father Beocca in The Last Kingdom is undoubtedly the most heart-wrenching moment throughout the entire series. Beocca's role as a father figure to Uhtred cannot be underestimated, and his absence leaves a noticeable void in the show. Whenever Uhtred needed solace or guidance, Beocca was always there, lending his unwavering support. However, when Beocca sacrifices his life to save Uhtred's son at Bebbanburg, it feels like a devastating blow. The audience shares in Uhtred's profound grief, especially as it was Uhtred's own self-interest that led them to that fateful encounter. The weight of guilt that Uhtred carries only intensifies the emotional impact of this scene, cementing it as the most heart-rending death in The Last Kingdom.