The 25 Best Characters on The Last Kingdom
7) ODDA THE ELDER
As King Alfred’s senior Aelderman and most trusted advisor, Odda the Elder (Simon Kunz) is a smart, insightful veteran who understands the crazy world of 9th century power politics. At first, he first shared King Alfred’s deep-rooted mistrust of the pagan Uhtred, but he also knew what needed to be done to ensure the kingdom’s survival. In the meantime, he came to respect Uhtred and knew he was a man of his word.
Odda proves vital to the steadiness of the the royal succession in the time of chaos following the death of King Aethelred in season 1, thwarting the machinations of Aethelwold, supporting the new King Alfred and helping prepare the English army to face the Viking invasion. Odda is not the best general, but he is loyal and cares for his men. He’s also a brave leader in battle, and suffers several nasty wounds over the course of the series.
Odda is godfather to the virtuous Mildrith, whom he adores, but he is constantly disappointed by his devious son, Odda the Younger (Brian Vernel). He is ultimately forced to kill his son for acting as a traitor to Wessex.
For Odda the Elder, country comes before all else. In season 2, he’s even willing to propose that King Alfred consider finding a way for Aelthelflaed to commit suicide when she’s held prisoner by Erik and Sigefrid, rather than pay her exorbitant ransom that would be spent equipping a massive Viking invasion force.
That proposal comes back to haunt Odda the Elder in the season finale, when he is torn between his king’s orders and what he feels is best for Wessex. In defiance of Alfred’s wishes, Odda raises his powerful Devonshire fyrd and plans to attack the Danes himself. Alfred learns of Odda’s disobedience and moves to intervene, and they end up facing the Vikings together. Afterward, Alfred imprisons Odda in preparation for trial. Aethelwold brings him a knife, and Odda the Elder ends his own life in his cell.
Farewell, Odda the Elder. Alfred will probably miss having men of such caliber around him in season 3.