What Bernard Cornwell’s books tell us about The Last Kingdom season 5

Warriors of the Storm

Bernard Cornwall’s ninth Saxon Stories novel, Warriors of the Storm, introduces the real-life figure Ragnall Ivarson. Ivarson ruled territory in Scotland after being expelled from Ireland, soon returning with a fleet to retake Dublin. He subsequently became king of the northern English kingdom of Northumbria and was opposed by Vikings who had converted to Christianity. This group approached Lady Aethelflaed of Mercia for assistance, offering to bend the knee.

The book shows how Ragnall becomes established in the north, taking an entire kingdom by fooling his opponents from thinking he was only attempting to seize Ceaster (Chester). Uhtred attacks his rear but is pleased to see Ragnall gone from Mercia.

“Warriors of the Storm” adds a personal stake to this conflict, as Ragnall is the brother of Sigtryggr, who is now married to Uhtred’s daughter Stiorra. A returning Jarl Haesten also lends his support to Ragnall, as does the brother of Finan, creating divided loyalties all around. The duplicitous Haesten offers to surrender to Aethelflaed at the first opportunity, claiming his men are Christians. However, he’s just buying time for Ragnall to gather men and invade Mercia.

It is here, likely early in the season, we can expect to see the death of Haesten. After seizing his stronghold, Uhtred orders Edward’s son Aethelstan to fight and then kill Haesten. We don’t know what happened to Haesten in history. While he was undoubtedly at Ceaster, after the advance of Mercian forces and a siege in 893, he marched south and pillaged kingdoms in Wales. He moved from Northumbria to East Anglia before his forces finally dispersed, settling in the two domains and even across the channel in France. What became of Haesten was never recorded, but we can assume he died an old man with a fearsome reputation.

However, the killing doesn’t slow Ragnall, who slaughters 42 captives in front of Uhtred in revenge for the 43 of his own men that Uhtred killed in the initial attack. The 43rd is Uhtred’s son Father Oswald, captured and castrated by Brida, who was last seen giving birth. As we saw last season, she is sworn against Uhtred for leaving her alive to be captured as a slave.

Uhtred retaliates and kills hundreds of Ragnall’s men in a surprise attack, forcing the invader to split his army in two. One heads north to shore up Northumbria while the other marches further into Mercia.

In Ireland, Sigtryggr and Stiorra are besieged after refusing to aid Ragnall. Uhtred disobeys an order from Aethelflaed not to go; he offers the throne of Northumbria to his son-in-law, seeing it as a perfect chance to regain his ancestral home of Bebbanburg. Returning to England, the party heads for Eoforwik and attempt a ruse by pretending to bring in Stiorra as a prisoner. It seems likely these events will take place in England for the television adaptation.

Here we will get the second major death of the season, which will sadden long-time Last Kingdom fans. Driven to extremes by fury and suffering, Brida is out of control and has crucified dozens of Christians in her personal war. Uhtred overthrows her rule, and Stiorra kills Brida. Uhtred frees hostages in the city before beginning the hunt for Ragnall.

Uhtred sends for Mercian forces to finish Ragnall for good, but he becomes trapped and outnumbered. Meanwhile, Finan does battle with his brother Conall and bests him, sparing his life but taking his crown. This demoralizes Ragnall’s forces. Sigtryggr presents the hostages freed at Eoforwik, which causes further consternation in the enemy ranks. When Ragnall gives his command to attack, less than half obey. Uhtred orders his own charge, and the enemy turns on each other, with Ragnall being killed.

During these events, the real-life Aethelflaed died; her negotiations with the Christian Vikings of York never being completed. However, her death does not feature in this book, although it may happen in this season.

Another death that is different in the books than in actual history is that of the main antagonist, Ragnall, who seemingly died a peaceful death in 921. Some historians believe that before he did, he submitted to King Edward.

Meanwhile, what will happen to Aelswith is something that many fans have been speculating on, as the character does not appear at all in the later books. Recent comments from actress Eliza Butterworth hint that the Queen Mother will not survive beyond this season, although promo images suggest that her poisoning at the end of season 4 will not be the cause of her death.

For the record, the real Aelswith died peacefully in 902, further confusing the timeline.