Season Five

Uhtred returns to Bebbanburg to fulfill his destiny amidst a kingdom fractured by succession disputes.

Season Five serves as the final chapter of the television series, adapting Bernard Cornwell's eighth novel, The Pagan Lord, alongside his ninth novel, War of the Wolf, and his tenth novel, The Flame Bearer. Premiering in its entirety on Netflix on 9 March 2022, this ten-episode arc covers the years 910 to 918. It focuses on the disputed lines of succession in Wessex and Mercia while addressing the lingering Viking threat in Northumbria. The narrative culminates with Uhtred returning to Bebbanburg once more, finally achieving his destiny after decades of exile and conflict.

Lore & Background

The season explores the political fragmentation of England as King Edward faces disputed lines of succession in Wessex. In Mercia, the narrative centers on Lady Aethelflaed and her daughter, Lady Aelfwynn, whose inheritance is contested. The conflict extends to Northumbria, where Uhtred confronts Sigtryggr, a Viking king who is also his son-in-law. This personal connection highlights the complex entanglement of Saxon and Danish loyalties that defines the era. The lore shifts from the unification efforts under King Alfred to the consolidation of power under his successors, illustrating how the Second Great Danish Army's remnants continue to challenge Anglo-Saxon authority.

Reader's Guide

Viewers should note that this series adapts Cornwell's Warriors of the Storm and The Flame Bearer with significant plot changes from the novels. The timeline spans three years, from 917 to 920, distinct from earlier seasons. Key turning points include the political maneuvering in Wessex and Mercia regarding succession and the diplomatic-military standoff between Uhtred and his son-in-law Sigtryggr in Northumbria. The season concludes with Uhtred finally achieving his lifelong destiny of retaking Bebbanburg, resolving a plot thread established in Series One.

Did You Know?

The fifth series adapts elements from three of Bernard Cornwell's novels: The Pagan Lord (book 8), War of the Wolf (book 9), and The Flame Bearer (book 10).
Unlike previous seasons which covered longer periods, this season covers a specific eight-year span from 910 to 918.
Significant plot changes from the source novels were made for this final season, similar to Series Three and Four.