"Seven Kings Must Die" is a 2023 historical drama film, concluding the story of The Last Kingdom TV series. The film follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg as he navigates political turmoil, battles, and betrayals to ensure the unification of England under King Edward the Elder's rule. But how closely does the film adhere to actual history? This article examines the historical events and figures depicted in Seven Kings Must Die and compares them to their real-life counterparts, shedding light on the accuracy of the film's portrayal of Viking and Anglo-Saxon history.
The Premise of Seven Kings Must Die
The title of the film refers to a prophecy made by a seer that seven kings must fall before the kingdom can be unified. The film begins shortly after the end of The Last Kingdom series, which depicted the last years of Alfred the Great's reign and the rise of his son, King Edward. Seven Kings Must Die focuses on the years following Edward's death in 924, a period of instability marked by the succession struggles between his sons, the kingdom's external threats, and the continuing Viking invasions.
The narrative follows Uhtred and his allies, particularly his son, Stiorra, as they try to consolidate power amid the collapse of political order. The film’s plot centers on several key figures, notably Uhtred, King Edward, and various Viking leaders, with the central conflict revolving around the fight for the throne of Wessex and the larger ambition of uniting England.
The Historical Background: Edward the Elder and the Unification of England
The movie takes place in the early 10th century, during a critical period in English history. Following the death of Alfred the Great in 899, his son, Edward the Elder, took the throne of Wessex and continued his father’s work of resisting Viking invasions and expanding Wessex’s influence.
Historically, the reign of Edward was defined by his military campaigns against both the Vikings and the forces of rival Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. By the time of his death in 924, Edward had managed to secure significant territories, which would lay the groundwork for the eventual unification of England under his son, Æthelstan. shutdown123