Who Awaited Uhtred in Valhalla: A Warrior’s Welcome

In the emotionally charged finale of “Seven Kings Must Die,” the audience is given a glimpse into what might await Uhtred, son of Uhtred, in Valhalla. While the chronicles intentionally leave Uhtred’s ultimate fate ambiguous, the vision offered shows him reunited with four significant figures from his past: Brida, Ragnar the Elder, Clapa, and Haesten. This reunion, beautifully rendered on screen, sparked both celebration and debate among fans, as it highlighted the characters who profoundly impacted Uhtred’s journey. The selection served as a poignant reminder of the complex relationships Uhtred navigated throughout his life, from loyal allies to bitter enemies. While this particular scene highlights those present, many felt it left out some other key characters who earned a spot in the legendary hall of fallen warriors.

The Chosen Companions: A Closer Look

Let’s delve deeper into who these individuals were to Uhtred and why their presence in Valhalla held such significance.

• Brida: Uhtred’s childhood companion and fellow Saxon raised by Danes, Brida’s journey stands as a tragic counterpoint to his. Initially inseparable, their paths diverged as Brida embraced her Danish identity with unwavering ferocity, becoming a fierce warrior and Uhtred’s staunch adversary. Their complicated relationship, marked by both affection and animosity, made her presence in Valhalla a powerful symbol of their shared past.

• Ragnar the Elder: The patriarch of the Danish family that adopted Uhtred, Ragnar the Elder represented a father figure and a source of Viking wisdom. A renowned warrior and respected leader, Ragnar’s influence on Uhtred was profound, instilling in him the values of courage, loyalty, and the Viking way of life. He was a skald, a poet and wiseman who instilled great knowledge to Ragnarsson.

• Clapa: A fearless and imposing warrior, Clapa was a loyal follower and friend to Uhtred. Known for his strength and unwavering dedication, Clapa fought alongside Uhtred in numerous battles, earning his place as a trusted comrade and a fearsome warrior.

• Haesten: A cunning and opportunistic Danish warlord, Haesten was a constant thorn in the side of both the Saxons and the Danes. While often at odds with Uhtred, Haesten’s cunning and survival skills made him a formidable opponent. His presence in Valhalla acknowledges his prowess as a warrior, despite his questionable morals. Haesten was a Danish warlord, constantly switching allegiances.

The Missed Opportunities: Who Else Deserved a Seat?

While the scene was undeniably impactful, many viewers felt that other crucial characters were noticeably absent. Figures like Ragnar the Younger, Gisela, Aethelflaed, and Father Beocca arguably played equally significant roles in Uhtred’s life and, in some fans’ opinions, deserved recognition in the Valhalla scene.

• Ragnar the Younger: Uhtred’s adoptive brother, Ragnar was a constant source of support and loyalty. His untimely death, orchestrated by Aethelwold, fueled Uhtred’s quest for revenge and deeply impacted his life. Ragnar’s absence in Valhalla, especially given the focus on Brida and Haesten, felt particularly jarring to some.

• Gisela: Uhtred’s true love and the mother of three of his children, Gisela represented a period of stability and happiness in Uhtred’s often turbulent life. Her tragic death in childbirth left a lasting scar on Uhtred, and her absence in Valhalla felt like a significant omission.

• Aethelflaed: The Lady of Mercia, Aethelflaed shared a deep and profound connection with Uhtred. Their relationship, based on mutual respect, admiration, and love, shaped the political landscape of England and left a lasting impact on Uhtred’s life. As a powerful warrior and leader in her own right, her inclusion in Valhalla would have been fitting.

• Father Beocca: Uhtred’s longtime friend, mentor, and spiritual guide, Father Beocca provided unwavering support and guidance throughout Uhtred’s life. His death, while protecting Uhtred, was a devastating blow, and his absence from the Valhalla scene felt like a missed opportunity to honor his unwavering loyalty.

Ultimately, the choice of who appeared in Valhalla remains a subjective one, reflecting the creative decisions of the show’s writers and producers. However, the debate surrounding the scene underscores the profound impact these characters had on Uhtred’s journey and the enduring legacy of “The Last Kingdom.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Did Uhtred actually die at the end of Seven Kings Must Die?

The film intentionally leaves Uhtred’s fate ambiguous. It is possible that he survived his injuries. The voiceover acknowledges that historical chronicles don’t definitively say if he lived or died. The open-ended conclusion leaves it up to viewers to decide if Uhtred lived or died and whether he crossed over into Valhalla.

2. What is Valhalla in Viking mythology?

Valhalla is a majestic hall located in Asgard, ruled over by the god Odin. It serves as the final resting place for warriors who have died valiantly in battle. Chosen by Odin’s Valkyries, these heroes are brought to Valhalla to feast, fight, and await Ragnarok, the end of the world.

3. Why was Brida in Valhalla despite being Uhtred’s enemy?

Although Brida became Uhtred’s enemy, she was undeniably a fierce and skilled warrior. Valhalla is reserved for warriors who die bravely in battle, regardless of their moral alignment or personal relationships. Brida’s dedication to the Viking way of life and her warrior spirit likely earned her a place there.

4. Why wasn’t Ragnar the Younger in the Valhalla scene?

Ragnar’s absence is a point of contention for many fans. While he was a beloved character and a loyal brother to Uhtred, his death was not in battle, but rather by treachery. This may have been the reasoning behind his exclusion, as Valhalla is specifically for those who die a warrior’s death.

5. How are Uhtred and Ragnar the Younger related?

Uhtred and Ragnar the Younger were adoptive brothers. Uhtred was adopted by Ragnar the Fearless (Ragnar the Elder), making Ragnarsson his brother through adoption. This familial bond shaped much of Uhtred’s early life and influenced his values.

6. Did the real Uhtred of Bebbanburg exist?

While the Uhtred of Bebbanburg depicted in “The Last Kingdom” is a fictional character, he is loosely based on a real-life Uhtred the Bold, an ealdorman who lived in Northumbria in the late 10th and early 11th centuries.

7. How old was Uhtred when he died (in the movie’s timeline)?

Based on the historical timeline, Uhtred would have been around 81 years old at the end of “Seven Kings Must Die,” which concludes in 937 with the Battle of Brunanburgh.

8. Who was Uhtred’s true love?

While Uhtred had several significant relationships, Gisela is often considered his true love. Their relationship was characterized by genuine affection, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future. Her death in childbirth deeply affected Uhtred, and her memory remained with him throughout his life.

9. What happened to Stiorra?

Stiorra, Uhtred’s daughter, died defending Eoferwic (York). She stood her ground against Skoll and his son before Uhtred and Sigtryggr could reach her. This was a devastating blow for Uhtred.

10. How did Ragnar the Younger die?

Ragnar the Younger was killed in his sleep by Aethelwold. This treacherous act prevented Ragnar from dying a warrior’s death and reaching Valhalla, prompting Uhtred and Brida to seek revenge by killing Aethelwold.

11. Who was king when Uhtred was alive?

Uhtred lived during the reigns of several kings, including King Alfred the Great, King Edward the Elder, and King Athelstan. He played a crucial role in the unification of England under these monarchs, navigating the complex political landscape between the Saxons and the Danes.

12. What is Uhtred’s accent?

Uhtred’s accent is a blend of British and Scandinavian influences. This unique accent reflects his mixed heritage as a Saxon raised by Danes, highlighting his “otherness” and distinguishing him from both factions.

13. Why was Uhtred’s son Oswald castrated?

Oswald, Uhtred’s son who became a priest, was castrated by Brida as an act of revenge against Uhtred. This brutal act was intended to inflict pain and suffering on Uhtred, highlighting the depth of Brida’s hatred and resentment.

14. What happened to Hild?

Hild, a former prostitute who was rescued by Uhtred, became a nun and remained a loyal companion and advisor to Uhtred. She was one of his staunchest allies, and their friendship endured throughout the series.

15. What is the Games Learning Society?

The Games Learning Society, accessible at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, is an organization dedicated to the research and exploration of how games and game-based learning can transform education and society. They explore the educational uses of gaming!