The 25 Best Characters on The Last Kingdom

8) HILD

We are constantly amazed by Hild (Eva Birthistle), a nun-turned warrior-turned nun again. After being severely traumatized by the Danes, Hild left her Catholic vows behind to take up the sword and defend King Alfred’s land from the Viking invaders. She is also devoted to her rescuer, the pagan Uhtred, but sometimes remains uncertain of her choice to live a life of violence.

Along with the priest Beocca, Hild exerts a calming influence on Uhtred, and has become one of his most trusted advisors. Despite having left the church, her faith informs informs everything she does. After the death of Leofric she becomes a rock Uhtred can lean on, and she is instrumental in his emotional recovery from his slavery trauma, comforting him in one of the series’ most intimate and profoundly emotional scenes in season 2, “Episode Three.”

Like everyone who attaches themselves to Uhtred, Hild lives on the blade of a double-edged sword. Uhtred is a good man with a good heart who will risk his life to protect his people, but his uncontrolled rage and pagan sense of justice complicate things for everyone around him. For example, even though the Abbot Eadred (Paul Schofield) turns out to be a lying, despicable cretin, the enraged Uhtred’s decision to murder the unarmed holy man in season 2 shocks Hild, and may have a lot to do with her decision to discard her armor and return to the church.

Near the end of season 2, Hild asks Uhtred if she can found a nunnery on his estate grounds at Coccham, and he heartily agrees. One wonders how vulnerable Uhtred will be is season 3 with Beocca and Hild no longer riding at his side.

Hild and Uhtred have a powerful connection, though whether some tame flirting might ever turn romantic remains to be seen. Irish-born actress Eva Birthistle portrays Hild with an impressive combination of steely resolve and vulnerability, making her one of our favorite characters here at WiC.