The historical dramas Vikings and The Last Kingdom both chronicle the Viking Age, exploring themes of war, religion, and societal upheaval. This leads many viewers to wonder about the timeline of each series and how they relate to one another. This article delves into the specific time periods of both shows, highlighting overlaps and key historical figures.
The Last Kingdom and Vikings, while both set during the Viking Age, have distinct timelines. Vikings begins in 793 AD with Ragnar Lothbrok’s raid on Lindisfarne, spanning several decades and multiple generations of Viking leaders. The Last Kingdom, based on Bernard Cornwell’s “The Saxon Stories,” starts later, in 866 AD, focusing on the life of Uhtred of Bebbanburg and his struggle to reclaim his ancestral lands. This roughly 70-year difference in starting points is significant.
Different Starting Points, Overlapping Eras
While The Last Kingdom begins much later, both series eventually cover overlapping periods within the Viking Age. Vikings, in its later seasons and spin-off Vikings: Valhalla, progresses through the centuries, eventually encompassing the historical events depicted in The Last Kingdom.
A key point of convergence is the reign of Alfred the Great, a pivotal figure in both narratives. Vikings portrays a younger Alfred, witnessing his rise to power, while The Last Kingdom showcases a more mature Alfred, already established as a ruler facing Viking incursions. This difference highlights how each series offers a unique perspective on historical figures and events.
Shared Characters, Different Portrayals
Several historical figures appear in both shows, albeit with varying interpretations. Alfred the Great, his brother Aethelred, and the Viking warrior Ubba are notable examples. These characters are often depicted at different stages of their lives or with subtle differences in personality and motivations, adding to the distinct flavor of each series. For instance, Ubba is a major character in Vikings, while he plays a smaller antagonistic role in The Last Kingdom.
Furthermore, while Ivar the Boneless is a central figure in Vikings, he is only mentioned in The Last Kingdom, his off-screen death influencing the narrative. These discrepancies demonstrate the creative liberties taken by each show while remaining grounded in historical context.
Conclusion: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Ultimately, Vikings and The Last Kingdom offer complementary perspectives on the Viking Age. Vikings provides a broader, multi-generational saga, while The Last Kingdom delivers a more focused narrative centered on the birth of England and the reign of Alfred the Great. Both series, though distinct in their timelines and character portrayals, contribute to a richer understanding of this tumultuous period in history.
