The 25 Best Characters on The Last Kingdom

25) FATHER PYRLIG

We just love this guy. The lewd Father Pyrlig (Cavan Clerkin) may not be much of a priest, but he’s a survivor. It’s hard to travel through The Last Kingdom without ever needing a sword, and we’ve seen both holy folk Beocca and Hild use weapons in battle. Father Pyrlig is a child of war, which explains his rough attitude and his willingness to resort to violence if necessary, whatever the commandments say.

Pyrlig’s big moment is his battle against the Viking super-warrior Boltan, towards the end of season 2. Pyrlig has Uhtred, who elects to give the prisoner Boltan a chance to fight rather than be crucified, for the opportunity. Pyrlig first feigns incompetence, but then defeats Boltan. He explains that he is a Briton and grew up killing Saxons, though he now prefers to fight for his god. He’s yet another TLK hybrid, a man caught between the worlds of war and faith and not truly belonging to either.

Father Pyrlig also plays an important part in the season 2 finale, foreshadowing the fate of Odda the Elder with his opening dialogue. “What binds a man to the land?” he asks. “It can only be love. It is a powerful thing. Wouldn’t you agree, Lord Uhtred? From wretch to warrior, love gives a man strength, often at the cost of his mind.”

Later, Alfred has Pyrlig spy on Odda, although Odda soon catches on. Once it becomes obvious that Odda has raised his Devonshire fyrd and plans to defy Alfred’s wishes and march on Beamfleot, Odda loses Pyrlig, who hurries back to Winchester to inform Alfred. Pyrlig then rides with Alfred’s army.

Where Pyrlig ends up next is anybody’s guess, but there’s very little chance it will be boring.

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