The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings must Die

 So the final instalment (normally) in the Uthred of Bebbanburg story, and it was released this year as a movie, streamable on Netflix overhere.

So me and Noshi sat down for some good viking age violence!

When Edward of Wessex lies on his dying bed, Anlaf, a viking from Irland, arrives in Northumbria.  Lady Eadgifu and her youngest son Edmund flee to Bebbanburg as no heir had been named by Edward, and now his sons take up arms for succession, as Aethelstan is about to attack his younger brother Aeflward, Uthred making plans to prevent this.  But a prophecy has been spoken that "seven kings must die" in order for England to become united at last.

At Aegelesburg, Uthred arrives right before the arrival of Aethalstan, and as Aelfward surrenders peacefully he is never the less killed by his brother, who has fallen under the influence of his advisor and lover Ingilmundr.  Ingilmundr crowns him King of the Saxons as a result to the dismay of Uthred.  he starts his reign by forcing baptism and demanding tribute from all the Northumbrian, independant, kings.  uthred discovers that Ingilmundr actually wants to have Aethelstan killed, as he is the son of Anlaf.  He captures Ingilmundr at Bebbanburg, but as Uthred is himself captured his son Osbert surrenders the castle and Uthred is cast into exile.

Found by the Danes, Uthred is brought to a gathering by Anlaf where he is forming an alliance against Aethelstan, and as Aethelstan invades Scotland to force an alliance, Uthred is send out to assassinate him.  But he brings the news to Aethelstan instead, and convinces him to right his ways and fight the impending assault on his throne, with Uthred taking command of the army unofficially.  Following the trail of murder Ingilmundr has caused, including the common people of Bebbanburg, the armies face off at Brunanburh.

Outnumbered, Uthred devised a plan to turn the line undetectable, allowing their cavalry to break the far more imposing and outnumbering enemy army, killing the sons of the kings in the process and ending the lines of succession.  After the battle and Ingilmundr's execution, when they gather in Bebbanburg, six kings have died as Uthred, gravely wounded, has Aethelstan unite England by bending the knee and handing the lands of Northumbria to him, before visions of Walhalla and his fallen friends come to him.

It is left unclear what his final fate was, but it is thought as the unofficial king of Northumbria, now seven kings have died and Aethelstan unites the english, becoming the first great king of England in history.

So this was a good movie, and an epic conclusion to the highly enjoyable series that ran for several seasons, well worth the watch!