The 25 Best Characters on The Last Kingdom

6) BEOCCA

Religion plays a big part in the lives of most 9th century Saxons, so it’s no surprise that we get to know at least one Catholic priest really well. Beocca (Ian Hart) was formerly the priest of Bebbanburg. He baptized Uhtred and has been a close friend to him all his life. He’s an important father figure to the fatherless boy, and is committed to restoring the young man’s birthright. The impetuous, headstrong Uhtred loves Beocca dearly, and is usually willing to accept his steadying influence and wise advice. No stick in the mud, the witty and playful Beocca enjoys verbally sparring with Uhtred as he constantly, gently attempts to steer him away from Viking paganism.

As a man of faith in a violent time, Beocca’s intelligence and insight provide a shining light in the darkness, a light that is capable of steering people he loves away from destruction. In many ways, Beocca is Uhtred’s guardian angel, and he probably saved Uhtred’s life when the young man first brashly arrived in Winchester early in season 1. Beocca steered Uhtred clear of a swordfight with the formidable Leofric (who viewed him as an ‘arsling’ Dane) and facilitated a meeting with Alfred, who most likely would have had Uhtred beheaded had Beocca not vouched for him.

Beocca is also a warrior-priest, and we see him wade into battle on a number of occasions. His commitment to caring for the damaged Thyra led to a full-fledged love affair, and the pair were married toward the end of season 2. We were happy for both of them, and it was terrifying when Beocca thought Thyra had been killed in the Viking massacre of the Saxon camp at Lunden. By the end of season 2, Beocca was a happily married man content to stay at home with his wife and not follow Uhtred from one dangerous situation to the next.

Hart, a charismatic English actor capable of comedic and dramatic turns alike, is perfect for the role. You might remember him from The Terror, a show we reviewed here at WiC.