The Last Kingdom season 4 ending explained

The Last Kingdom season 4 left us with mixed feelings. We lost great characters throughout the season, but where did everyone left alive end up in the season finale?

We were certainly sent through the wringer throughout The Last Kingdom season 4. Beloved characters died, while some of the most annoying ones managed to make it to another season. Let’s jump to the ending of the season to see where everyone was left.

I’ll be honest; like the third season finale, there does seem to be a relatively fitting end point. It’s like the writers know there is a chance the show could end. Instead of leaving us with major cliffhangers, the storylines from the season have wrapped and it’s easy to picture what could happen in the future.

That does not mean we don’t want another season. I need The Last Kingdom season 5. But this isn’t about that. We’re looking at the ending for our favorite (and least favorite) characters.

Uhtred and his Merry Men

Let’s start with Uhtred and his loyal Merry Men. Uhtred found out quickly that Bebbenburg was lost. In fact, he’s reached the end of the season almost accepting that his rightful home is gone. His uncle may be gone, but his cousin is now the leader.

At the end of The Last Kingdom season 4, Uhtred had to separate from his children. Stiorra left with Sigtryggr. The two gained a mutual respect for each other and Sigtryggr wanted her as his “hostage.” Aethelflaed and Edward agreed to that, even though Uhtred wouldn’t. And yet, he let Stiorra go knowing that this was what she wanted.

His son, Uhtred, went back to his church. However, it’s clear there’s more to come from this as both father and son gained a mutual respect for one another.

I’m still trying to figure out what happened to the second son Uhtred had with Gisela. I know what happens in the book, but the show just completely washed the character out. He wasn’t even mentioned!

However, Uhtred does have another child now to look after. He has taken Edward’s first child, Aethelstan, to Cookham to look after him. Uhtred can raise Aethelstan as a warrior, and we know that Aethelstan will become the first king of a united England.

As for Finan, Sihtric, and Baby Monk, they are still by Uhtred’s side. Sihtric’s family weren’t mentioned at all, so I can only assume that they have Uhtred’s youngest child and are living somewhere in safety (honestly, it’s bugged me throughout the fourth season). Finan has clearly fallen for Eadith, Aethelred’s mistress turned savior of Aethelflaed’s daughter. Osferth wasn’t mentioned, but we can assume he’s getting on with his day-to-day life.

It’s a relatively happy ending for them all.

Mercia and Wessex are joined

Sigtryggr was willing to negotiate with Edward after taking Winchester. All Sigtryggr ever wanted was to find land and live peacefully. Despite Aethelflaed just taking Eoferwic back from the Danes, Edward agreed that land could be for the son of Ivar the Boneless. Wessex, Mercia, and East Anglia will remain in the hands of the Saxons and the Danes have Northumbria. This is the last kingdom to gain back to create a united England.

Everyone seems to have gone back to a normal life. Edward can rule from Winchesters, while Aethelflaed is Lady of Mercia—although sometimes she styles herself as Queen of Mercia. She promises to be allied with Wessex, helping to create the dream Alfred always had.

However, it’s not all happiness. Aelswith was poisoned by Aethelhelm, although nobody knows that it was him except his daughter. He did it to make sure Aethelstan couldn’t be raised by Aelswith and become a threat to his grandson when Edward dies. How long will it take from someone to find out the truth?

Aethelhelm seems to have the life of luxury again. However, Edward doesn’t trust him after Aethelhelm took it upon himself too many times to interpret Edward’s words.

It looks like Aelswith is going to die from the poison. While not explicitly shown, it would be hard to overcome the poison she drank.

Other characters

We know Cnut died (without sword in hand) but Heston managed to survive yet again. He ran off before the battle in Winchester began, so he’s around to fight another day.

Brida also survived despite warning Uhtred that she would be back for him if he allowed her to live (again!). Uhtred wouldn’t kill her, especially considering she was pregnant. The last we saw of her, she was giving birth to Cnut’s child. She really has broken the curse.

We know Beocca died at Bebbenburg, sacrificing himself for Young Uhtred. However, Father Pyrlig still lives. He is, likely, still with Edward.

With Sygtriggr gone north, it leaves most of England free from the Danes for now. There’s a peace to come. Although, it’s not clear what’s happening in Wales after the Danes left there to take Winchester. It’s also not clear if the Scots are still trying to take Bebbenburg. That’s for another season.

What did you think of The Last Kingdom season 4? Share your thoughts in the comments below.