The Last Kingdom vs Vikings: Unraveling the Epic Connection and Historical Timelines

Summary

The Last Kingdom and Vikings explore similar themes and have similar structures, leading to speculation that they are connected.

The Last Kingdom is not a continuation or derivative of the show Vikings. Instead, it draws its inspiration from Bernard Cornwell's novels and chronicles Uhtred's quest to reclaim his homeland.

Although The Last Kingdom is set roughly a century after the events of Vikings, there are certain historical events and characters that intersect between the two series. Notably, both shows showcase prominent figures such as Alfred the Great.

The Last Kingdom and Vikings have captivated viewers with their exploration of religion, identity, and nationality, leading some to question if these two historical TV shows are connected. The rise in popularity of the historical fiction genre in the 2010s was marked by shows like Vikings, which drew viewers in with its captivating characters and epic battle scenes.

As Vikings became a massive hit, it was only natural for other streaming platforms and channels to attempt to replicate its success. Among these shows, The Last Kingdom stood out to Vikings fans due to its similar structure, inclusion of real historical figures, and exploration of the Anglo-Saxon and Danish conflicts. This led to speculation about whether The Last Kingdom was a spinoff or sequel, leaving some still puzzled to this day.

The Last Kingdom Isn't A Sequel To Vikings

The Last Kingdom is not a sequel or spinoff of Vikings. It is actually based on Bernard Cornwell's popular historical novels, The Saxon Stories, which center around Uhtred of Bebbanburg's quest to reclaim his stolen home. Raised by Danes but loyal to Alfred the Great and the Saxons, Uhtred faces conflicting loyalties. The series spans five seasons, culminating in the movie Seven Kings Must Die.

However, for fans of Vikings, there is a sequel titled Vikings: Valhalla commissioned by Netflix in 2021. Set 100 years after the events of the original series, it follows the lives of characters like William the Conqueror, Leif Erikson, and Emma Normandy. Just like Vikings, Vikings: Valhalla features a talented cast that brings these characters to life.

When The Last Kingdom Takes Place Compared To Vikings

Although The Last Kingdom and Vikings feature different main characters, both series explore the historical period known as the Viking Age. Vikings begins in 793 A.D. with Ragnar's attack on Lindisfarne, while The Last Kingdom starts in 866 A.D. and delves into Uhtred's upbringing before he is captured by the Danes. The story then fast-forwards a few years, following Uhtred's journey as an adult as he devises a plan to reclaim his birthright and homeland. This means that roughly 100 years separate the events depicted in the two series.

However, there are instances where these timelines overlap. Vikings and its spinoff cover the entire Viking Age, which spans from 793 to 1066 A.D. As a result, they naturally encompass similar historical moments and significant events, such as the reign of Alfred the Great (871-899) and the major battles between the opposing sides. The primary distinction lies in The Last Kingdom's greater emphasis on the reigns of Alfred the Great, Edward the Elder (899-924 A.D.), and Æthelstan (927-939 A.D.), as these rulers play pivotal roles in both Uhtred's story and the unification of England. Beyond these periods, the show and film do not venture.

How The Last Kingdom Characters' Are Related To The Vikings' Characters

Although The Last Kingdom and Vikings are not set in the same universe, viewers will witness the appearance of numerous legendary characters across both shows. One such example is Alfred the Great, who is portrayed in different ways: older and wiser in The Last Kingdom, while younger, inexperienced, and reckless in Vikings. Aethelred, Alfred's brother, is also featured in both shows, although his role is brief in The Last Kingdom, as he is not crucial to the story being told and his death is shown only to mark Alfred's reign.

Additionally, there are other shared characters between the shows. Despite having a more significant role in Vikings as the son of Ragnor Lothbrok, Ubba (or Ubbe) is a supporting character and minor antagonist in The Last Kingdom during its first season. It is worth mentioning that although Ivar the Boneless does not physically appear on screen, the writers confirm his existence in The Last Kingdom universe as he is killed in season 1, episode 4, while in Ireland. By incorporating these renowned characters and important figures, both The Last Kingdom and Vikings aim to emphasize their historical significance to the audience.

Sources: History Extra - The Last Kingdom, History Extra - Vikings