Are The Last Kingdom and Vikings Connected?
While The Last Kingdom and Vikings often have overlapping elements - such as an examination of Viking Age history, as well as a focus on how those battles for power and territory unfold, particularly when it comes to the conflicts between the Anglo-Saxons and the Danes, many will discover that they are not directly connected.
This has led to confusion among those interested in the series - but both have come to be highly acclaimed productions that examine historical events in the Viking Age as they each highlight the stories, events and personalities of characters that will likely come to be associated with both the show and the history itself. While those in the Viking Age have experienced many of the same events (which often brought forth the same set of leaders) it doesn't mean the production are the same series or directly related in terms of storyline or characters, they're merely operating in a very similar world with a lot of overlapping characters - the characters' motivations are not the same.
What Are the Major Overlaps Between The Last Kingdom and Vikings?
It is important to remember, while these stories and events have been explored in both series. It is helpful to note the events and the characters do have those similarities, but often those The Last Kingdom and Vikings productions, especially those set during the Viking Age, do have key differences in terms of storyline, narrative arcs, or even those motivations that characters exhibit. Many of the characters appear in both. There's Alfred the Great, as well as his brother, Aethelred, however, even with their appearance - they don't necessarily have the same storyline - they are portrayed differently, even given that Alfred the Great in Vikings is far younger. Even those characters like Ubba appear in both. Those fans of The Last Kingdom may also notice that Ivar the Boneless appears to have a role in this world but is not explicitly depicted as he was said to be killed by the Anglo-Saxons. Those Viking Age historical events often show how a number of those conflicts between these groups. For instance, the Battle of Ashdown. However, viewers should remember the key characters may differ, and the main storyline in both The Last Kingdom and Vikings does not completely align.
One could say there's an overlapping theme of war - however, this may be a critical difference, while Vikings might feature the journey of Ragnar Lothbrok and the powerful impact of how these Viking groups continue to influence those territories within Scandinavia. There are often significant battles where Vikings characters ( such as Ragnar Lothbrok ), face a variety of challenges, in The Last Kingdom we see Uhtred - forced to take on the same kinds of challenges with a strong focus on how he must make a choice between loyalty and his identity, particularly those centered around The Last Kingdom characters. The production may give fans some compelling points for how a story can unfold.
How Do The Last Kingdom and Vikings Connect With History?
Both The Last Kingdom and Vikings serve as a prime examples of how historical fiction takes shape as they draw inspiration from the rich history of Viking Age as it unfolded throughout the 9th century. There's also an exploration of the history of the Danes as they came to England and those Anglo-Saxons, showcasing the history of how both played key roles in a tumultuous era.
Although they don't attempt to present an exact, factually accurate depiction of history - it does showcase the major influences of those Viking Age history events and those personalities that will likely become an influential force throughout this time. A prime example is how Alfred the Great is considered one of the most significant leaders - those in history recognize him as having a pivotal role during Alfred the Great reign. He had a strong impact as it influenced England's unification.
How are The Last Kingdom and Vikings Similar?
Although The Last Kingdom is not a sequel, or spinoff of Vikings - many may be tempted to think there are some similarities. The protagonists, Uhtred in The Last Kingdom, and Ragnar Lothbrok in Vikings are those characters that stand out and both serve as powerful forces that showcase that conflict in those times. The events centered around a group of Viking invaders that have threatened both those lands of the Anglo-Saxons, as well as their power within those areas - in both shows, audiences experience a story where the Viking Age plays an integral role as those key battles, including The Battle of Ashdown and a plethora of other historical moments, shape those relationships between characters and those territories in this time period, often drawing in those interested in historical fiction to fully appreciate the context in this era. Both productions highlight that constant tension between different societies - those who will come to dominate, those seeking to gain more territory and power. Both explore those ideas through intriguing events as those who love history might discover an engaging blend of action, suspense, and the heart of those people caught up in that warring world.
Those who are fans of the Vikings TV series (a History Channel production), should be aware that The Last Kingdom TV series (produced by Netflix) will explore those similar, key moments, but doesn’t necessarily present the same story and doesn't even focus on those main, powerful, influential characters like Ragnar Lothbrok. Those characters may exist within the realm - they do not have the same power to influence how those stories are told, which may be one of the main reasons fans love each series so much, as it allows viewers to explore two different universes.
Are There any Connections Between The Last Kingdom Characters and Vikings Characters?
There’s a great deal of overlap in those characters that appear in The Last Kingdom and Vikings as both take place in the Viking Age and also include those iconic and influential figures - in essence those "warring leaders". It has caused those watching to wonder how much their worlds overlap. It is helpful to realize they are set in different universes - those universes, and storylines, have taken their own independent, compelling paths. Those seeking out how much the storylines and characters align are often confused as a result, and it may also lead to questions of if one is considered to be a sequel to the other.
While there are characters like Alfred the Great in both productions, fans can easily discover just how they've been presented very differently in their personalities and motivations, though their roles within the timeline of the Viking Age will likely match. This even includes Ubba, the brother of Ragnar Lothbrok. While Ubba is a main character in Vikings, the character in The Last Kingdom, takes on a much more minor role - one that will not likely impact the main story or those that drive the overall narrative, and although the show confirmed that Ivar the Boneless had a presence, it is not specifically depicted and his actions only affect how this series develops.
Which is a Better Show, The Last Kingdom or Vikings?
Fans who love those stories centered on the Viking Age and are captivated by a compelling world - including those set within historical fiction - often gravitate towards The Last Kingdom and Vikings.
There are a number of reasons why many prefer these series and it will come down to personal preference. Those fans who want to dive deeper into Viking culture, history and are drawn to a powerful and ambitious journey (those driven by the ambitions of those Viking leaders, their conquests), might enjoy Vikings. While Vikings is a series known for its grand and compelling visual scope, a series that offers a lot of drama. The Last Kingdom may also resonate, as the series focuses more on the relationship between Uhtred and the Anglo-Saxons - which takes place as those characters explore their loyalties in a changing world. They face an era that continues to shift from one period into the next - one that will also continue to redefine the overall Viking Age. It all comes down to an interesting, intense struggle between one person who is trying to find a place to call home while the war for land, territory and control unfolds around him - one which features powerful characters like Alfred the Great in The Last Kingdom.
What Happens In the Last Kingdom After the TV Show Ends?
Those fans of The Last Kingdom (which originally began as a TV series and then progressed to be adapted into a movie. The Last Kingdom and Vikings both continue to garner much praise.
Although the show ended its series, it's had an intriguing final chapter that gives us a satisfying wrap to the series (this is with The Last Kingdom, while Vikings was given an ending but those who were part of its universe - had the opportunity to take part in its spin-off series, "Vikings: Valhalla.") There is a new, concluding, production which will explore how The Last Kingdom characters make their way into that time. This has allowed fans to explore further. The Last Kingdom is also known for being adapted from a series of books (created by Bernard Cornwell) known as "Saxon Stories novels," with those fans of The Last Kingdom movie, "Seven Kings Must Die." One of the best parts of the movie is the ability to explore that same timeline of events that happened during the Saxon Stories novels, showing us how the events that transpire give a full story for those characters, and it may also introduce fans to new characters - including a greater range of figures who have an impact on The Last Kingdom’s world.
Are There More Episodes of The Last Kingdom Coming Out?
While the final season, which featured The Last Kingdom characters - who brought audiences a slew of entertaining stories. There may be more episodes. However, Netflix is unlikely to have more production for those episodes after the 5 seasons.
Fans should be aware there may be some ambiguity with this production since those who are most excited to continue to watch this show - those dedicated The Last Kingdom lovers - are hopeful that the series can be revisited but they should be prepared to recognize that while there’s a great chance it could have more installments and episodes (considering its growing fan base), this also could signal the end for this production, and will lead fans to continue to revisit this production. Even though the story may have ended, its legacy will endure and fans are certain to revisit those classic scenes in The Last Kingdom TV series and, of course, those stories told in the Saxon Stories novels that set the stage for this beloved production.
