Understanding the Ancestral Roots of Uhtred in The Last Kingdom

In Bernard Cornwell’s historical fiction series The Last Kingdom, the character Uhtred frequently refers to his ancestors as 'kings there once.' This has led to speculation about which kingdom specifically Uhtred's family originated from. This article explores the possible meanings of these statements and delves into the historical context of Bernicia, Northumbria, and other relevant kingdoms.

Unraveling Uhtred's Ancestry: Bernicia

In The Last Kingdom, Uhtred’s father refers to their family's ancestors as 'kings there once.' This phrase likely indicates a kingdom that was once held by Uhtred’s family but is no longer in their possession. The most likely candidate for this statement is Bernicia.

Bernicia was one of the two core kingdoms that formed Northumbria. It was established in the 7th century when Ida of Bernicia conquered the region between the Tees and the TAacute;car, which is now part of Yorkshire. The name 'Bebbanburgh' (modern Bamburgh) commemorates Ida's wife Bebba, suggesting the initial prominence of her family in the region.

Key Figures and Dynastic History

The lineage of the House of Ida is central to understanding Uhtred’s familial history. Ida himself is referred to as the 'Flamebearer,' a title that underscores the importance of his role in the region’s history. His descendants continued to hold the fort at Bebbanburgh, which is now Bamburgh.

One of Ida’s descendants, ?thelfrith, became a pivotal figure in early Northumbrian history. He conquered Deira in 604, thereby forming the kingdom of Northumbria. ?thelfrith, however, did not continue to rule over Bernicia, indicating a shift in power within the family lineage.

Historical Context and the Formation of Northumbria

Northumbria emerged from the union of Bernicia and Deira. Initially, Deira was ruled by a separate family, the dynasty that would eventually lead to its most famous king, Edwin (616 AD). Edwin gained control over Northumbria after defeating ?thelfrith, and later, he was killed in a battle that would see the temporary separation of Bernicia from Northumbria.

The regions were again united when Oswald, a descendant of Ida, became the king of both Bernicia and Deira, eventually uniting the two into the larger Northumbrian kingdom. By the time of the events depicted in The Last Kingdom, the ruling family of Northumbria was indeed from the lineage of Ida, but the sense of loss and nostalgia expressed by Uhtred suggests that the earlier prominence of Bebbanburgh was no longer part of the current political landscape.

Speculation and Historical Accuracy

It is important to note that the narrative in The Last Kingdom might diverge from strict historical accuracy. The series portrays Uhtred's family as Ida's direct descendants, holding Bebbanburgh continuously. In reality, the primary male line of the Ida dynasty may have held Northumbria, while a junior branch continued to hold Bebbanburgh.

However, these details are speculative and based on the absence of definitive historical records. The series focuses on storytelling and character development rather than strictly adhering to historical facts.

Conclusion

In summary, Uhtred's father indeed refers to a kingdom that held by the ancestors of their family. Based on the historical records and the focus of the narrative in The Last Kingdom, the most plausible answer is Bernicia, a region that was once ruled by Ida and his successors but subsequently became part of the larger Northumbria kingdom.

The narrative's focus on the ancestral glory and loss provides a rich backdrop for the series, allowing readers to appreciate the complex and often turbulent history of Northumbria and the regional dynasties that shaped its rulers.