The Last Kingdom features eight Anglo-Saxon kings who can be ranked based on their skills and shortcomings as rulers within the show's world.
The Last Kingdom's eight Anglo-Saxon kings vary in their ability to rule effectively within the show's world. The Last Kingdom portrays a long list of real-life historical figures, typically staying as true as possible to what is known about their real lives. This includes the kings portrayed in the series. However, there are still a fair number of creative liberties taken in order to layer the characters.
Because the characters are inevitably changed for television, their capabilities as leaders in the show don't necessarily line up with their real-life achievements. Most of the eight kings who play significant roles in The Last Kingdom were fairly accomplished in real life, but it's only the achievements of the Kings of Wessex that are really focused on in the show. Even so, the rest of the Anglo-Saxon kings in The Last Kingdom are shown enough to make a solid judgment about their skills and shortcomings as monarchs.
King Guthred Of Northumbria
King Guthred of Northumbria is by far the worst king in the series. Guthred becomes king in The Last Kingdom season 2 when Uhtred helps prop him up at Alfred's behest. Guthred is cowardly, indecisive, and untrustworthy. He instigates one of the saddest moments in The Last Kingdom when he makes a deal with Uhtred's uncle, Aelfric, to betray Uhtred, selling him into slavery. His betrayal of Uhtred is especially devious considering Uhtred was integral in his rise to power. It's unsurprising then, that his reign as King of Northumbria is short-lived.
King Ceolwulf Of Mercia
King Ceolwulf of Mercia only appears briefly in The Last Kingdom, but his desperate situation when he does appear is evidence of his lackluster ability as a king. Ceolwulf comes to Wessex in The Last Kingdom season 2 to beg Alfred for swords to defend against Viking incursions. He insists he will not allow Mercia to become the poor cousin of Wessex, yet his request for aid shows that he cannot defend Mercia himself. Seemingly out of nowhere, King Ceolwulf then dies, right in the middle of negotiations with Alfred, making his accomplishments in the show nonexistent.
King Constantin Of Alba
King Constantin of Alba appears in The Last Kingdom season 5 and the show's sequel film, Seven Kings Must Die. Constantin's rule is defined by his desire to be the most powerful ruler in Northern Britain. His kingdom is in modern-day Scotland, but his desire to claim Northumbria and create a buffer between himself and the waxing power of Wessex drives him to join in alliance with Aethlhelm, Edward's devious adviser. His ambitions cost him, however, when Uhtred and Edward manage to recapture Bebbanburg at the end of The Last Kingdom season 5.
Constantin is more cautious after that, initially refusing his next chance to turn on Wessex when Anlaf begins gathering an army in Seven Kings Must Die. Unfortunately, Aethelstan's invasion of Alba causes him to join forces with Anlaf, leading to their disastrous defeat at the Battle of Brunanburh. Constantin loses his heir in the battle and is forced to crawl back to Alba with the remainder of his men. The fact that Constantin keeps hold of his own lands shows that he does possess some degree of competence, but his numerous defeats (and the number of men he's led to their deaths as a result) indicate that he was far from the show's best king.
King Hywel Of Wealas
King Hywel of Wealas is greedy and occasionally cruel, but he has more sense than some of the other kings. Hywel manages to secure a vast amount of Danish silver by agreeing to join Wessex in the Battle of Tettenhall during The Last Kingdom season 4. This is a shrewd move because not only does he obtain a large amount of wealth, he also defeats a significant enemy that likely would have invaded his lands in the future.
Hywel also blunders later in this season, however, leaving his land lightly defended to go on a pilgrimage. His castle is taken by Sigtryggr and his forces are soundly defeated when he tries to retake the fortress. Sigtryggr eventually abandons the fortress and Hywel is able to reclaim is seat, but his arrogance in thinking no one would attack his land speaks to his lack of foresight as a ruler. Hywel shows some wisdom later on though, joining Aethelstan at the Battle of Brunanburh instead of Anlaf. This decision likely saved his kingdom, helping Hywel earn a favorable reputation as a king in The Last Kingdom.
Aethelstan King Of England
Aethelstan, who was originally King of Wessex before winning the Battle of Brunanburh and becoming King of England, struggles early in his reign. He is manipulated heavily by Ingilmundr, invading lands unprovoked and forcing people to convert. This ends up turning everyone against him and forces him to confront Anlaf's massive force at the Battle of Brunanburh. Luckily, Aethelstan is smart enough to see sense eventually. He repairs his relationship with Uhtred, and together, they defeat Anlaf's army, allowing Aethelstan to fulfill his grandfather's dream of uniting England under one king. This achievement alone is enough to demonstrate his worth as a ruler.
King Aethelred Of Wessex
King Aethelred of Wessex is Alfred's brother and predecessor. Aethelred is a solid king who manages to keep Wessex out of Viking control at a time when all the other kingdoms of England have been essentially conquered. He also has the wisdom to name Alfred his heir instead of his drunken, scheming son, Aethelwold. Aethelred exhibits real courage as well by fighting on the front lines, even if it leads to his death. Though his role in The Last Kingdom is brief, Aethelred's displays of strength, wisdom, and bravery before his untimely demise show that he truly was worthy of the crown he wore.
King Edward Of Wessex
King Edward of Wessex is not the most likable king in The Last Kingdom, but his accomplishments are significant. Edward manages to gain overlordship of Mercia and East Anglia during his time as king, making it possible for Aethelstan to unite the kingdoms during his reign. Edward's best skills as a leader are determination and patience, which help him obtain control of Mercia without spilling blood. He has his shortcomings too, however. He is often manipulated by his mother and Aethelhelm, and he can struggle at times to be decisive. Even so, he is easily the second-best ruler in The Last Kingdom.
King Alfred Of Wessex
The best king in The Last Kingdom is, without a doubt, King Alfred of Wessex. Alfred is the one who lays the foundation for a united Kingdom of England, and he instills that dream in his descendants as well. Alfred rightly sees that the kingdoms need to be united under a single ruler to withstand future invasions. He deftly navigates negotiations whenever necessary, and he is successful as a military leader as well, even if that is mostly because of Uhtred. Alfred inspires loyalty in his subjects and has the foresight and conviction needed to be a powerful king.
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