9) AETHELWOLD
Aethelwold is a royal who feels supremely wronged. His father, King Aethelred, ordered Odda the Elder to install his brother Alfred on the throne, purposely passing over his own son, whom he considered unfit. The immature Aethelwold remains bitter about his lot in life, wallowing in drink and women and yearning for the throne.
Aethelwold first appears irredeemable, constantly whining about being passed over. He is easily outmaneuvered by Alfred and Odda the Elder when he, encouraged by Odda the Younger, makes a lame attempt to steal the kingship. But Alfred is merciful, and instead of executing his brother has him sent far away to the seminary, essentially exiling him from Winchester. But Aethelwold keeps popping up.
Aethelwold does seem to have some goodness and steel in him. Those qualities surface as he adventures alongside the high-testosterone Uhtred. It’s funny watching Aethelwold struggle in the field after his sheltered, listless life, but the more time he spends with Uhtred, the more confidence he gains, and the more you wonder if he really could one day seize the throne from Alfred.
At the end of season 2, Aethelwold was alive and well and slinking around the halls at Winchester, living the unsatisfying life of an unwanted royal appendage. In the season 2 finale, he provides Odda the Elder with the means to kill himself before Alfred can try him for treason, proving he can still be a thorn in his brother’s side.
Aethelwold, portrayed with much liveliness by Harry McEntire, is much grown up now. He’s tasted battle and proven himself capable, and Alfred may live to regret sparing his life.