Season Four

Lore & Background

The series covers the years 909–911, a turbulent period defined by the early reign of King Edward over the Saxons. The political landscape is fractured; while Edward holds the throne in Wessex, ongoing struggles plague Mercia where Lady Aethelflaed rules. The Viking threat resurfaces not as scattered raiders but through the forces of Cnut and Brida, who seek to conquer Mercia and undo the unity Alfred fought for. The season's major siege is the Siege of Tameworþig (Tamworth), where Uhtred and his allies mount a desperate defense. The season highlights the fragility of Saxon power, showing how political maneuvering in Mercia complicates the unified front needed to repel the Norse warlords.

In Their Own Story

The story follows Uhtred as he navigates the complex power dynamics following King Alfred's death. With Edward on the throne and Aethelflaed holding Mercia, trust is scarce among the Saxon lords. The narrative intensifies with the Second Great Danish Army launching a sustained campaign against Wessex. This invasion culminates in the Siege of Wintanceaster, a critical turning point where the fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance. Uhtred must bridge the gap between the warring Saxon factions while fighting off the relentless Norse forces that seek to conquer the whole of England once more.

Reader's Guide

Viewers should expect ten episodes released all at once on Netflix on 26 April 2020. The season adapts The Pagan Lord and The Empty Throne but features significant plot changes from the books. Key events include the transition of power to King Edward, the political friction in Mercia, and the massive Siege of Wintanceaster led by the Second Great Danish Army. Characters like Sigtryggr and Cnut are central to the Viking threat, though specific outcomes differ from Cornwell's text. The season ends with the siege concluded, setting the stage for future conflicts under Edward's rule.

Did You Know?

• The fourth series premiered in its entirety on Netflix on 26 April 2020.
• This season adapts Cornwell's novels The Pagan Lord and The Empty Throne but includes significant plot changes from the source material.
• The narrative covers the specific historical years of 909–911, focusing on the early reign of King Edward.
• The major siege of this series is the Siege of Tameworþig (Tamworth), led by Cnut and Brida, not the Siege of Wintanceaster.