Unforgettable Last Kingdom Characters: Surprising Deaths and Controversial Outcomes

Summary

In The Last Kingdom, characters meet tragic fates, some deserving and others unjust. The show's violent backdrop leads to indiscriminate deaths.

Heartbreaking deaths are a part of the show, leaving beloved characters lost, while treacherous characters meet their deserved ends. The deaths in The Last Kingdom evoke a range of emotions, whether it be a sense of justice or a feeling of unfairness based on the characters' actions and contributions to the story.

In The Last Kingdom, the fate of characters varies, with some meeting tragic ends while others receive their just consequences. Given the show's depiction of a violent historical era, it is expected that many important characters do not survive until the end. With battles, assassinations, diseases, and chronic illnesses, the show indiscriminately uses these elements to kill off its characters. The willingness to part with any character, regardless of their popularity, results in heart-wrenching deaths. Conversely, treacherous characters meet satisfyingly savage demises. Ultimately, when a character dies in The Last Kingdom, it is natural to feel that they either deserved their fate for their crimes or were unfairly denied the happiness they worked for in their lives.

10 Aethelwold (Deserved)

9 Beocca (Undeserved)

Aethelwold, one of the characters in The Last Kingdom, thoroughly deserved his fate. He was a cunning and scheming individual who ceaselessly plotted to become the King of Wessex. In his pursuit of the throne, Aethelwold committed a range of despicable acts, including the merciless murder of Ragnar while he slept. Given Aethelwold's unlikeable nature, it is deeply satisfying when Uhtred ultimately impales him with his sword, ensuring justice is served.

The death of Beocca at the hands of Whitgar in The Last Kingdom is a deeply poignant moment, considering Beocca's endearing character. Beocca serves as a paternal figure to Uhtred, consistently offering wise counsel and advocating for rational thinking. He is inherently good, always prioritizing the well-being of others over his own. Beocca's selflessness is admirable, making his sacrifice to protect Young Uhtred all the more unjust. While his demise is fitting in its circumstances, it is undeniably heartbreaking that he had to perish while malevolent individuals endured.

8 Aethelred (Deserved)

7 Aldhelm (Undeserved)

Although Aethelred attempts to redeem himself before his death, it cannot be considered one of the saddest moments in The Last Kingdom. Throughout the series, Aethelred consistently mistreats his wife, Aethelflaed, demonstrating his cruel and exploitative nature. He is a selfish individual devoid of any semblance of dignity or regard for others. While he does come to acknowledge his wrongdoing, it is not enough to erase the pain he has inflicted upon others.

At the start of The Last Kingdom, Aldhelm serves as Aethelred's advisor, initially labeling him as an adversary. However, his true character shines through when he rebels against Aethelred's orders to kill Aethelflaed. Choosing loyalty to Aethelflaed, Aldhelm becomes a devoted servant and a strong ally to Uhtred. In Seven Kings Must Die, he strives to remain faithful to Aethelstan during his reign as king, but his loyalty is tragically undermined as he is unjustly executed. Aldhelm's unwavering honesty and loyalty throughout his life make his unjust demise even more heartbreaking.

6 Aethelhelm (Deserved)

5 Ragnar (Undeserved)

Aethelhelm, a cunning character from The Last Kingdom, meets a well-deserved demise due to his insatiable greed. Throughout the series, Aethelhelm repeatedly demonstrates his willingness to go to extreme lengths to secure his grandson's position as the heir to Wessex. When Sigtryggr captures Winchester, Aethelhelm callously suggests the idea of eliminating a five-year-old Aethelstan. Furthermore, in season 5 of The Last Kingdom, he cunningly initiates a full-scale war in order to manipulate Edward into conquering Northumbria. Ultimately, faced with his impending doom, Aethelhelm chooses to end his own life, hoping to evade the horrors of torture and public execution.

Despite his occasional brutality, Ragnar Ragnarsson, Uhtred's adoptive brother, consistently proves that he possesses a kind heart. He treats his friends with warmth and compassion, reserving his fierceness for those who pose a threat, yet never taking a life unjustly. Furthermore, Ragnar's zest for life is contagious, inspiring those around him to become better individuals. Ultimately, Ragnar yearns for the security of a home and the love of a devoted family, but tragically, he meets his demise before achieving either.

4 Cnut (Deserved)

Cnut, a character in The Last Kingdom, is a despicable individual who stops at nothing to achieve his ambitions. He orchestrates the murder of Ragnar, manipulating Aethelwold into carrying out the deed by promising him protection. Not only does Cnut betray his supposed friend by having him killed, but he then proceeds to deceive Ragnar's wife, Brida, into being with him now that Ragnar is gone. Cnut's actions, murdering a friend and seducing his wife, are truly reprehensible. It is undeniable that Cnut deserves to meet his end in The Last Kingdom.

3 Thyra (Undeserved)

Thyra, a character known for her perpetual suffering despite her innocence, has endured years of confinement in a kennel by Kjartan and Sven. Finally, finding solace and bliss in the company of Father Beocca, Thyra's joy is short-lived as a ruthless gang sets fire to their abode, trapping her within. The heart-wrenching nature of her demise stems from her complete lack of wrongdoing, as all Thyra desires is a tranquil existence alongside Beocca, even contemplating taking her own life to evade the torment of burning alive.

2 Kjartan (Deserved)

Kjartan is undeniably one of the earliest antagonists in The Last Kingdom, and the severity of his crimes undeniably justifies his demise. To begin with, Kjartan ruthlessly eliminates Earl Ragnar the Fearless along with his entire family, entombs them within their own grand hall, and mercilessly sets it ablaze. Furthermore, he degrades Thyra by subjecting her to a life spent with his ferocious canines for an extended period before eventually being liberated by Uhtred and Ragnar the Younger. Kjartan's heinous actions extend far beyond betraying the man to whom he had sworn loyalty; he wickedly exterminates an entire household, comprising innocent children and frail elderly individuals.

1 Steapa (Undeserved)

Steapa, a character in The Last Kingdom, is known for his unwavering dedication and loyalty. His untimely death while protecting Edward in battle was a disappointing outcome for fans, although it reflected the demise of a formidable warrior. While Steapa may come across as brash, he possesses an admirable honesty and trustworthiness. Even in times when circumstances pit him against Uhtred and Finan, he maintains a jovial rapport with them. Steapa's commendable bravery and unwavering loyalty ultimately led to his demise.