The Mysterious Demise of Aethelflaed: Unveiling the True Cause of Death in The Last Kingdom

Summary

Aethelflaed, the beloved Mercian Queen in The Last Kingdom, dies of advanced breast cancer, as revealed by Eadith's examination.

Aethelflaed's death in the show takes an artistic liberty by portraying her demise in Uhtred's embrace, whereas historically she succumbed to an unspecified illness. In the film Seven Kings Must Die, various characters meet their demise, such as King Edward, Aldhelm, Ingrith, Domnal, and Rognvaldr, with the fate of Uhtred left uncertain.

In The Last Kingdom season 5, the beloved Queen of Mercia, Aethelflaed, tragically succumbs to a mysterious illness. The show, which depicts the war between the Danes and the Anglo-Saxons in historical England, centers around Uhtred, a warrior torn between loyalties. Initially serving King Alfred, Uhtred continues his allegiance to Alfred's son, Edward, while developing a deep love for Aethelflaed, Alfred's daughter.

In season 4, Aethelflaed takes a vow of chastity to become the Queen of Mercia, sacrificing her relationship with Uhtred for the sake of her people. In season 5, Uhtred, now the Lord of Mercian borderland, Rumcofa, remains devoted to Aethelflaed. When she secretly seeks the help of the healer Eadith, it is revealed that Aethelflaed is suffering from a "canker," an Old-English term for cancer. This diagnosis ultimately leads to her untimely death.

The Case Of Aethelflaed's Death

As Eadith examines Aethelflaed, she notices a painful lump that Aethelflaed believed would resolve on its own. Aethelflaed informs Eadith that this is not the first lump she has experienced and that she believed the previous ones had healed naturally over time. This lack of understanding about the disease at that time reveals the answer to the question "what did Aethelflaed die of?". Eadith discloses that the lump is cancer, specifically advanced breast cancer, and has progressed to a point where treatment is no longer effective.

While the death of Aethelflaed in The Last Kingdom remains consistent with Cornwell's novels, where her death is also attributed to advanced breast cancer, historical records indicate that the real Aethelflaed, Queen of Merica, passed away on June 12, 918 from an unspecified illness. The Last Kingdom takes artistic liberties by depicting the beloved queen's death in the arms of her lover, Uhtred, overlooking her kingdom. In contrast, Uhtred is not present at Aethelflaed's death in Cornwell's The Flame Bearer.

Which Characters Die In Seven Kings Must Die?

In the movie Seven Kings Must Die, a number of characters from The Last Kingdom meet their demise. Some deaths shock the audience, while others are more predictable. In total, six characters from The Last Kingdom perish in the film, and a few of them meet particularly gruesome ends. The first character to die is King Edward, though his passing occurs offscreen due to old age. However, it is his death that sets the events of the movie in motion. Fans who were curious about Aethelflaed's cause of death may also wonder about the fate of her advisor, Aldhelm. Unfortunately, Aldhelm is executed by Aethelstan for assisting Uhtred.

Additionally, Ingrith meets a brutal end in Seven Kings Must Die. She is left in a cave to starve after being trapped there by Anlaf's men, along with other Bebbanburg residents. Prince Domnal of Alba also perishes, as he is killed by Finan during the Battle of Brunanburh. Similarly to King Edward, Rognvaldr's death occurs offscreen. Finally, the conclusion of Seven Kings Must Die suggests that Uhtred may also be deceased. Although his fate is intentionally left uncertain, he sustains severe injuries during the battle, making his survival highly unlikely. Despite the tragic death of Aethelflaed in The Last Kingdom, the possible demise of Uhtred is even more heart-wrenching.