The Last Kingdom season 5: Fiction or History?
By Michael East
Were Sigtrygrr and Rǫgnvaldr from The Last Kingdom real?
The relationship between brothers Sigtrygrr and Rǫgnvaldr is pivotal to season 5. Rǫgnvaldr’s betrayal allows Brida to seize Jorvik, kicking off the series of events that eventually lead to the Battle of Bebbenburg.
Both men actually existed. Rǫgnvaldr is the Old Norse name for Ragnall ua Ímair. Sigtryggr, his kinsman, is the Norse name for Sitric Cáech. Both men led invasions of Ireland and were immensely successful there, defeating several local kings; Sigtryggr even became king of Dublin. However, both were likely expelled in 902 and sought their destiny elsewhere, sailing to England.
However, unlike in The Last Kingdom, it was actually Rǫgnvaldr who ruled Northumbria from Jorvik first, being king there between 918 and 921. During this time, historians disagree on the nature of his relationship with Edward. According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, the two reached some kind of agreement, but there are no details; the book says that they “chose him [Edward] as father and lord.” Some historians contend that this means Rǫgnvaldr and Northumbria bent the knee to Edward, but others disagree. As we saw earlier with Mercia, the chronicle is heavily biased in favor of Wessex.
Following the death of Rǫgnvaldr, Sigtryggr would rule from 921 to 927. While there are few verified accounts from this period, it’s known that there were wars during this time as the Vikings attempted to retake Mercia, with Sigtryggr likely exploiting the hatred that Mericans had for Edward. Of course, nothing about this is recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle since Edward only recording his own victories.
Finally, Stiorra, of course, never existed and therefore couldn’t have married Sigtryggr. In truth, he married an unnamed daughter of Edward in 926, who was likely Athelstan’s only full sister. While her name is lost to history, tradition names her as Saint Edith of Polesworth. The marriage was undoubtedly a political one that aimed to bring peace between Northumbria and Wessex.
