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"Lord, you cannot simply execute your subjects as you please. This is the ninth century."
—Aldhelm to Æthelred who executes a messenger[src]

Aldhelm is a supporting antagonist in The Saxon Stories novel series, and a former antagonist turned main character in The Last Kingdom television series, acting as the overarching antagonist of Season 2, the anti-hero of Season 3, a main character in Season 4 and the first half of Season 5 and the tetartagonist of its second part.

He is a strategic adviser, quasi-tutor and right-hand man to Lord Æthelred, and commander of his household guard. In the TV show, he later moves his allegiance to the Lady Æthelflæd as he sees that she is a better ruler for Mercia than her husband could ever be. After Æthelflæd's death he becomes right-hand man of king Edward and general of the Mercian army. Years later, following Edward's death, he becomes the general of Æthelstan's army, but his disagreement with the new king's tyrannical behavior under the influence of Lord Ingilmunder causes him to warn Uhtred to flee. Seeing this as an act of treason, Æthelstan has him executed.

Biography[]

The Saxon Stories[]

In "Sword Song", Aldhelm appears for the first time on Æthelred's side when Uhtred and Æthelred free Lundene (in 885) from the Thurgilsson brothers, Sigefrid and Erik. After a successful battle, Æthelred and Uhtred stay in Lundene. Æthelred plunders Lundene to his liking and men - with them also Aldhelm, appear at Uhtred's house and demand a precious roman urn, which also is much loved by Gisela. Aldhelm tries to fetch the urn despite Uhtred's warning that it isn't for sale or to be taken and so Uthred severely beats up Aldhelm.

In "The Burning Land", Æthelred tries to get a divorce from Æthelflæd by having Aldhelm sleep with her (therefore making her an adulterer).

Uhtred with his 40 men return to Æthelflæd's side and rescue her from the Lord Aldhelm.

The Last Kingdom[]

Season 2[]

Winchester, Wessex; Aldhelm guides Lord Ceolwulf to meet with King Alfred to discuss Mercia's need of more warriors as the Danes are moving in and raiding. Ceolwulf demands swords and the men to carry them. Ceolwulf suddenly dies right there before them. ("Episode 2.3")

Much time has passed. Æthelred and Aldhelm sit down with Alfred, Ælswith, Odda, and Æthelwold. Æthelred informs Alfred that his gift of warriors has served Mercia well this winter. The raids haven’t been as frequent. They proceed to discuss the price of her marriage. Æthelred has proposed 4,000 pieces. They want more than silver. Æthelred is also willing to bequeath her titled lands in order to strengthen the union between Mercia and Wessex. ("Episode 2.3")

Wessex; King Æthelred and Aldhelm arrive in Wessex. Æthelred is envious of Wessex not having to share a border with the Welsh. They’re at the very middle of Alfred’s idea of an England. ("Episode 2.5")

Æthelred approaches Uhtred and Gisela. He makes a crude remark towards Gisela. Uhtred draws his sword and pulls Æthelred off his horse. Aldhelm tells his men to fallback as he is sure Uhtred won’t hurt the lord. Aldhelm then politely requests that Uhtred let Æthelred go and apologizes to Gisela on his lord’s behalf. Uhtred releases Æthelred and parts ways. Æthelred tells Aldhelm that he wants Uhtred dead, but they both know Alfred will never allow it, as Uhtred has value. Uhtred fights Danes, survives slavery, and saves people. Even Æthelred's wife-to-be sings his praises. Their hope lies in Daneland. With luck, the unrest will grow, leading to a war. Aldhelm wants to see Æthelred as King of Mercia and Wessex. For that to happen, Alfred would have to die. That will come should war occur. ("Episode 2.6")

After the royal wedding, a feast is held, during which time, Uhtred is called in to answer why he was seen crossing into Daneland. Uhtred informs them that London has been taken by Sigefrid and Erik. They have an army at Beamfleot. Aldhelm still questions why Uhtred crossed into Daneland. Uhtred explains that he was invited to Padintune. And there, he was asked to join with Sigefrid and Erik. Alfred and Æthelred want to offer negotiations. After the celebration, Uhtred and Æthelred are to travel to London to assess the threat. Aldhelm wonders what bargain was struck in Northumbria to allow the brothers to leave with their lives. Uhtred has told Æthelflæd this story. He defeated Sigefrid in combat but spared him on the condition they leave. He did this to preserve the lives of his own men. ("Episode 2.6")

Lunden, Mercia; Uhtred, Finan, Sihtric, Clapa, Æthelred, and Aldhelm arrive in London, where they fail to convince the brothers to leave. They return to Winchester and report back to Alfred and Odda. The Danes have well over 1,000 men in London. Uhtred and Æthelred argue over the best method of attack. Alfred intends to devise a plan of attack without Uhtred. Alfred then instructs Æthelred and Aldhelm to return to Mercia to gather men. ("Episode 2.6")

Coccham, Wessex; Æthelred and Aldhelm arrive in Coccham to gather Uhtred and his men to fight against the Danes. Aldhelm remarks that he’s never seen the inside of a pagan hall and is surprised by its warmth. He tells Gisela that he was expecting to see heads on the wall. They later march to London. Uhtred leads his men to the north gate. They find it open and unguarded. They meet up with Æthelred and Aldhelm, neither haven’t crossed a single man. Æthelred believes that the Danes have fled and celebrates. Suddenly, fire is set in a tower above. Undoubtedly a signal. Uhtred realizes that the signal was to alert the Danes to attack their camp. ("Episode 2.6")

Winchester, Wessex; King Alfred, Ælswith, and Odda get news of Æthelred’s return from war. He informs them that while London has been reclaimed, the brothers abducted Æthelflæd. And they’re unsure if she’s still alive. Alfred will send word and ask for word regarding Æthelflæd’s health. Odda accuses Æthelred of putting all kingdoms at risk, making him the fool he always believed him to be. Aldhelm comes to Æthelred’s defense and tells Odda to go and find another cup of wine. Instead, he asks for every detail from Beocca and Steapa. ("Episode 2.7")

Beamfleot, East Anglia; Uhtred, Finan, Osferth, Æthelred, Aldhelm, Steapa, Clapa, and Father Pyrlig set course for Beamfleot to negotiate with the brothers. They find themselves surrounded by Hæsten and a group of Danes. He’s come to take them to the fortress. Æthelred is knocked out by the Danes and Uhtred takes over negotiation. Æthelred wakes up naked in the pig's pin. He enters the hall, where Sigefrid welcomes him to sit and eat. Aldhelm gives him a blanket to cover himself with and informs him that a bargain has been made. ("Episode 2.7")

Winchester, Wessex; Father Pyrlig returns to Winchester with Æthelred and Aldhelm to inform Alfred that Odda has raised the fyrd of Devonshire. He intends to march against Beamfleot. They have no choice but to stop Odda. They lead an army of warriors to stop Odda and the Devonshire fyrd. They eventually manage to catch up to him. Odda explains that he lied to his men and told them that they were there to fight on Alfred’s orders. Odda explains that he’s done what he had to for Wessex. Before long, Uhtred, Finan, Sihtric, and Osferth arrive with Lady Æthelflæd. Uhtred warns Alfred that Sigefrid and his men are near and that now is the chance to kill them all. They go head to head with the Danes and defeat them. ("Episode 2.8")

Season 3[]

Aegelesburg, Mercia; Aldhelm informs Æthelred that they are prepared to march. However, Æthelred instructs Aldhelm to march with only half of the guards. He shall remain in Merica. Aldhelm advises him to remain close to Wessex as Alfred doesn’t have much time left, but the Lord is insistent on staying where he is. Æthelflæd joins them, insisting that she ride off into battle as well as she wishes to see her father. She tells Æthelred that he should be leading his men, but he’d rather she leave him alone. Æthelred then asks Æthelflæd how is her daughter. Æthelflæd retorts that the child is their daughter. Æthelflæd and Aldhelm then prepare to lead the Merican guard into battle. They arrive with the Merica guard at Fearnham, where they join Wessex in the battle against the Danes, who are forced to retreat. ("Episode 3.1")

Æthelwold arrives in Aegelesburg to see Æthelred. Aldhelm demands to know what he wants. Æthelwold wants their disloyalty towards Alfred. He adds that Uhtred has left Alfred’s side, making him vulnerable. Æthelwold claims that the crown of Wessex is his and unlike Alfred, he doesn’t want to control Mercia. He’d rather leave that to Æthelred. He’s proposing they form an alliance. Æthelwold even suggests harming Æthelflæd, who is away at her own estate. Æthelred has considered Æthelwold’s proposal. He tells Aldhelm that he wants Æthelflæd killed, as well as her child. ("Episode 3.2")

Saltwic, Mercia; Aldhelm arrives at Æthelflæd’s estate and sneaks in through a window. He withdraws his blade and sneaks up behind her, though he assures Æthelflæd that he means her no harm. He warns her to leave Mercia because Æthelred wants her dead and will blame her demise on rouge Danes. He fears that they would be a poorer land without Æthelflæd, which is why he begs that she leave now to stay alive. However, she can’t tell her father because the alliance must hold. He also informs her that Uhtred has fled north. Aldhelm will remain at Æthelred’s side, but he is not the king that Aldhelm had hoped he would become. ("Episode 3.3")

Æthelred discovers that Æthelflæd has fled and that her estate is empty. He suspects that she was warned and kills one of his men. Aldhelm advises him against such actions. Æthelred tells Aldhelm to find Æthelflæd and give her location to the Danes. ("Episode 3.3")

Aldhelm and Æthelred gets word from Alfred of a pending battle with a great army of Danes, led by Ragnar. ("Episode 3.4")

Aegelesburg, Mercia; Aldhelm, Æthelred, and Steapa greet Uhtred and Æthelflæd at the gate. They claim that they only want to warn Alfred about Hæsten. Æthelred allows them in but without their weapons. Æthelred fears that perhaps Æthelflæd got wind of the danger posed by him and fled to Uhtred. Aldhelm would rather discuss the pending battle, but Æthelred is far too worried about his wife and what she knows. He wants all of his men at the ready. If his wife has come to accuse him, then they must be ready. ("Episode 3.5")

Saltwic, Mercia Æthelred and Aldhelm ride to Æthelflæd’s estate. He orders Aldhelm to bed his wife, so that Æthelred can then divorce her. They reach her estate and propose sending 30 men to guard her. However, Æthelflæd doesn’t want his help and is willing to absolve him of his responsibilities of her. She assures Æthelred that her guard is adequate. He then asks about her daughter, the half Dane. Æthelflæd replies that their daughter isn’t half Dane, but Æthelred only sees a Dane. Aldhelm jokes that Æthelred also looks like a Dane. When Æthelred leaves the table, Aldhelm warns her that he has been tasked with bedding her. Aldhelm admires Æthelflæd, and so he advises her to accept her husband’s offer of men but only half the number. And Aldhelm will choose them himself. ("Episode 3.7")

Winchester, Wessex; Æthelflæd, Æthlred, and Aldhelm arrive for Edward’s wedding and attend the ceremony. ("Episode 3.8")

Aldhelm catches Æthelred in the act of humping another woman. Aldhelm explains that he did not dispatch the messenger to summon further guards as Æthelred requested. He believes the men among them are more than enough and sending more could suggest aggression. Æthelred accuses Aldhelm off disobeying him and it has become a habit. Æthelred warns Aldhelm from falling under his wife’s spell. He is to bed her and nothing more, so that he can then get divorced. On the day Alfred dies, Æthelred will become King of Mercia. He again demands that Aldhelm send for 50 or more guards as he was told. ("Episode 3.9")

Æthelred and Aldhelm meet with Æthelwold and Sigebriht to propose an uprising against Edward. Æthelwold suggests they negotiate with the Danes and allow them to slaughter Edward and his followers. Father Beocca enters with an axe and slams it onto the table, blaming Æthelwold for the bile he spews, encouraging those around him to act unchristian-like. ("Episode 3.10")

Æthelred tells Æthelflæd to inform her family that Mercia has a king with his own mind. Alfred is gone and therefore all agreements made with Alfred are gone with him. He adds that both countries are equal and free to choose who they ally with or fight against. Aldhelm is, however, in agreement with Æthelflæd. He hopes that Æthelred doesn’t intend to align with Æthelwold or the Danes. Æthelred then asks if Aldhelm sent for his guard of 50 men, which he admits he did not. For his disobedience, Æthelred stabs Aldhelm and tells him that his wound is from an ale house brawl, should anyone ask. ("Episode 3.10")

Æthelflæd finds Aldhelm bleeding in her room. He informs her that Æthelred is considering negotiating with Danes, which worries him deeply. Aldhelm then tells Æthelflæd that she has his heart and that he loves her. A love that she does not reciprocate. Aldhelm tells Æthelflæd to act for Mercia and call the men to arms. ("Episode 3.10")

Season 4[]

Cookham, Uhtred’s Estate, Wessex; Uhtred and Æthelflæd have sex. Uhtred hears a noise coming from outside. He goes downstairs to investigate. Aldhelm has come to tell Uhtred that Lady Æthelflæd’s absence has been noted by her husband and that she should leave before she is discovered. Aldhelm warns Æthelflæd that her husband would take great pleasure in punishing her for adultery should he find out. Æthelflæd retorts that he’ll punish her no matter what she does. Besides, she has good men to protect her. ("Episode 4.1")

Winchester, Wessex; Ælswith, Æthelflæd, Pyrlig, Edward, Aldhelm, and Æthelhelm attend Ælflæd’s coronation. Steapa interrupts to inform Pyrlig that the Danes have attacked Mercia. Pyrlig then relays this to the king. As for Lord Æthelred, no one knows if he’s dead or alive. Ælswith and Æthelflæd suggest calling off the coronation and sending men to Aegelesburg to retake it. However, Æthelhelm disagrees with calling off the ceremony. King Edward explains that he will set the terms, not anyone else. And so, they return to the coronation for it to resume Ælflæd is coronated. ("Episode 4.2")

Pyrlig informs King Edward, Æthelhelm, and Steapa that Cnut has left Aegelesburg and is camped near Tameworthig. Ælswith, Æthelflæd, and Aldhelm enter the room and question when the king intends to act. He explains that going in would essentially mean sacrificing his own men. Ælswith explains that Edward’s father was crowned King of Wessex, but he always sought to unite the Christian peoples. In spirit, he was King of all Saxons. Edward retorts that his father is gone. Instead of helping, he tells Pyrlig to dispatch messengers to find Æthelred. ("Episode 4.3")

Aegelesburg, Mercia; Æthelflæd and Aldhelm arrive in Aegelesburg. The village has been decimated. It’s merely a wasteland now with few survivors. Creoda questions the whereabouts of the king. Æthelflæd doesn’t answer, but she assures him they’ll be fed. She then tells Aldhelm to search for survivors and bring them to her. She has summoned Mercian fyrds. They’re marching to Tettenhall. ("Episode 4.3")

As men on horseback arrive, Aldhelm demands Lady Æthelflæd’s presence. She is awakened at the arrival of Uhtred and his men. Uhtred hands young Cnut and Esgar over. With Cnut’s heirs in his possession, Cnut will surely come for them. So, Uhtred asks where is Æthelflæd’s army. She replies that Æthelred is in East Anglia with his men. Although, Æthelflæd has ordered the Mercian fyrd to Tettenhall, and she believes that Edward will meet them there. Æthelflæd doesn’t know if Æthelred is coming, so she had to force her brother’s hand. Uhtred tells Finan that they leave at first light, and Æthelflæd instructs Aldhelm to prepare the survivors. Æthelflæd then asks Uhtred what happened at Bebbanburg, and he starts to cry. Unbeknownst to them, Bjorgulf arrives with a fleet of soldiers just up the hill. ("Episode 4.3")

Uhtred urges Æthelflæd to leave before the Danes arrive, but it’s too late. Finan and Osferth alert the others that the Danes are charging towards the gate. Uhtred guides Æthelflæd to safety while Aldhelm and Sihtric stay behind with the others to hold off the Danes. Bjorgulf leads his army into Aegelesburg, killing those who survived the initial attack. He demands that they hand over Æthelflæd. Inside the monastery, young Uhtred, Finan, Sihtric, Osferth, and Aldhelm try to keep the doors shut as the Danes apply force. Uhtred goes to the roof. Finan and Sihtric follow him with knives held to young Cnut and Esgar’s throats. He tells Bjorgulf to leave or else the children will die. Bjorgulf refuses to leave, and so Uhtred tricks him into thinking that he cut off the head of young Cnut by throwing the body of one of the dead Mercian kids off the roof. In fear that Uhtred will kill Esgar, Bjorgulf retreats. After Bjorgulf leaves, they head off for Tettanhall. ("Episode 4.4")

Tettenhall, Mercia; Uhtred, Æthelflæd, young Uhtred, Finan, Osferth, Sihtric, and Aldhelm arrive at Tettenhall. They are joined by Father Pyrlig and King Hywel’s army. Pyrlig explains that it was Ælswith who sent him to find allies, as he’s heard nothing from the king. Uhtred still fears that the men they have may not be enough. However, Æthelflæd refuses to back down. They devise a plan to fend off the Danes. However, they aren’t certain it will work. Æthelflæd, Aldhelm, and Pyrlig join them as the Danes get close. ("Episode 4.4")

Cnut, Brida, Jackdaw, and the Dane army arrive in Tettenhall. Brida notes that something isn’t right and orders them to fallback, but Cnut leads his men forward, right into Uhtred’s trap; a large, camouflaged ditch. As the Danes try to recover, Uhtred, Æthelflæd, young Uhtred, Finan, Osferth, Sihtric, Pyrlig, and Aldhelm charge, with the Welsh as backup. ("Episode 4.4")

Æthelflæd and Aldhelm fight back to back, taking out multiple Danes. However, Æthelflæd is disarmed and they find themselves surrounded. Æthelflæd has asked that Aldhelm kill her should they ever find themselves cornered, as they now have. Jackdaw doubts that Aldhelm has the courage to kill her, and he is right. She pleads with Aldhelm to show her mercy, but he can’t bring himself to do it. An arrow fired by Edward kills Jackdaw and provides Aldhelm and Æthelflæd with a chance to fight back. ("Episode 4.4")

Aldhelm believes they owe their victory over the Danes to Æthelflæd. She led them to a great victory that they will speak of for years to come. To which she thanks Aldhelm that she is alive to see it, as he did not kill her as she requested. ("Episode 4.4")

Saltwic, Mercia; Aldhelm arrives at Æthelflæd's estate to report that Æthelred is fatally injured and he may not last a week. No plan has been made for the succession, so Æthelflæd is eager to speak with him and the Ealdormen. Unfortunately, those who survived the massacre blame Æthelred for deserting them and denounce King Edward for not coming to their aid. If Æthelred dies, times will be unstable. Uhtred questions what will happen if the successor the Ealdormen chooses seeks to have Æthelflæd removed. ("Episode 4.5")

Aegelesburg, Mercia; Uhtred and Æthelflæd watch as The Ealdormen discuss the next successor. With Æthelred nearing death, Burgred doesn’t want to delay the decision. However, Ludeca argues they are too few to make a decision. They should wait for the other Ealdormen to arrive. But Aldhelm is in agreement with Burgred, that the matter is too pressing to put off. Burgred believes his younger son is the best candidate. However, Ludeca points out that his son is too young. Æthelflæd has tried to speak, but they merely tell her to return to Æthelred’s bedside. Aldhelm reassures them of their worries. The Ealdormen are angry and blame Wessex for abandoning them. And there is talk that some do not honor the union, as in Mercia breaks from Wessex. ("Episode 4.5")

Uhtred, Æthelflæd, and Aldhelm meet with Edward and Pyrlig to discuss the succession of the king. Uhtred informs Edward of the rumors of a break from Wessex. Edward intends to betroth Ælfwynn to the successor and seal the bond between lands. In return for the strength it’ll bring to Mercia, they’ll simply ask for loyalty. Edward wants Ælfwynn brought to Aegelesburg immediately, but Æthelflæd refuses. Instead, she asks that Edward first find a suitor and they will arrange a match. ("Episode 4.5")

Æthelflæd informs Uhtred and Aldhelm of Æthelred’s demise. She thought his death would bring her peace, but it hasn’t. Aldhelm promises that he will bargain their way out of this, but what they need is to alert their allies. Rally them against Eardwulf if necessary. This would set the Mercian Fyrd against the Wessex army. Pyrlig reveals that a group of riders were just sent to retrieve Ælfwynn. Æthelflæd will try to speak with Edward. In the meantime, she orders Uhtred to go to Ceaster and take her daughter somewhere she can be protected. ("Episode 4.5")

Eadith comes to set Æthelflæd free. She’s alerted Aldhelm, who’s outside the window waiting with a horse. Æthelflæd suspects it's a trap, wondering why a mistress would help a wife. Eadith explains that Mercia has wronged them both and both of their brothers have turned on them. Eardwulf cannot be controlled and will bring disaster. Before leaving, Æthelflæd tells Eadith to find Uhtred on the road to Ceaster and tell him to meet Æthelflæd at the ruins of Saint Milburg’s Priory. Do this and Æthelflæd will ensure that Eadith never goes penniless. Æthelflæd jumps out the window and onto the horse. Aldhelm tells Æthelflæd that it is not she who is abandoning Mercia but the other way around. ("Episode 4.5")

Wenloca, Mercia; Æthelflæd and Aldhelm arrive in Wenloca and wait for Uhtred. Æthelflæd worries that Edward’s men might have taken her child. Aldhelm assures Æthelflæd that Uhtred will come through as he always has. As for Aegelesburg, Æthelflæd fears that there is no return. They may spare her but they won’t show Aldhelm the same mercy. ("Episode 4.6")

As Æthelflæd and Aldhelm wait for the arrival of Uhtred, she wonders if she was wrong to interfere with the betrothal. Aldhelm insists she did the right thing. They are startled by the passing villagers, who reveal that the sickness is taking young and old. ("Episode 4.6")

Æthelflæd and Aldhelm can smell the burning bodies in the air. Meaning the fever is just fields away. They’ve likely closed the roads to contain the sickness. She suspects Uhtred would’ve gone on ahead to Ceaster, so Æthelflæd and Aldhelm follow. ("Episode 4.6")

Peckforton Hills, Mercia; Æthelflæd and Aldhelm travel through the Peckforton hills. She realizes they’re being followed and they jump off their horses and hide. Æthelflæd and Aldhelm realize that they were being followed by Sihtric and young Uhtred and come out of hiding. They inform her that Uhtred returned to Aegelesburg to bargain for her protection and Ælfwynn is stricken with the sickness. Æthelflæd asks to be taken to her daughter. ("Episode 4.7")

Wyre Forest, Mercia; Sihtric, young Uhtred, Æthelflæd and Aldhelm arrive at Wyre Forest. The healer informs them that Ælfwynn passed away and that her body was taken to Aegelesburg. ("Episode 4.7")

Aegelesburg, Mercia; They arrive outside of Aegelesburg’s gates, where they are confronted by Cenric. Æthelflæd pleads with him to allow her in so that she may see her daughter, who she believes to be dead. Cenric concedes and allows them to enter. Ælswith reveals to Æthelflæd that Ælfwynn is very much alive. ("Episode 4.7")

Uhtred is baptized by Father Pyrlig in front of the Edward, Ælswith, Aldhelm, Ludeca, Burgred, and the other Ealdormen. Ælswith explains that it’s not that she doubts Uhtred, but rather the fact that he held a blade to Alfred’s throat and threatened to kill him. Young Uhtred watches angrily before leaving. Pyrlig then calls Edward forward. Uhtred undresses and goes under water to be baptized. ("Episode 4.8")

Uhtred and Pyrlig arrive for the Witan, where Edward, Aldhelm, Burgred, Ludeca, and the other Ealdormen await. Æthelflæd and Ælswith watch from above. Ludeca takes lead. They must choose a leader to defend. One who will stand shoulder to shoulder with their allies in Wessex. Edward assures them that Wessex has no desire to influence Witan. He only wants to maintain the bond. Ludeca explains that Uhtred has both defended Wessex and Mercia. He also only holds the position until a younger Ealdormen can come of age and Lady Ælfwynn is old enough to marry. There are no objections from the Witan and Uhtred is crowned king. Despite the Witan accepting him as their Lord, Uhtred believes there to be someone better suited to rule. As his first act as Lord of Mercia, Uhtred relinquishes the throne in favor of Æthelflæd. Edward and the Ealdormen argue that Æthelflæd can’t rule because she is a woman. However, Ludeca explains that it was never a rule that women can’t take the throne. King Offa’s widow ruled for years. Æthelflæd proposes a solution. She will swear an oath that as long as she is Lady of Mercia, she will remain chaste. Still, Edward is very much against his sister ruling. With Witan’s support, Æthelflæd takes the throne. ("Episode 4.8")

Aldhelm tells Uhtred that while his reign was brief, he served Mercia well and they now have the ruler they need in Æthelflæd. Finan, Osferth, and Sihtric enter the monastery to inform Uhtred and Aldhelm that King Edward’s guards have taken control of Aegelesburg. Æthelflæd reminds them all that Mercia and Wessex are allied. She would like to speak to her brother, but Pyrlig explains that Edward is at prayer and doesn’t want to be disturbed. ("Episode 4.8")

Uhtred questions the whereabouts of the Mercian Guard. Ludeca explains that they are leaderless without Eardwulf and the fyrd is disheartened and scattered. Æthelflæd tells Uhtred and Aldhelm to restrain themselves until after she’s had a conversation with Edward. Uhtred and Aldhelm agree that Æthelflæd is not safe and should flee Aegelesburg, but she refuses. Uhtred orders Finan to stay with Æthelflæd and guard her quarters. He then tells Sihtric and Osferth to follow him. They mean to ensure that Æthelflæd won’t have to rely on Edward’s goodwill for her survival. ("Episode 4.8")

Outside Winchester, Wessex; Aldhelm arrives in Winchester to report that Æthelflæd has taken Eoferwic and the Danes there have submitted to her rule. She now travels south with her army. ("Episode 4.10")

Sigtryggr sounds the horn and calls to King Edward. He wishes to speak eye-to-eye. Edward orders Aldhelm to tell Sigtryggr to surrender or he will burn them all. Sigtryggr then shows that he has both of Edward’s heirs. Edward orders his men to lower their weapons. Aldhelm advises Edward against approaching the gate, but he does so, with Aldhelm and the Wessex army behind him. Sigtryggr opens the front gate to meet Edward with Æthelstan and Ælfweard. Edward demands to be reunited with his children. He offers to only give Edward one of his sons but only if he retreats. Instead, Edward walks away. ("Episode 4.10")

Edward looks to Pyrlig and Aldhelm for answers. He wonders what happens to one child if he chooses the other. Aldhelm believes that if they show weakness now, Sigtryggr will make a show of cruelty. Edward is simply unsure of what to do. ("Episode 4.10")

Aldhelm suggests choosing Ælfweard as his legitimacy isn’t in question, but Edward refuses to choose one son over the other. Pyrlig questions what else Sigtryggr must want. Uhtred knows that Sigtryggr wants him dead, so he proposes that he give himself up as Sigtryggr might want the man who has come to be known as the Dane Slayer. And Brida will also want revenge for her imprisonment at Wealas. Should Uhtred not return, Edward assures him they’ll speak of his name for ages to come. ("Episode 4.10")

Finan, Osferth, Sihtric, and Aldhelm accompany Uhtred on his path to the kingdom. Aldhelm presumes that Uhtred is just trying to buy them some time until Æthelflæd arrives, and she’ll persuade Edward to endure a longer siege. However, that’s not Uhtred’s plan. He’s doing this because he believes he can end it. ("Episode 4.10")

Lady Æthelflæd arrives outside of Winchester. Aldhelm tells her that while the king is trying to be bold, his decisions are rash. Aldhelm is certain that with more time, the siege can be ended without slaughter. Æthelflæd tells Edward that Mercia will support him with whatever he decides. Losing Winchester would kill their father’s dream. Rather than fire, Edward decides to use smoke to conceal an attack. It will hopefully choke those guarding the gate. Aldhelm begs them to give Uhtred more time, but Edward is certain that he’s already dead. So, Edward moves forward with his plan. ("Episode 4.10")

Winchester, Wessex; The Wessex and Mercian Guard smoke out the Kingdom and the Danes within. Finan, Osferth, Sihtric, and young Uhtred assist in the assault. They proceed to breach the front gate to Winchester. Where Brida and the Danes await. Uhtred and Sigtryggr reach the courtyard, where the battle has erupted. Uhtred tells Edward to stand down. He does so after some convincing, as does Sigtryggr. ("Episode 4.10")

Seven Kings Must Die[]

Following Edward's death, Aldhelm helps Queen Eadgifu and Prince Edmund escape to Bebbanburg to seek refuge with Uhtred. After Ingilmunder declares Uhtred an enemy of God and moves on Bebbanburg, Aldhelm warns him, allowing Uhtred to escape. Seeing this as an act of treachery, Æthelstan has Aldhelm hanged by his men the next morning, but his warning allows Uhtred to intercept Ingilmunder and stop him from taking over Bebbanburg. Æthelstan later has Aldhelm's body shown to Uhtred as proof of what he does to traitors.

Killed Victims[]

This list shows the victims Aldhelm has killed:

  • Numerous unnamed Dane soldiers

This list shows the victims Aldhelm has killed:

  • (To Be Added)

Memorable Quotes[]

"Lady... you have my heart. I fear that I love you. If I can't say it while I'm dying, when will I?"
—Aldhelm to Æthelflæd after being stabbed by Æthelred[src]

Appearances[]

The Saxon Stories[]

Books 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
The Saxon Stories                      

The Last Kingdom[]

Episodes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Season 1                
Season 2
Season 3
Season 4
Season 5
Seven Kings Must Die

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

  • The name Aldhelm comes from Old English. The name is made up of the words ale, which means "old", and helm, which means "helmet, protector".
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