Season Five

Lore & Background

The season explores the political fragmentation of England as King Edward faces disputed lines of succession in Wessex. In Mercia, the narrative centers on Lady Aethelflaed and her daughter, Lady Aelfwynn, whose inheritance is contested. The conflict extends to Northumbria, where Uhtred confronts Sigtryggr, a Viking king who is also his son-in-law. This personal connection highlights the complex entanglement of Saxon and Danish loyalties that defines the era. The lore shifts from the unification efforts under King Alfred to the consolidation of power under his successors, illustrating how the Second Great Danish Army's remnants continue to challenge Anglo-Saxon authority.

In Their Own Story

The narrative drives toward Uhtred's ultimate goal: reclaiming Bebbanburg. Set between 917 and 920, the story follows the tension between King Edward of Wessex and Lady Aethelflaed of Mercia as they navigate succession crises. The primary conflict arises in Northumbria, where Uhtred must contend with Sigtryggr, the Viking ruler married to his daughter. This familial bond complicates the military strategy required to retake the ancestral fortress held by Danish forces for generations. As alliances shift and old enemies resurface, Uhtred leads a final campaign that determines not only the fate of Bebbanburg but also the stability of the unified English kingdom.

Reader's Guide

Viewers should note that this series adapts Cornwell's Warriors of the Storm and The Flame Bearer with significant plot changes from the novels. The timeline spans three years, from 917 to 920, distinct from earlier seasons. Key turning points include the political maneuvering in Wessex and Mercia regarding succession and the diplomatic-military standoff between Uhtred and his son-in-law Sigtryggr in Northumbria. The season concludes with Uhtred finally achieving his lifelong destiny of retaking Bebbanburg, resolving a plot thread established in Series One.

Did You Know?

• The fifth series adapts elements from three of Bernard Cornwell's novels: The Pagan Lord (book 8), War of the Wolf (book 9), and The Flame Bearer (book 10).
• Unlike previous seasons which covered longer periods, this season covers a specific eight-year span from 910 to 918.
• Uhtred faces his son-in-law, Sigtryggr, who is the Viking king of Northumbria during the series' events.
• The series premiered in its entirety on Netflix on 9 March 2022, marking the conclusion of the five-series run.
• Significant plot changes from the source novels were made for this final season, similar to Series Three and Four.