Unveiling the Transformations: Exploring 7 Monarchs' Fates in The Last Kingdom

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is based on the final three novels in Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stories series, with the film taking creative liberties by making nine significant changes to the original novels. The Last Kingdom and the Saxon Stories focus on the establishment of the first Kingdom of England from the perspective of the fictional protagonist, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. The cast of Seven Kings Must Die portrays a mix of historical figures and fictional characters, allowing for an imaginative interpretation of history.

While The Last Kingdom generally stays faithful to Cornwell's novels, adaptations for the screen often necessitate some alterations. With each season of The Last Kingdom covering two books, the show must condense or omit certain events. Seven Kings Must Die faces an even greater challenge as it adapts three books within a shorter runtime than a typical television season. As a result, by the conclusion of Seven Kings Must Die, a total of nine major changes have been implemented from the original novels.

Uhtred Of Bebbanburg Survives The Saxon Stories

Uhtred is the narrator of the Saxon Stories

Uhtred before a battle in The Last Kingdom - Uhtred is the narrator of the Saxon Stories - Uhtred Of Bebbanburg Survives The Saxon Stories

Uhtred of Bebbanburg's fate in Seven Kings Must Die differs significantly from the books. While the film leaves his survival ambiguous, hinting at his death in the final moments, the literary version portrays Uhtred as the storyteller, recounting his life long after the events transpired. This narrative choice ensures his survival in the books, ultimately establishing him as the revered Lord of the North by the series' conclusion.

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is available to stream on Netflix.

Aethelstan Vows To Uhtred He Will Never Invade Northumbria In The Saxon Stories

Aethelstan was raised by Uhtred for several years

King Aethelstan at his coronation in Seven Kings Must Die. - Aethelstan was raised by Uhtred for several years - Aethelstan Vows To Uhtred He Will Never Invade Northumbria In The Saxon Stories

In the Saxon Stories, Aethelstan is depicted as being much older compared to the portrayal in Seven Kings Must Die.

Aethelstan is in his forties at this point in the book series

King Aethelstan sitting down at his coronation in Seven Kings Must Die. - Aethelstan is in his forties at this point in the book series - Aethelstan Is Much Older In The Saxon Stories

Aethelstan, a character in The Last Kingdom based on historical figures, appears much younger in the film Seven Kings Must Die compared to the Saxon Stories. In the movie, he is depicted in his early twenties, whereas in the book series, he is in his mid-forties during the Battle of Brunanburh. This age gap makes Aethelstan in the film more inexperienced and susceptible to manipulation than his counterpart in the books.

The difference in Aethelstan's age between Seven Kings Must Die and the Saxon Stories is likely a result of the film's need to condense events and shorten the timeline to fit into a feature film.

Aldhelm Is Not Uhtred's Ally In The Saxon Stories

Aldhelm stays loyal to Aethelred in the books

An image of Aldhelm looking serious in The Last Kingdom - Aldhelm stays loyal to Aethelred in the books - Aldhelm Is Not Uhtred's Ally In The Saxon Stories

In Seven Kings Must Die, Aldhelm's execution by Aethelstan for warning Uhtred of danger is a heartbreaking moment. This event, however, does not occur in the Saxon Stories as Aldhelm is never depicted as an ally of Uhtred in the book series. In fact, Uhtred ends up killing Aldhelm much earlier in the books. Despite this significant difference, Aldhelm's character in the show is highly praised, making the change seem favorable in hindsight.

Father Pyrlig Dies Of Old Age Before The Events In Seven Kings Must Die

Father Pyrlig dies peacefully off-page in the Saxon Stories

An image of Father Pyrlig looking serious in The Last Kingdom - Father Pyrlig dies peacefully off-page in the Saxon Stories - Father Pyrlig Dies Of Old Age Before The Events In Seven Kings Must Die

Father Pyrlig, though alive and capable of fighting in the Battle of Brunanburh in Seven Kings Must Die, actually passes away long before this event takes place in the Saxon Stories. Despite this, Pyrlig remains a beloved character in The Last Kingdom, leading to his inclusion in the film adaptation. Seven Kings Must Die also deviates from the original timeline in the books, resulting in younger versions of characters such as Pyrlig, Uhtred, and Aethelstan compared to Bernard Cornwell's novels.

Aethelstan Has Been King For Years When Anlaf Invades In The Books

Aethelstan has a solid hold on his kingdom when Anlaf arrives

Anlaf begging for help in Seven Kings Must Die. - Aethelstan has a solid hold on his kingdom when Anlaf arrives - Aethelstan Has Been King For Years When Anlaf Invades In The Books

Aethelstan's age change in Seven Kings Must Die has a significant impact as he becomes a new king with limited experience when Anlaf arrives to unite the other kings. In contrast, in the Saxon Stories, Aethelstan is depicted as a mature ruler who has been in power for over ten years by the time Anlaf sets foot in England. Having already achieved victories in numerous battles and possessing greater expertise in leading military campaigns, he is much more equipped for warfare in the books than he is portrayed in the movie.

Aethelstan Kills Aelfweard After A Battle Instead Of In Cold Blood

Aethelstan ruthlessly stabs his half-brother in Seven Kings Must Die

Aethelstan stabbing Aelfweard in Seven Kings Must Die. - Aethelstan ruthlessly stabs his half-brother in Seven Kings Must Die - Aethelstan Kills Aelfweard After A Battle Instead Of In Cold Blood

Aethelstan's treatment of his half-brother, Aelfweard, is depicted differently in Seven Kings Must Die compared to the original source material of the Saxon Stories. In the movie, Uhtred persuades Aelfweard to surrender to Aethelstan to prevent a battle, but Aethelstan betrays him by stabbing him in the chest upon his approach for peace. However, in the Saxon Stories, Aelfweard actually rebels against Aethelstan, leading to a brutal battle that Aethelstan emerges victorious from, ultimately leading to the execution of his half-brother. This significant alteration portrays Aethelstan as a much more ruthless character in the film adaptation than in the books.

Uhtred Loses His Wife And Grandchildren To A Plague

Uhtred marries Eadith in the Saxon Stories

Uhtredin battle in The Last Kingdom - Uhtred marries Eadith in the Saxon Stories - Uhtred Loses His Wife And Grandchildren To A Plague

Uhtred's romantic relationships are significant in The Last Kingdom series, but in Seven Kings Must Die, there is no final love interest for Uhtred. In the Saxon Stories, Uhtred marries Eadith years before Aethelstan becomes the King of the Anglo-Saxons. However, when Uhtred aids Aethelstan in claiming the throne from his half-brother, he returns to a tragic scene - Eadith, his son-in-law, and grandchildren have all succumbed to a deadly plague. Given the somber tone of Seven Kings Must Die, it may have been a wise choice to omit this heartbreaking event.

Aethelstan's Expansion Is Less Erratic In The Saxon Stories

Aethelstan's conquests take years in the books

Aethelstan sitting on his horse in Seven Kings Must Die. - Aethelstan's conquests take years in the books - Aethelstan's Expansion Is Less Erratic In The Saxon Stories

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die accelerates the timeline from the books, leading to Aethelstan's military expansion being portrayed as more erratic and sudden. In this adaptation, he appears to start his campaigns abruptly, imposing Christianity forcefully on the people he conquers. While Aethelstan still expands his territory and promotes his religion fervently in the original books, his approach is depicted as more calculated, painting him as a more rational leader.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an insightful comparison between the film adaptation "The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die" and its source material, Bernard Cornwell's "Saxon Stories." While the film takes creative liberties to condense and adapt the story, it remains a compelling portrayal of the establishment of the first Kingdom of England.

The article highlights several significant changes made to the original novels, including the altered fate of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, Aethelstan's age and experience, and the omission of certain characters and events. These changes are understandable given the need to fit the story into a shorter runtime, but they also raise questions about the faithfulness of the adaptation. However, the article does acknowledge the positive aspects of the film, such as the casting of historical figures and the captivating performances of the actors. Overall, the article offers a comprehensive analysis of the adaptations and provides valuable insights into the challenges and successes of bringing literary works to the screen.