10 best The Last Kingdom characters not named Uhtred

No. 5: Aethelwold (Harry McEntire)

Aethelwold may be the Last Kingdom character fans most love to hate. Outwardly, he was a humorous annoyance who hung around the Wessex court. He was the son of King Alfred's brother, and in Aethelwold's mind, he should have been named king after his father's death.

Unfortunately, he lacked the political wherewithal to pull off a coup, despite many ill-fated schemes and attempts. At times, Aetheelwold attached himself to Uhtred and his retinue, hoping he could persuade Uhtred of Alfred's tryanny and sway the warrior to his side. Uhtred never took Aethelwold seriously, and no one else did either.

Uhtred never took Aethelwold seriously, and no one else did either. Eventually, Aethelwold hatched a scheme to betray King Alfred to the Danes. Aethelwold overplays his hand while in the Dane's warcamp and murders Young Ragnor in his sleep. Once Brida and Uhtred find out, nothing could save him from their wrath, and he paid the price of his betrayal with his death.

Portrayed brilliantly by McEntire, Aethelwold provided several comic relief moments throughout the series. For most of his time on the show, he was an entertaining character, yet he was also sad, cowardly, and dangerous. At times he was very likable, but in the end, his behavior led to his brutal fate.