Alfred

The King of Wessex who demanded literacy from warriors and commanded a fleet of twelve ships to defend his realm.

Alfred the Great stands as the King of Wessex in Bernard Cornwell's historical novel The Last Kingdom, published in 2004. He serves as a pivotal figure who brings Uhtred of Bebbanburg into his service following Uhtred's escape from Danish captivity. Alfred is depicted not just as a ruler, but as a demanding monarch who insists his military commanders possess literacy skills to read his written orders. His reign is marked by the ongoing struggle against Danish invaders, including Guthrum and the forces of Ivar, Halfdan, and Ubba, shaping the destiny of Saxon England.

Lore & Background

Alfred's interaction with Uhtred begins in earnest during the year 877 AD, when Uhtred first meets the king after the Battle of Cynwit. Upon joining Alfred, Uhtred is forced to learn to read and write at the king's specific insistence, a unique requirement because Alfred believes his military commanders must be able to read his written orders. This educational mandate highlights Alfred's strategic vision for a disciplined Saxon army capable of executing complex commands. He further solidifies control over Uhtred by arranging a marriage between him and Mildrith, an orphaned West Saxon girl. Unbeknownst to Uhtred at the time, this union also binds him to her father's enormous debt to the Church, a political move designed to anchor the warrior to Wessex. Alfred leads the defense against Guthrum and other Danish warlords. After Guthrum's surprise attack on Chippenham, Alfred agrees to an exchange of hostages with the Danes, but Guthrum breaks the peace and murders the other Saxon hostages, forcing Alfred's forces into renewed conflict. It is during this period that Uhtred, having escaped the massacre, eventually returns to find his wife taken by Odda the Younger, an event occurring after a critical battle where Uhtred kills Ubba.

Reader's Guide

Alfred the Great is a historical figure serving as King of Wessex within the story's setting. He ascends to power during a time when Northumbria has fallen to Danes and Wessex remains under threat from the Great Heathen Army led by figures like Guthrum, Ivar Ragnarsson, Halfdan Ragnarsson, and Ubba Ragnarsson. Key events involving Alfred in The Last Kingdom include: - 874 AD: Uhtred joins his service; Alfred mandates literacy for commanders. - Marriage Alliance: Alfred arranges Uhtred's marriage to Mildrith to secure loyalty and transfer debt. - Hostage Exchange: A peace deal with Guthrum results in the murder of Saxon hostages when Danes break the truce, saving only Uhtred thanks to Ragnar the Younger. - Battle of Cynwit (877 AD): Uhtred kills Ubba under Alfred's banner but disobeys orders to report the victory immediately. Alfred is portrayed as a calculating leader who values written communication and strategic alliances over personal bonds, often using Uhtred as a tool to bridge the gap between Saxon and Danish cultures while maintaining strict control.