The True Story of Edward the Elder | The Last Kingdom

/ historyprofiles
Track : Myths and Legends (Collection) Composer: Noonsol Watch: • Medieval Fantasy Music...
A lot of you may know Edward the Elder from the Last Kingdom. Here he is presented to us as the son of Alfred the Great. His father Alfred was widely remembered for his actions, especially for winning his lands back from the Vikings against all the odds. However, his son Edward remains largely forgotten and almost neglected from History. But many historians have described his life as being “incomparably more glorious in the power of his rule than his father.” He was also superior to his father Alfred in terms of military success. So let’s delve into the life of this warrior King and find out about his life of war and expansion.

[@marrrtin]

Edward Longshanks, whom we conventionally call Edward I, actually wanted to call himself Edward IV to follow the three Edwards of the House of Wessex - Edward the Elder, Edward the Martyr and Edward the Confessor.

[@kayharker712]

I didn't know that. Very surprising.

[@bd7628]

I was wondering about this... I'll have to research this. Thank you so much. Very interesting.

[@Outlaw8908]

I was under the impression that they did not consider that at all. As they at the time mostly went by the winners of Hastings (the Norman’s). Now Henry III named Edward after Edward the Confessor, as Henry III was a more pious King.

[@johnnywieder6311]

That’s awesome

[@admiralbenbow5083]

But Mum said, Nah.

[@dmlr4522]

Edward definitely deserves more admiration & credit then he has received.

[@echelon2k8]

*than

[@UNSOLVABLE]

Edward was defintly not the fool The Last Kingdom dipicted him to be.

[@historyprofiles]

He was a great man!

[@ryanmurphy7976]

In the books he isn't a fool the series is different to the novels

[@christianpathfinder6864]

Edward isn't really a fool just arrogant like Alfred was. And hasty

[@blacbraun]

In The Last Kingdom he looks (and acts) like Burger King.

[@phoenixrose1192]

@@blacbraun What the hell does Burger King act like?? And you need to go to Specsavers, in S5 he looks more like a younger Theoden or Eomer from LOTR in terms of look.

[@thomassugg5621]

Hello from Essex, Edward was truly a great king, it’s a shame he’s not as well known as his father or Son. In my opinion he should be named Edward the glorious for his unification of all English lands south of the Humber.

[@historyprofiles]

I agree! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@brooke6549]

@@historyprofiles question is there anything you could find about sigtryggr? Is he based off a real person.

[@jebusgod]

the north south divide, never really gone away, the north still treated like shit now by the south, nice to know where the inequality comes from though

[@Bayouboy1981]

@@brooke6549 yes he was a real viking king of jorvick (york) who was married to Edwards daughter, Athelstan's sister. He hailed from Ireland and is thought to be (considered) related to Ivar the boneless.

[@Alex-kf5ji]

He had a video on him. He supposedly is a grandson of ivar the boneless

[@stephen8805]

This show really had it in for Edward after season 3 when he was portrayed as so likeable. The show created unnecessary drama to try and make him a bad guy but Edward was a badass and was a noble king.

[@pr0faker]

I kind of disagree, yes he did in the series some stuff like killing off the witan ealdormen, etc but in the end, he did it to keep the peace, to unite the kingdoms and stop them from fighting amongst themselves instead of fighting their common enemy the danes/vikings. He is shown as the man with a bigger vision than that meeting or that year but for the coming age, I think (besides it not being historically correct but the show is far from it anyways) they did a decent job at that. Could it been better, probably and likely yes, I'll give you that for sure.

[@jebusgod]

its called entertainment darling

[@stephen8805]

@@jebusgod it’s called bad and sloppy writing “darling”. Edward was a really poorly written character in season 4 in comparison to season 3.

[@beautywithin7065]

@@stephen8805 it was well balanced show between being historically written and not.

[@robertcammon5969]

He was not portrayed like that in the books.

[@Kay_The_Coffee_Weirdo]

I just discovered that I'm descended from Alfred the Great, Rollo, Charles The Simple, and William the Conqueror through my dad's grandmother. It's been mind blowing to discover how much I didn't know about early English history.

[@lochnessmonster5149]

Pretty much every living person of British ancestry today shares Edward III as a common ancestor. If you're Irish, you've got about a 50% chance.

[@King_Ecberht357]

How you know

[@kyleowen372]

Of course you are that's why u live with the Windsor's in Buckingham you do know right that our royal family is also direct descendants of Alfred the Great guess I'll be seein you when Charles gets crowned king of England

[@robertanderson6786]

Edward has been short-changed in history..... he..his son...his sister.. their father form the greatest English dynasty in this island's recorded history....!

[@roberthoward6590]

It seems to me be a family affair dating back to Egbert and culminating in Aethelstan. The composite achievement of this dynasty is astounding. The Last Kingdom, in my opinion, horribly underestimates and cheapens the contributions and characters of Edward, the Elder, Aethelfled, and Aethelstan.

[@maricarteodoro5907]

Please do the life of Aethelstan the first king of the english. Thanks! I love your videos.

[@historyprofiles]

I definitely will! Thank you so much for watching!

[@maricarteodoro5907]

@@historyprofiles Thank you!

[@Englishman-_-Mongolia2022]

@@nothanksmate5842 are you trolling? English culture is Anglo-Saxon. Norman did nothing to it

[@Englishman-_-Mongolia2022]

@@nothanksmate5842 "did the English culture only arrive with the normans"? What a joke!

[@Englishman-_-Mongolia2022]

@@nothanksmate5842 Anglo-Saxon = English. They are synonymous

[@bd7628]

Great video. His sister was quite the queen as well. Both deserve to be honored.

[@mrk1298]

Please do one of King Constantin.. he was underrated character in last kingdom.. Edwards much better king than shown in the show. Amazing video Ollie

[@mijanhoque1740]

King Constantin was badass

[@phoenixrose1192]

Edward wasn’t really a bad king in the series, he definitely improved since S4. I think when he fcked up in EP10 he was just blinded by hubris and consumed by his hatred towards Aethelhelm. That, and his fatal flaw is his impulsiveness, he was definitely one of the most interesting characters in S5.

[@michaelwale9933]

The last kingdom is still loosely base of history but it still does a much better job than other "viking" shows which are still enjoyable.

[@Killerkwoi13]

The show Vikings is still good but it lost its way a bit after Ragnar dies (I know that’s how the saga goes but it still lost a bit of its charm, despite the bigger budget), whereas TLK gets stronger every single season and the finale is so perfectly executed and rounds off such a satisfying end to Uhtred’s story

[@get-lynched8877]

@@Killerkwoi13 and TLK has less popularity

[@lignaquy]

Love your videos!!!! Thanks a Lot!

[@mrvinyl-mrchili9583]

Another amazing video !

[@berenicewaters4096]

Another amazing upload from history profiles. Thanks for such excellent visuals!

[@thomaszaccone3960]

This is an AWESOME series!

[@rickyellis8505]

Amazing video! Love it!

[@gorymarty56]

Loving these. Especially the art.

[@generalhxa4167]

💚 Keep the videos coming!

[@matthewwaters5317]

Such a brilliant lesson in Viking and English history - another great video

[@sheepdog1102]

Great video!

[@robinwallace6859]

Love history! Thank You For Sharing.

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@johnree6106]

Subscribed because it is interesting and really useful in understanding history as your explanation of it is clear and not confusing unlike some history channels.

[@petersmedley459]

Edward the Elder is well and fondly remembered here in Wolverhampton...though debate still goes back and forth as to wether the battle was at Tettenhall or Wednesfield (Woden’s Field)...Wednesfield, at least, named one of their schools after this great king!

[@jscho8674]

That is so fascinating! I need to do some research. :)

[@uno2go]

Subscribed. I very much enjoying this channel - Thanks!

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much !!

[@C.Romero7]

Great stuff !!!

[@agnescassar7604]

Edward was a great king i would love a documentary about him with more details ❤

[@Agapy8888]

Hi Ollie. Love the vikings and their rich history. Beautiful illustrations and pictures. Love the captions.

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much for watching Ayape!!

[@wilsontheconqueror8101]

Well done! Thanks for shedding light on a truly noble English king in his own right. Was not aware of the animosity between the cousins! So when Alfred was given the throne over his infant nephews,it did create tension that led to a civil war. Fascinating!

[@ELKE-]

Thank you Ollie for this awesome video! Impeccable narration as you always do. I'm loving those stories!

[@ELKE-]

Sorry my absence for last 2 weeks. Had my 2nd surgery, just back to watch videos 2 days ago. I'll watch your last uploads soon. Thank you for your great work!

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much for watching Elke! I hope your okay and recovering well!

[@ELKE-]

@@historyprofiles Thank you Ollie, and you are most than welcome! Go now to listen your other video. Take care

[@Cook-hb2nf]

@@historyprofiles I love watching this channel! Keep up the awesome work!

[@marinakaiser7639]

I love this stories and i learned so much new things that i didn't know. Thank you👍💜🧡

[@Mma-basement-215]

Same here I love it 👍👏

[@marinakaiser7639]

@@Mma-basement-215 👍😁

[@nancyM1313]

@@marinakaiser7639 Good day to you Marina! 💟🐻💟

[@marinakaiser7639]

@@nancyM1313 Good day to you Nancy😁❤❤😘‼

[@kurtisgonzales37]

I love your content.... Watch every video.

[@UNSOLVABLE]

Great video once again, Ollie 👍 Loving the current series of viking history you have been covering. Keep it up, mate!

[@marinakaiser7639]

Hi dear so happy i'm at once on time here😁and so curious to hear the story 🙋‍♀️✌❤🖤😘‼

[@jamesbazen5606]

Yo this series is the mutts nuts man! Hella interesting well done

[@calibmatlock]

Damn. This guy handled the viking problem almost single handedly. That's nuts. Also, how did his cousin possibly think allying with the vikings would in any way be a good thing if he did win the crown in battle? The people of Wessex probably wouldn't have been keen on a vassal king to the people causing so many problems.

[@historyprofiles]

I know its crazy! The Vikings did like to implement puppet kings in their early conquest of England so Aethelwold would have just been the king in name but the Viking warlods or Kings would have been making the decisions

[@Leo_ofRedKeep]

Any invasion has its lot of collaborators ready to side with the invader for a personal position. Aethelwold played that card as the best he had. Besides, "the people of anywhere" had no deciding power in the middle ages, only sword bearers whose interest it was to be on the winning side, whichever it was.

[@bigbeartanner]

In my opinion he didn’t have much of a choice. If you think your the true ruler then your gonna wanna find allies

[@Leo_ofRedKeep]

@@bigbeartanner He probably did have a choice. Aethelwold inherited lands from Alfred and could have accepted the life of a respected member of the royal family. He was either greedy or in fear of dangers history has not recorded (in case his cousin wanted him dead for safety reasons),

[@bigbeartanner]

@@Leo_ofRedKeep at that point he didn’t have any allies in the south. Everyone was loyal to Edward. Yes he probably shouldn’t have abandoned his fathers Kingdom.

[@sarahgirlisit]

Love it! ❤️

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@basednorsegael1089]

Hey, I’m trying to find a good video on Somerled. Was hoping you could do one!

[@RBYU001]

Tetenhall is the highlight of the books! So good

[@clossemarin3201]

So cool

[@johnscott5187]

Love the vids, seems like this one had a lot of pictures, ever thought about putting some maps up?

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much! I did put some maps up, the danelaw, Wessex and England what were you thinking more maps?

[@johnscott5187]

@@historyprofiles I must have missed them!!! Just in general it's cool to see where it's happened. Keep up the good work!

[@johnscott5187]

I really like the new graphics you have been adding, I see the maps your speaking of, but as someone who doesn't know any of the areas your speaking it would be cool to see like attack maps, or maybe the movement of their fighting throughout their lives? But to be fair I'm usually listening anyways but this one really caught me off guard and I can tell you been stepping up your game!! Awesome vid

[@comixof2morrow]

The Last Kingdom is a great show and the movie they just released is awesome too

[@invincibleluis]

Definitely a legendary bloodline.

[@historyprofiles]

Definitely! Thank you so much for watching!

[@jimzimmer2048]

you should read a book called Dunstan, it goes into the whole bloodline and the end with Æthelred the Unready

[@adventussaxonum448]

Still part of the ruling bloodline today, due to Margaret of Wessex, through the Empress Matilda and then the Plantagenets.

[@jimzimmer2048]

@@adventussaxonum448 but then henry vii was a bastard of the english french queen

[@adventussaxonum448]

@@jimzimmer2048 I thought he was the son of Edmund Tudor and Margaret Beaufort... Hence the Lancastrian Plantagenet line.

[@masonkuta]

Edward is my direct ancestor 32 generations down the line. His daughter married into my family, the de montemorency family.

[@markmorris7123]

That's crazy.. Do you live in the Wessex area??

[@masonkuta]

@@markmorris7123 Nope, American. My mothers side of the family are Morris!

[@nancyM1313]

❤ *HISTORY PROFILES* Have a good day Ollie~⚘

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you s much Nancy! You too!

[@davidcunningham2074]

Let's remember Edward! He played an important part.

[@ericstricklin5340]

Edward the elder put in work he held it down for him and his people

[@redcoatcallum9550]

Nice, High Wall Of Lothric background.

[@vallreign]

It did feel a bit off that the king would cease advice from literally everyone surrounding him who have fought for him to be in the place today and sacrifice those they have once loved. But we even see this on season 4 immediately when Steappa is killed he begins to panic 😱 in wanting peace and no more deaths. But that creates more death every damn time lollll

[@raphaelostrowski6336]

Very good point I still liked his character on the show

[@vallreign]

@@raphaelostrowski6336 oh definitely I’m not hating I just found it odd. The overlapping theme in the show is destiny, struggling with destiny. Love the show and glad I got to see all of them again in season 5, hyped for the movie.

[@phoenixrose1192]

To be fair, Edward was about 10-15 feet away from him. So he literally couldn’t do anything to help Steapa who was killed in like 2 seconds. And he didn’t really panic in S5, he was just blinded by Hubris and consumed by his hatred towards Aethelhelm in EP10.

[@vallreign]

@@phoenixrose1192 I wouldn’t say hatred, more of trying to win the mind games/strategy then hate. You are right he couldn’t do anything to help, but after steappa died in front of him, he really didn’t want any more death which was one of his main arguments before the final battle. I don’t think he was blind, I would panic too if I was in his situation both steappa and before the final battle, war is hell.

[@phoenixrose1192]

@@vallreign Exactly! The reason why he initially didn’t even want to help Uhtred take back Bebbenburg in the first place was simply because he didn’t want to rise up to any more of Aethelhelm’s schemes, and because deep down he didn’t think he could live up to his father’s legacy. I completely get it, in fact he came across as a very human character in these scenes with his wife and Aelswith. Kings *do* still have doubts and insecurities, those scenes are important because it shows we are seeing a King and a man, flesh and blood, not some 2D character. This is the same man who basically took control of Mercia without batting an eyelid, so it was interesting to see the different layers. Though again, he was forced to act because of Aethelhelm’s bribery as Edward said himself. It wasn’t out of cowardice or callousness, the audience was aware of this, but Uhtred and his men weren’t of course. But at least he saw sense and changed his mind after Aelswith spoke with him. So although I wanted him to just agree to help from the start like everyone else, I still understood his reasons. As Aelswith says, “it is not that you are wrong, but you are simply mistaken”. Yeah I agree with you, he does care about his people. He even said that it’s the ordinary folk who suffer in war, not those in this room. That’s another reason behind his initial plan, he thought that was the most peaceful solution for his own people. So that actually makes him a good King…he seems to be a very misunderstood character in the fandom.

[@mijiyoon5575]

Having to fight fight fight ... looks like charters, rules & laws may be the only saving grace then & now; what is allowed in war & not allowed in war. Having to sue for peace to prevent a whole sale slaughter... going on now in 2022 in this sad ole world *THX Ollie* always leaves me w/ more to think about 👍👍👍👍👍

[@Eirexeyes]

Was it these events that Assassin's Creed Valhalla is about? The names you're using sound so familiar although it has been a while since I played the game. Good game.

[@djm24able]

Athelwald even having a chance to take the thrown once Alfred died says a lot about the type of morals Alfred the great had being he didn’t kill him soon as Alfred starting getting sicker.. just simply assuring edwards path to the crown. From everything I read king Alfred was simply another breed of man all together.

[@noragibson5293]

Wow that was great. Unfortunately since my daughter camcelled Netflix I cannot watch the rest of the series.

[@LittleImpaler]

Read the books

[@CW-rx2js]

Edward was a great king who wasn't giving his due by historians until recently. If he hadn't conquered East Anglia and Mercia with his sister, ethel Stan would never have United England

[@historyprofiles]

Yes he was

[@aaronburrell3729]

Destiny is all!

[@joeychicago6322]

This all happened because of the father, therefore he still is in higher regard. Make no mistake everyone in those day's had to b warrior king's and Edward is great but the first always is the most. Either way as a Polish man this is fun and very interesting to learn.

[@jamiegregg9211]

bloody loved it hay if you on Facebook would love live chat and debate on one of viking or sxon heroes

[@camrondirossi3249]

Do Ultrad from The Last Kingdom

[@johncliffalvarez6513]

So Utred had nothing to do with Edward’s success?

[@brooke6549]

Utred is based off Utred the bold/Utred the godless.

[@historyprofiles]

The real Uhtred was born 100 years or so after Alfred and Edward

[@adventussaxonum448]

No, it was all down to a great West Saxon family.

[@markmorris7123]

No he didnt.. The show darked Edward.. great show..But treated some historical characters very oddly

[@adventussaxonum448]

Try as I might, I can't find any reference to the Mercians being involved at Edington. They were still firmly under Danish control. That's why Wessex was "The Last Kingdom" BTW.... It's A(e)thelstan, A(e)lfred, A(e)thelflaed and the A(e)theling.

[@IAMKING7799]

Binge-Watching Your AMAZING VIDEOS! Please do The Life of Queen Dahia El Kahina the North African Warrior Queen! Love Your Videos! 👑💫

[@iLLeag7e]

How long was it from the raids of the Great Heathen Army until the last viking king / jarl was deposed from these lands?

[@asl7235]

William the Conqueror(norman= man from the north) was viking blood so i guess never >)

[@markmorris7123]

@@asl7235 sort of,, but in a way that would be like saying the Americans are Brits..But yeah they were mainly decended from french and Scandinavian.. when they came over none of the nobles ever spoke English, they all spoke French..Until the fall of the plantagenists..In my mind it wasnt a full conquer.. We ended up speaking English after all..But if Alfred (Wessex)had fallen there would be no English language

[@starrcitizenalpha7847]

Ƿes þu hal! I recently discovered your channel and am enjoying it's content. Well done! Whilst I'm not an expert in the pronounciation of "old English" and it's names, I have been casually studying the language for a couple of years and I believe Ecgwynn is pronounced something along the lines of Edge-woon-ne. The OE word for our ME word "edge" is Ecg. OE names were often compound names so, for example, Aeþelstan (Aethelstan) meant "Noble-stone" I do wonder what the likes of Aelfred the Great, Edward the Elder, Aeþelflaed, Lady of Mercia, Cnut the Great and Harold Godwinson would have made of modern England. Be well.

[@markmorris7123]

I think they would be very proud of what the anglo saxons went on to do..Founding America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand.. Its quite astonishing..All because Wessex endured

[@glory2ukraine168]

Lateral ascension from brother to brother was common in Saxon society

[@nickthielemier3501]

I have a question that I can't seem to get an answer on.. Why did old English Kings hold the title of breadwelder? What does it mean?

[@wessexheathen5708]

Bretwalda. An Old English word. Literally means, " Ruler of the Britons". Literally everyone who lives on the island of Britain.

[@nickthielemier3501]

@@wessexheathen5708 thanks so much! I have wondered at that for years!

[@nickthielemier3501]

@@wessexheathen5708 bread welder lmao.. making it his mission to unslice sliced bread 🍞

[@az53999]

It’s fun but fantasy to think that Uhtred of Bebbanburg was the real reason behind the Anglo-Saxon successes in creating a united England.

[@harrycrane7312]

Edward was one of the greatest Anglo Saxon kings along with Athelstan

[@markmorris7123]

Alfred is my fave..But yeah those three along with Aethelfled were amazing

[@aaronquintonpillay5394]

So you're telling me Uhtred wasn't even born at this time!? My life is a lie...

[@franciscooctavius5957]

Love your videos but you simply have to leave your text screenshots up longer. Can’t read that fast without having to pause the video every few seconds. Thanx. That said- Edward the Elder was almost if not as important to England future as Alfred

[@houndhog4886]

Not to be confused with Edward The Long Shanks, Hammer of Scotts

[@liamo221]

I liked Æethelwold more when he was a drunk.

[@jamietomlinson8787]

This is interesting. I wish I from their and have pride on my country history. Did he ever get marry and have children to take his place when he died?

[@terryjohnson8974]

I want the seriew based on Aethelstan being Englands first king. Like Edward was a conquerors he took the land his father dreamed of but Aethelstan rulled over England

[@ericcagle1263]

Get the horns off the Kegel helms! Lol

[@ObiWann90]

Last Kingdom did him dirty, but it's a damn good show still.

[@phoenixrose1192]

Until *that* march in EP10, I at least understood his decisions and reasons behind his actions, even when I didn’t always agree. I think he was just blinded by hubris when he made that monumental mistake. He was also motivated by his hatred towards Aethelhelm, and his impulsiveness (which he did have under control for the most part this series). So even though he was definitely one of the most interesting and layered characters in S5, God! that march was so frustrating to watch! 😂

[@TheOrigamiPeople]

916 ,the decisive battle between Anglo Saxon and Viking ? Forgot Canute ,King of Norway. Denmark and England? He appears some years after this but didn’t he win some decisive battles with a primarily Viking host? Why do soooooo many English historians just gloss over this?

[@historyprofiles]

Why would I mention something 100 years after the events of the video when I have a separate video on Canute?

[@adventussaxonum448]

Because when Cnut ruled, it was over the kingdom of England, with many English nobles supporting him. It was a different situation from pagan vikings destroying Anglo-Saxon petty kingdoms. I don't know about you, but when I was at school, everybody knew about King "Canute"

[@carlvonfuckwits2934]

Alfred certainly planned it all.

[@Leo_ofRedKeep]

I can find no evidence or even hint of Alfred's "dream of England" in the original sources. This is the modern invention of historians who like to present history as a forward looking plan broader than its actors. His work and that of his son and grandson was one of defence against the invader and opportunist reconquest, not of unification.

[@markmorris7123]

Eh..I'm sorry but its obvious from his words..Also the chronicles constantly talk of uniting the saxons to form the English..but yes the idea comes after the invasions.. But if you've read through the sources I dont understand your doubt??

[@Leo_ofRedKeep]

@@markmorris7123 I have no doubt. There are no "words from Alfred" and the "dream of England" is certified historian bullshit.

[@galenusv7831]

FIRST, I WON

[@Agapy8888]

👍🕊♾

[@markmorris7123]

I hate what the show did to Alfred and Edward.. Uthred got all the praise,, and he wasn't even alive at the time of Edward.. They also portrayed edward as a terrible military tactician..I really think they did it on purpose.. They did a full 180 on Edward's character.. Edward liberated huge areas of Britain.,, And was a great king

[@zerovikings5852]

The thing I never found logical why didn’t alfred or his son. Help uthred to take back his home. Strategically they would have been way stronger as allies. Utred in the series was one of the strongest characters.

[@MrMoose-bl7jv]

go watch season 5, its the last season, no spoiler but its worth

[@blueant7251]

Their power and need to rule far outweighed their logical thinking. They used Uthred and his loyalty and honour definitely did not work in his favour. When you think of everything and everyone he ended up losing

[@adventussaxonum448]

Because it didn't make sense for a king based on the South Coast to help someone from the Scottish Borders, when he didn't exist for another 100 years.

[@gabrielcarrasco8414]

Uhtred wasn't Christian and never truly accepted Alfred as his king. Alfred needed unwavering loyalty and Uhtred failed every test. Going behind his back, and even challenging him in front of his subjects. He couldn't give Uhtred a fortress when he never truly allied himself.

[@lynnecarriemurphy3448]

Utred is a fictional character. He didn't exist in actual history at this time.

[@Inquiringmindswannaknow]

Why did alot of them die by age 50 back then?

[@markmorris7123]

If you were healthy and lived in peace times you could still live to a ripe old age.. However war was a regular occurrence..And with war comes famine and disease

[@maovilladel7344]

Notice they don't mention anything about Uhtred the Bold anywhere here. I can't take The Last Kingdom seriously when its surprisingly disingenuous and makes it look like Christian monarchs were a bunch of idiots as opposed to competent leaders while Viking invaders or portrayed is combat geniuses who are impossible to beat without Viking help (which they did have at times).

[@phoenixrose1192]

Well technically Uhtred is a Saxon not a Dane, he can’t change what he is because he lived with Danes for a few years. We are what we are. Uhtred did exist in irl, only he wasn’t born during Alfred’s time. The series is adapted from the novels by Bernard Cornwell, they’re historical fiction. Some events did happen, but they just play around with history. So Alfred, Edward, and Aethelflaed really did accomplish so much in the formation of England, without Uhtred.

[@tori1655]

B. Cornwells books and the TV series " The last kingdom" are just awesome, great drama from a highly professional production team, crew and actors that brought this period to LIFE! In fact there are very little details from this time of history, but certainly we do know battles were not won.. and history not shaped by Kings alone. The people writing the kings stories were payed and hired to do just so. This "History time" are really interesting series, but to believe every detail of documentary from this time period to be the whole truth.. nah.. its not that simple. Bernhard Cornwell did a lot of research for the books, he tells a "Historical notes" in every book.. and the Last kingdom series are fantastic alive drama. They really just nailed it!! Thanks to them people now finally awake and take new interesst of where they come from. That` s so great👌

[@markmorris7123]

@@tori1655 Absolutey disagree,, we have a wealth of knowledge on the west saxons.. I loved the show but it made great rulers out to be idiots who completely relied on a man who wasn't even born yet.. And also Uthred in reality was a nobleman who was constantly switching sides. He was not known for his honour

[@markmorris7123]

All shows portray the Anglo saxons this way.. I think its because of the connotations of white supremacy..Which is stupid.. Its quite incredible what Wessex achieved.. If Alfred had fallen there would be no America, no Canada or Australia. And England would have become Daneland.

[@RBYU001]

Edward wasn’t even portrayed all that well in Cromwell’s books.

[@makeupboss3568]

Anglo Saxon history is interesting… it’s part of my ancestral heritage.

[@kyleowen372]

Mate the saint of northumbria is cuthbert not oswald

[@isaiasramosgarcia9771]

sideshows of sideshows, while in Cordoba, Constantinople, Bagdad civilization bloomed

King Edward the Elder was the second greatest enemy to English liberty at the time. The greatest was his father Alfred the Great.

[@thehillbillygamer2183]

What about the Anglo-Saxon Lord uhtred son of uhtred descended of the Old Kings of northumbria he was Alfred's greatest friend and Ally he ensured that Alfred son ascended the throne and then when Edward died he sheltered Edwards son he raised Apple stand edgewood's are legitimate Apple stand

[@Pokery007]

Based on this video, Edward was a much greater king than based on the Netflix series called "The Last Kingdom". I share your opinion saying Edward should be kept in much higher esteem then he is.

[@Pokery007]

I also like this and your other videos very much. Historical facts are gathered in an intelligent and interesting way.

[@LittleImpaler]

The Last Kingdom is part fiction and real history.

[@markmorris7123]

@@LittleImpaler yes but it was very bad at portraying saxon leaders

[@thehillbillygamer2183]

But what about oatridge the proper true Lord of bebbanburg butrint served Alfred and Edward loyally

[@brandonelkin3166]

Can you do a episode on Shaka Zulu

[@bonjovi7120]

No need. Shaka Zulu is just a glorified savage

[@Coltavena]

Honestly. I feel horrible for Ethelwold. History and even TV makes him look like the bad guy, like some sort of snake, but the truth is that he was the true king. There's NO debating that. If succession was truly respected they way history makes it seem, than the people would've got behind Ethelwold. Im starting to notice an unsettling trend and fact of life by viewing history and seeing what happens in these current times. It seems the bad guys win more than the good. The undeserving reep more benefits out of life than the deserving. The wrong people continue to be venerated, admired, lionized and showered with wealth. The more they stick it to people, the more that people stick with them. We allow a piece of worthless paper to actually determine the haves and have nots!! When you really think about it, it's insanity and it's preposterous. Atleast in the middle ages and b4, money was made from gold and silver. Your money was literally worth something. Today its just paper and we've allowed them to imprison us and limit our happiness

[@kenlee5015]

But succession was not the only way to become king. They had to be approved the Witon, as stated in this video and the show.

[@karengilliland2439]

They didn't have primogeniture back then, the kingship went to the strongest candidate approved by the Witan, even if it wasn't the last King's son.

[@Anaris10]

Edward screwed his sister, Athelflaed and her daughter out of Mercia!.

[@markmorris7123]

He had to..The Danes would have taken it and threatened Wessex

[@rebeccalee1065]

I Don't Believe The Danes/Vikings "Feared" Edward Or Is Sister To The Degree They Feared Their Forces. But, You Have To Give The Vikings Credit...Their Ferocious Fighting Skills Made Better Soldiers And Warriors Out Of The Opposition (That Played A Part In Defeating Them).

[@phoenixrose1192]

The Anglo-Saxons were much better fighters than portrayed in TV shows. Though The Last Kingdom is the more accurate of portrayals of Anglo-Saxons at least.

[@douglastaggart9360]

I'm surprised you keep saying vikings when in Reality the saxons referred to them as Danes. I don't think the term viking was even used in that period. Infact i don't remember the word viking used in the last Kingdom.

[@mannyg137]

Alford was but boy when he spoke to Ragnar

[@markmorris7123]

what especially annoyed me is that the real Uthred was a nobleman who was known to be always switching allegiances, and sometimes acted cowardly....Yet he was portrayed as a savior. And edward who was a savior, was portrayed as an idiot