Is 'The Last Kingdom' a Ripoff of 'Vikings'? Exploring the Origins and Differences

The Last Kingdom and Vikings both delve into the complex history of the Anglo-Danish wars, but are they as similar as they seem?

Themes and Storylines

While both series explore themes like identity, loyalty, and cultural clashes, they take different approaches through unique characters and narratives. The Last Kingdom follows the journey of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a fictional protagonist who is both an Anglo-Saxon and a Dane, while Vikings portrays Ragnar Lothbrok's legendary exploits. These series share a common historical context but offer distinct perspectives on the same era.

Tone and Style

The tone and style of these shows are quite different. Vikings is a more epic and wide-ranging series, exploring multiple generations and significant time jumps. In contrast, The Last Kingdom focuses on Uhtred's life story, making more use of historical figures like Alfred the Great and Edward the Elder.

Originality and Adaptation

The Last Kingdom is an original work of fiction based on Bernard Cornwell's novels, the The Saxon Stories. These books weave together historical events and characters with a carefully crafted narrative. Cornwell himself provides historical notes at the end of his books, clarifying which elements are based on real events and which are fictional. In Vikings, while it also draws from historical sources and Norse sagas, the series takes an ensemble cast approach, focusing on different generations and characters.

Historical Accuracy and Myths

Both series are inspired by history but are not documentaries. While some characters and events are based on real people and events, others are fictionalized for narrative purposes. For example, Vikings features Ragnar Lothbrok, a legendary figure, while The Last Kingdom focuses on Uhtred, a fictional character based on a family ancestor.

Unique Comparisons

While Alfred the Great plays a significant role in both series, the perspectives are notably different. In Vikings, the series often portrays the Danes, while The Last Kingdom focuses on the Anglo-Saxon perspective, particularly through Uhtred's journey. Characters like Ragnar Lobrók in Vikings and Uhtred in The Last Kingdom have both mythological and historical basis, often with differing interpretations.

Historical Characters in Detail

Historical characters like Rollo, who married a French Princess and became the first Duke of Normandy, and Ealhswith, who was married to King Edward the Elder, are accurately portrayed in Vikings. Conversely, while Uhtred's life is fictional, his relationships and cultural conflicts are carefully woven into the narrative, staying true to the historical context.

Conclusion: Complementary Rather Than Imitative

Ultimately, while both series draw from the same historical and legendary sources, they tell very different stories. The Last Kingdom and Vikings are complementary rather than imitative, each offering a unique perspective on the complex history of the Anglo-Danish wars. Both series have their strengths and merits, making them valuable sources for understanding the era.

Recommendations

If you enjoy graphic violence and epic storytelling, both The Last Kingdom and Vikings are highly recommended. While The Last Kingdom provides a more focused narrative, Vikings offers a broader historical scope.