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"I spy on everyone..."
—Hæsten[src]

Hæsten Storrison is a main character and antagonist in both The Saxon Stories novel series, and The Last Kingdom television series, acting a minor antagonist in the first half of season 2, the secondary antagonist in the second half of season 2, the tertiary antagonist for most of season 3, secondary antagonist in the last few episodes of season 3, an anti-hero/antagonist during season 4, and a minor character and ally in season 5. He is a Norse warrior who served Erik and Sigefrid.

After the Saxon rebellion in the city of Eoferwic, he was captured and used in a show by Frisians. Uhtred freed him and accepted his oath of loyalty.

Sly and self-interested, Hæsten is a master of self-preservation and will do anything for the sake of personal gain.

Biography[]

The Saxon Stories[]

(To Be Added)

The Last Kingdom[]

Season 2[]

Eoferwic; Northumbria; Father Hrothweard is belittled and beaten by Sigefrid, just before he and Erik prepare to lead their men into war. They leave the city under Hæsten’s control. Father Hrothweard retreats to the hall, where he tells his fellow priest that they must rise up. Father Hrothweard leads the men of Eoferwic into battle with Hæsten and his men, and Hæsten is taken prisoner. Uhtred frees Hæsten and tells him to leave. ("Episode 2.1")

Hæsten returns to Eoferwic with Sigefrid and Erik. Erik assures Sigefrid that they are not defeated. Men will come and they will take Eoferwic back. ("Episode 2.2")

Uhtred invades their camp and attacks Sigefrid. Uhtred cuts off his hand and then drags him out the tent for all to see. Erik and Hæsten arrive. Sigefrid orders his brother to kill Uhtred, but Erik instead tries to bargain with him. Erik gives Uhtred his word that he is willing to pay whatever price necessary. He tells Erik to take one ship and leave Northumbria, never to return. Erik agrees to his terms and takes his brother and cauterizes his hand. ("Episode 2.4")

Skald’s Hall; Hæsten greets Uhtred and remembers that he spared his life at Eoferwic as he arrives with his men to see Bjorn rise. Uhtred, Finan, and Clapa follow Hæsten inside the hall, where he explains that he serves Erik, who sends Uhtred good wishes. At the moment, Erik is in Beamfleot with Sigefrid. It is hoped that Uhtred will join them there. Eilaf is resting in preparation for the rising. Hæsten advises they do the same. ("Episode 2.5")

The time has come for the rise of Bjorn. To raise the dead, they have to send a messenger across the gulf. A sacrifice. They bring a twice convicted thief. He pleads for his life, but his prayers go unanswered. Hæsten shoves a harp string down his mouth to build a bridge from their world to Bjorn’s. Hæsten then puts the message in his mouth and slits his throat. They proceed fertilize the grave with his blood. Moments later, Bjorn rises and spits out the harp string. Bjorn has a message for Uhtred. Afterward, Uhtred asks Hæsten if it is true that the brothers are attacking Lundene. Hæsten cannot say for certain, but he admits that was the plan. ("Episode 2.5")

Hæsten informs Sigefrid and Erik of Uhtred's arrival. He's come to negoitate oin hopes that they'll leave London, but the brothers refuse. hen Uhtred and Æthelred are dispatched to retake Lundene, Sigefrid and Erik pull out all their men and make for the Saxon camp. ("Episode 2.6")

Beamfleot, East Anglia; Hæsten returns to Beamfleot with their captive Æthelflæd. The ransom for her life will provide wealth and glory for all men. They take Æthelflæd to a room, where Hæsten and Dagfinn will be on guard at all times. Erik, Hæsten, and Dagfinn take Æthelflæd to the river, where she can bathe in somewhat privacy. He orders them to turn around and show Æthelflæd the back of their heads out of respect. Erik then tells Hæsten that the girl is worth ten times her weight in gold and silver. ("Episode 2.7")

Hæsten walks towards Æthelflæd’s chamber. He tells Dagfinn to keep his mouth closed as he enters her chamber to hump her. He tells her to remove her clothes, claiming that Erik sent him. She hits him over the head with her night bucket and grabs his knife. Just as she is about to kill him, Erik and Dagfinn restrain her. Erik then punches Hæsten for going against his wishes. He reminds Hæsten that she is of value and tells him and Dagfinn to leave. ("Episode 2.7")

Hæsten learns from Dagfinn that Erik is with Æthelflæd yet again. Sigefrid then returns with Saxon women slaves. They later take Æthelflæd from her cell and have her hoisted up in a cage in the hall. Their fortress suddenly is under attack. Sigefrid and Hæsten notice Æthelflæd riding out the rear gate and they chase after her. Sigefrid suspects this is his brother’s doing and tells Dagfinn to find him. Hæsten chases the woman down only to discover that it isn’t Æthelflæd, but rather a Saxon woman. ("Episode 2.8")

Hæsten returns to the fortress to find Uhtred riding off with Æthelflæd. Sigefrid and Hæsten go chasing after them. Sigefrid and the Northmen catch up to Uhtred only to find him under the protection of the Devonshire fyrd and Wessex and Mercia guard. He tells Hæsten that he’s ready to die and leads his men into battle. Hæsten, however, stays back. ("Episode 2.8")

Season 3[]

Winchester, Wessex; Hæsten arrives in Winchester and informs Uhtred, Alfred, Ælswith, and Beocca of a Dane warrior named Bloodhair. Hæsten has given his word to the king and has declined all offers to join Bloodhair. Hæsten claims that his wife and children wish to become Christian, and he’s asked Beocca to arrange it. Uhtred is certain that Bloodhair will raid and encourages Alfred to attack first. Alfred, however, throws up on the floor. He continues to grow ill. Alfred agrees that they shall march. He orders Beocca to send word to Æthelred. They will join him at the Burh of Aescengum. ("Episode 3.1")

After Alfred and Ælswith have left, Hæsten asks about Æthelflæd and who her child resembles, suggesting that it may be Erik's seed. Beocca reminds Hæsten that he’s in Æthelflæd’s debt. He only has men and ships because she killed Sigefrid. Hæsten hasn’t forgotten what she did and prays that they meet again someday. He then informs Uhtred of Skade, who is a seer. ("Episode 3.1")

Bloodhair and Hæsten are approached by Æthelwold and Offa. They bring word of Alfred, Uhtred, and Skade. He claims that Uhtred humps her, but he has been banished from Wessex, likely headed to Dunholm. Æthelwold presents them with an alliance. He wishes to join them as well as Ragnar and Uhtred. Right now, Wessex has never been more vulnerable. Uhtred is gone and Alfred is weak. ("Episode 3.2")

Dunholm, Northumbria; Hæsten and Bloodhair lead a group of soldiers to Dunholm, asking Ragnar and Brida for food, shelter, and negotiation. Ragnar, Hæsten, Bloodhair, and Cnut join their four armies to make one great army, all led by Ragnar in effort to defeat Alfred and claim Wessex. Hæsten leaves Dunholm soon thereafter, headed south. ("Episode 3.3")

Winchester, Wessex; Hæsten and Dagfinn arrive in Winchester. Steapa tells Hæsten that only he may enter the palace, but he must first give up his weapon. He joins Alfred, Ælswith, and Father Pyrlig in the hall. He tells them how he traveled to Dunholm, where he crossed paths with Uhtred and Æthelwold. The plan is to march before the deepest winter makes it impossible. Hæsten suggests that Alfred march out to meet them. Alfred tells Hæsten that his loyalty towards their agreement will not be forgotten. ("Episode 3.4")

Wincelcumb, Mercia; Hæsten and Dagfinn arrive at the nunnery in Wincelcumb, where they kill a guard and demand that Æthelflæd be brought to them. Abbess witnesses the assault and runs inside to inform the others of the Danes’ arrival. She comes back out and offers food and ale, though she insists they don’t have any silver. Hæsten demands that Abbess bring Æthelflæd to him. When she claims that Æthelflæd isn’t there, Hæsten kills another guard. With only one guard remaining, Hæsten gives her one last chance. When she fails to give up Æthelflæd, they kill the remaining guard. Abbess is outraged by their actions. She grabs an axe to defend the nunnery, but Dagfinn launches a spear into her chest. Hæsten demands that Æthelflæd make herself known. Hæsten and Dagfinn lead their men inside, where they are ambushed by Uhtred, Skade, Finan, Sihtric, and Osferth. Hæsten and Dagfinn escape as their men are slaughtered. What’s left of them surrounds the nunnery. Rather than giving up Æthelflæd, Uhtred gives Skade over to Hæsten in exchange for him leaving peacefully. ("Episode 3.4")

Beamfleot, East Anglia; Hæsten brings Skade food, though she appears uninterested. She continues to carve sigils into the floor with her sword. He tells her they will march on Mercia and then Wessex. Hæsten is sure that Bloodhair will send for Skade, though she will choose who she sits with. She knows that Hæsten has only ever taken women. They’ve never given themselves to him. While he may take her body, he will not have her power. Hæsten replies that 1,000 men is power enough. The man she chooses will greatly benefit from Alfred’s death, but she will have to give herself to that man. She tells him to proves himself, and she will allow him her power. Uhtred will come for her, and if Hæsten is to take his place, he must first kill Uhtred. Skade then scratches the back of his neck and licks his blood. ("Episode 3.5")

Hæsten informs Skade that Uhtred has come to take her as she said he would. However, he has no more than 30-50 men. Skade encourages Hæsten to win her and bring her prisoners. Hæsten, Skade, and Dagfinn watch from the fortress as Uhtred and his men approach. Uhtred goads Hæsten into the battle, reminding him of all the times he fled and how Skade will always be his woman. He challenges Hæsten to a fight, but he is certain he will be too cowardly to agree. Hæsten angrily agrees to a one on one fight, denouncing any cowardly ways. Half a day has passed and Hæsten finally comes down to battle Uhtred, but he comes with Skade and an army. Uhtred orders Finan, Sihtric, and Osferth to form two lines and build a shield wall. However, the Danes proceed to surround them and attack. They are vastly outnumbered and picked off. ("Episode 3.5")

Hæsten and the Danes attack Uhtred's small fleet of men. Hæsten, Skade, and Dagfinn watch as Edward leads his men from within the trees. Skade then spots Alfred exciting the woods as well. Skade watches as Uhtred takes out man after man in effort to get closer to her and Hæsten. She tries to ride away, but Hæsten knocks her unconscious. Uhtred becomes distracted and is knocked to the ground. He returns to his feet but Hæsten is gone. ("Episode 3.6")

Hunstanton; Hæsten arrives in Hunstanton with Skade, where he regroups with Bloodhair and Cnut. Hæsten informs Bloodhair that Skade belongs to him now. He reveals that Alfred lives and that they came at night in thousands. And that Uhtred is with him. Æthelwold is doubtful, but Hæsten insists that Alfred lives. Cnut tells Bloodhair to rest and afterward, they will discuss what comes next. ("Episode 3.6")

Offa returns to the Dane’s camp and reports that Uhtred will come for them all as a shadow walker and they all will die as Ragnar died. Bloodhair claims he will kill Uhtred himself. Hæsten remarks that he could've done that at Fearham. Instead, he ran away. He then goes on to challenge Bloodhair, who demands they make a square. Bloodhair kills Offa in a fit of rage and leaves. ("Episode 3.7")

Cnut sanctions a fight to the death between Hæsten and Bloodhair. Brida asks Skade who she wants to see win. Skade answers that she is destined for neither. Just as it seems Bloodhair is about to kill Hæsten, he becomes disoriented, realizing that he’s been poisoned by Skade. Hæsten manages to gain control of the fight. Bloodhair is defeated, but he charges at Skade, who counters his attack and stabs him with a blade in each hand. Before he dies, Brida ensures that he’s holding his axe. Cnut then orders him to be buried. ("Episode 3.7")

Sihtric breaks Skade free of her chains and takes her to meet Uhtred at the tree with Finan and Osfeth. The five of them retreat as Hæsten gets word of their arrival. Sihtric leads them to the dock, where they kill the guards before jumping into the ship and sailing away. Hæsten watches as Uhtred sails away with Skade. ("Episode 3.7")

Hæsten announces to Cnut and Brida that Alfred is dead. Dagfinn reassures the, that it’s true this time. Many mourn the death of Alfred and the time for war is near. Æthelwold finds them in Kimbolton, Mercia and reveals that Uhtred now rides with Edward. Nevertheless, Hæsten, Brida, Cnut, and Æthelwold lead their army into the woodlands, where they find their spies hanging from trees. Suddenly, they are ambushed by the Wessex and Mercian army. Hæsten asks Æthelwold where his Saxon army is. Sigebriht arrives with his men, however, they fight in honor of Wessex, taking out many Danes. Cnut takes a spear and launches it into the chest of Sigebriht, killing him. The Danes eventually lose the battle, with Hæsten narrowly escaping with his life. ("Episode 3.10")

Season 4[]

East Anglia; Hæsten arranges a meeting with Eardwulf. He claims that the Danish have been loading ships for three days, leaving the land they fought so hard for. Cnut is taking his men to Irland. A cousin, Sigtryggr, is being held captive by the natives. Eardwulf questions why Hæsten is so eager to tell him this. Hæsten explains that he has not been rewarded for his services to the Danish. Also, he no longer wants war. He wants silver. And so, Eardwulf pays him. ("Episode 4.1")

Hæsten informs Cnut and Brida that he met with Eardwulf and told him that they were leaving for Irland. With their plan in motion, they’ll attack Mercia while their backs are turned. They’ll sail to the estuary before dawn, head upstream and keep the boats apart to avoid any scouts. When they reach Mercia, they’ll assault Aegelesburg in two bands and Cnut will kill King Edward. Brida explains that they’ll kill Æthelred as well. Wessex is honor-bound to come to Mercia's aid. So, they’ll lure out Edward from behind his walls and fight on their terms and take the country. Hæsten questions how Cnut managed to tame Brida. He replies that he treated her with respect and gave her love. ("Episode 4.1")

Tetsworth, Mercia; Hæsten, Brida, and Cnut lead their army into Tetsworth. They’ll rest there for the night and attack at first light. Catch the Mercians sleeping in their beds. Hæsten asks how far Aegelesburg is. "Close enough to surprise them." Brida replies. And with that said, Hæsten plans to part ways. He has no interest in war; only women and silver. Brida warns Hæsten that he’ll miss a great gathering of armies. Edward is honor-bound to defend the land of his sister and mother. Aethelred's death will force swift retaliation. They will ride into Mercia in a fury and will force Mercia to a battle place where they won’t have the advantage. ("Episode 4.2")

Cnut calls young Cnut and Esgar over. He wants them to leave with Hæsten, who will take them north until the campaign is over. Hæsten wonders how Cnut was able to draw Brida to him. She replies they made a bond in blood. Hæsten then reveals that he knows Brida is pregnant with Cnut’s child. He says he can tell by her breasts. Brida threatens to cut off Hæsten’s balls and feed them to him if he tells Cnut. Cnut then calls Brida over as he rallies the men. He tells them to rest well because at day break, they’ll strike and Mercia will burn. ("Episode 4.2")

Mercia (?); Hæsten crosses paths with Uhtred and his men. Hæsten heard of the rumors that Uhtred returned to Bebbanburg to reclaim his land. Hæsten once had the desire to claim Mercia and Wessex for his own, but now he only wants a woman to hump and land to call his own. He had that twice before Uhtred took it from him. He then asks about Æthelflæd, who will undoubtedly ride into battle against Cnut with her husband and brother. Hæsten asks how Æthelflæd is in bed, comparing her to a squealing pig. Uhtred gets upset and attacks Hæsten. He spares Hæsten, only to return to kill after he makes another remark. In exchange for his life, Hæsten offers Uhtred the name of the man that killed Ragnar. Æthelwold may have held the dagger but another whispered poison into his ear. Hæsten reveals that it was Cnut. He wanted to lead the Danes and he wanted Ragnar’s woman. Uhtred lets Hæsten go, but keeps Cnut’s sons, younger Cnut and Esgar. ("Episode 4.3")

Thatcham, Wessex; Hæsten and his men surround Uhtred's camp. Hæsten informs Uhtred that Sigtryggr has landed from Irland and he wants all Danes to follow him. Sigtryggr and Brida have captured Winchester, where Hæsten plans to take Ælswith, Æthelstan, and Stiorra. Hæsten orders his men to tie Uhtred and his men to trees so that they may die slowly. Uhtred, Finan, Osferth, Sihtric, and Pyrlig are tied upside down from a tree and hung by their feet. Hæsten orders two of his men to stay behind to ensure they die. ("Episode 4.9")

Winchester, Wessex; Hæsten arrives at Winchester with Ælswith, Æthelstan, and Stiorra. Later, Sigtryggr gathers his men and brings Eardwulf out before them. Hæsten jokingly tells Eardwulf that Sigtryggr is playing with him and will show mercy. Sigtryggr then makes a speech about how when they fight, they work as one to achieve a common goal. And at all times, they are united and never fight out of anger as this is the way of the old generation. He then turns his attention to Eardwulf, who works for his own desires. Eadith screams out from the crowd for them to have mercy. However, Eardwulf tells them to ignore her as she’s only a whore he once knew. Eardwulf is then executed by the Danes. ("Episode 4.9")

Eadith searches for the captives. She finds them locked up in Alfred’s tomb. However, before she can free them, she is caught by Hæsten, who suspects that she’s Eardwulf’s sister and recognizes her as Æthelred’s mistress. He drags Eadith out the castle and takes her somewhere Sigtryggr won’t find her. ("Episode 4.9")

Winchester has been under siege for 30 days. Brida and Hæsten watch as the Guards near. Cenric approaches the kingdom to send a message of intent. Either they leave the town or the Wessex army will burn it down. Brida isn’t interested and shoots Cenric with an arrow, killing him. Brida and Hæsten then enter the Reading Room with plans to kill Stiorra as Edward is threatening to burn the kingdom. However, Sigtryggr won’t allow for it. Instead, he tells Hæsten to dampen the roofs with clay and water to protect it from catching fire. Sigtryggr will personally select a hostage, but not Stiorra. ("Episode 4.10")

Hæsten has kept Eadith hidden in an attic. He begins to hastily pack his bag and assures her he’ll look after her. ("Episode 4.10")

Uhtred approaches the kingdom on his own and calls out to Sigtryggr, much to Hæsten’s surprise, as he was under the impression that Uhtred was dead. Uhtred tells Sigtryggr to send out both of Edward’s children and he will walk into Winchester alone. Hæsten admits that what Uhtred says is true. They’ll never be able to truly conquer Winchester while he lives. Sigtryggr agrees to make the exchange. Uhtred enters Winchester as Æthelstan and Ælfweard exit, running into Edward’s arms. ("Episode 4.10")

Brida catches Hæsten eavesdropping on Sigtryggr and Uhtred's conversation. Hæsten reveals that Sigtryggr seeks a truce, which means better for them all. However, Brida sees this as a betrayal. Brida takes Uhtred’s sword and throws it over the kingdom’s walls. ("Episode 4.10")

Hæsten returns to the attic, where Eadith awaits. He tells her that he’s leaving. They’re attacking the gates, and Hæsten doesn’t want to be there when the fight starts. And he is taking Eadith with him, even as she opposes. The Danes are being smoked out. Hæsten has a plan to escape, but Eadith refuses to leave with him. He lets her go and leaves on his own. ("Episode 4.10")

Seven Kings Must Die[]

When Uhtred sees a vision of Valhalla, Hæsten is one of those waiting for him.

Killed Victims[]

This list shows the victims Hæsten has killed:

The Last Kingdom[]

  • Godric (indirectly/ordered his death)
  • Thief
  • Numerous unnamed Saxon soldiers and civilians

The Saxon Stories[]

  • Numerous unnamed Saxon soldiers and civilians
  • (To Be Added)

Battle Participation[]

This list shows the battles Hæsten has participated in:

The Last Kingdom[]

The Saxon Stories[]

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

References[]

Trivia[]

  • Hæsten is a historical figure based on Hastein. He was a Viking chieftain from the 9th century known for his fierceness and cruelty. The norman chronicler Dudo of Saint-Quentin wrote about him: 'This was a man accursed: fierce, mightily cruel, and savage, pestilent, hostile, sombre, truculent, given to outrage, pestilent and untrustworthy, fickle and lawless. Death-dealing, uncouth, fertile in ruses, warmonger general, traitor, fomenter of evil, and double-dyeded dissimulator.'
  • Hæsten is a noble; he was a Jarl (Earl) of Eoferwic.
  • Hæsten is a Northman like the brothers Sigefrid and Erik who he served.
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