Well, this is a tough one. There are so many! Talk about an embarrassment of riches! Today, though, when looking at this week’s topic, the first character who came to mind was Uhtred of Bebbanburg…

I should mention that I actually first discovered Uhtred through the excellent television adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories, rather than the books themselves. Titled The Last Kingdom, it was originally a BBC production, that later became a Netflix production, and I think it’s one of the finest historical dramas of recent years. Alexander Dreymon’s portrayal of Uhtred is a huge part of what makes it so enjoyable.

After watching the series, I then delved into Bernard Cornwell’s books, which I found incredibly immersive and tactile. There’s something particularly satisfying about the way Cornwell brings the world of ninth-century England to life, making you feel as though you’re right there alongside Uhtred, experiencing the battles, landscapes and hardships for yourself.

So, who exactly is Uhtred? Born a Saxon nobleman in ninth-century England, he is captured as a child by the invading Danes (Scandinavian warriors, often referred to as Vikings) and raised among them. This leaves him caught between two very different worlds. Although he is Saxon by birth, his upbringing, beliefs and loyalties are heavily influenced by the people who raised him. In many ways, he belongs to neither side completely.

At the heart of Uhtred’s story is his determination to reclaim his ancestral home of Bebbanburg, which was taken from his family. Along the way, he becomes involved in the political and military struggles between the Saxon kingdoms and the Danes, often finding himself serving King Alfred and his successors, despite frequently disagreeing with their beliefs and ambitions.

What I particularly like about Uhtred is his personality. He’s fiercely independent, stubborn, impulsive and occasionally rather reckless. He has little patience for pompous nobles or religious authority, and he’s certainly not afraid to speak his mind. However, beneath that rather rough exterior, there’s a strong sense of honour and loyalty, particularly towards his friends and companions.

I also love the contrast between Uhtred’s two worlds. He’s a man of Saxon birth who often fights alongside the Danes, a pagan who finds himself serving Christian kings, and a warrior who is constantly searching for somewhere he truly belongs. It’s this conflict of identity that makes him much more interesting than your typical historical action hero.

Ultimately, Uhtred is a character who is difficult not to warm to. He’s brave, charismatic and occasionally infuriating, but always entertaining. And, of course, his determination to reclaim Bebbanburg provides a wonderful thread running through the entire story.

If you enjoy historical fiction, particularly stories involving medieval warfare, political intrigue and larger-than-life characters, I’d highly recommend giving The Last Kingdom a watch. And if you enjoy the series as much as I did, there’s a whole collection of Bernard Cornwell novels waiting for you!

Samuel  

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Key phrases and vocabulary

• An embarrassment of riches – 選択肢が多すぎて困るほど豊富なこと

Having so many good things to choose from that it's difficult to decide.

• Immersive – 没入感のある・夢中にさせる

Creating such a strong impression that you feel completely involved in an experience or story.

• Tactile – 触覚に訴える・手触りを感じさせる

Relating to the sense of touch; something that feels as though it can almost be physically experienced.

• Caught between two worlds – 二つの世界の間で板挟みになる

Torn between two different cultures, ways of life or sets of beliefs.

• Ancestral home – 先祖代々の家・土地

A home or property that has belonged to a family for generations.

• Fiercely independent – 非常に独立心が強い

Determined to think and act for yourself rather than depend on others.

• Stubborn – 頑固な・強情な

Unwilling to change your opinion or behaviour, even when others disagree.

• Reckless – 無謀な・向こう見ずな

Taking risks without thinking carefully about the possible consequences.

• Pompous – 偉そうな・尊大な

Behaving as though you are more important or impressive than you really are.

• A strong sense of honour – 強い名誉心・正義感

A firm belief in doing what is right and keeping your principles.

• Larger than life – 並外れて魅力的な・スケールの大きな

Someone who is more exciting, impressive or unusual than an ordinary person.

• Speak your mind – 思ったことを率直に言う

To say exactly what you think, even if other people might disagree.

• Warm to someone – （人に）好感を持つようになる

To gradually begin to like someone.

• Political intrigue – 政治的な陰謀・駆け引き

Secret plans and complicated manoeuvring involving people in positions of power.