Pyrlig is a main character in The Last Kingdom television series, and a supporting character in The Saxon Stories novel series. He is a Welsh priest and a former warrior.
Contents
Biography[]
The Saxon Stories[]
(To Be Added)
The Last Kingdom[]
Season 2[]
Winchester, Wessex; Father Beocca and Father Pyrlig discuss the upcoming wedding and Thyra, who Pyrlig refers to as a strange beauty. He adds that there is no finer sight than that of a naked woman, arms outstretched. They join Alfred in his Reading Room. He reads of the raids in Daneland. Alfred tasks Father Pyrlig with traveling to East Anglia to deliver a letter to King Æthelstan. ("Episode 2.5")
Father Pyrlig is taken prisoner by Sigefrid and Erik. He explains that the cross kills a man slowly. It is both torture and execution. Pyrlig is to be put up on a cross as well. He asks the brothers to kill him swiftly instead. Thanks to Uhtred, Father Pyrlig is given the opportunity to fight his way out. Pyrlig disarms Boltan, but he spares his life. Sigefrid rushes to the square, kills Boltan and demands to know where Pyrlig learned to fight. Pyrlig reveals that he’s a Briton. He was brought up killing Saxons. He offers Pyrlig a spot in his army, but he turns Sigefrid down. ("Episode 2.6")
Father Pyrlig joins Uhtred to Beamfleot to negotiates with the brothers. Uhtred leads the negotiation with Erik and Sigefrid. Uhtred claims that Æthelflæd is unloved and was sent to Mercia to be humped by her husband. And because of that, Alfred’s not willing to pay a great sum. They’re willing to pay 300 pounds in silver. Pyrlig assures him it’s a fair price. Sigefrid is insulted by their offer. He threatens to have her brought in and have every man take a turn with her, though Uhtred can see that Erik is very much conflicted. Sigefrid wants 10,000 pounds weight in silver and 1,000 pounds weight in gold. Delivered by Alfred. However, Uhtred refuses his offer. ("Episode 2.7")
Father Pyrlig claims to have invited himself to Devonshire with Odda, but in actuality, he’s spying for Alfred. Should Odda decide to do anything rash, Uhtred wants Pyrlig to make him hold fast. Odda joins them and Uhtred reminds him of that plan he spoke of while drunk. Uhtred tells him that the men of Devonshire should remain in the fields. Odda claims that he has no intention of raising the fyrd. Uhtred advises him against going against Alfred. Odda and Father Pyrlig then leave Winchester. ("Episode 2.8")
Odda and Pyrlig cross paths with the Devonshire fyrd. Odda knows that Pyrlig is a spy for Alfred, so he orders him to get down from his horse and walk back to Winchester with the news of Odda marching against the enemies of Wessex. Father Pyrlig pleads with him to not go through with this, but he continues forward. ("Episode 2.8")
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. Pyrlig joins Alfred in hunting down Odda and the fyrd. They cross paths with the Danes and defeat them. ("Episode 2.8")
Season 3[]
Hæsten arrives in Winchester and joins Alfred, Ælswith, and Father Pyrlig in the hall, who hall recognizes Pyrlig as the warrior priest. Hæsten 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. Alfred then tells Pyrlig to write a letter to Æthelred to inform him of the pending battle. ("Episode 3.4")
Pyrlig, Beocca, and Steapa follow Alfred to Aegelesburg, where a Witan has requested Uhtred and Æthelflæd. Edward has come in place of the king. Father Beocca and Pyrlig explain that Edward speaks and answers for Alfred. Æthelflæd claims that Danes are near and it was Hæsten who attacked her. Æthelred and Æthelhelm question how Uhtred knew where to find Æthelflæd. He accuses Uhtred of making a plan with Hæsten in order to gain Æthelflæd’s trust. Alfred joins them and demands the truth. Uhtred wants 1,000 men and he will give them Beamfleot and peace. Alfred denies Uhtred's proposal. ("Episode 3.5")
Edward and Father Pyrlig find Beocca and tell him that they’re willing to give Uhtred half of the men he asked for. He fears a great battle now will result in defeat. But if they were to weaken the Danes, as Uhtred suggested, they could stand a chance. Beocca and Pyrlig take Edward to find Uhtred and Æthelflæd as he has a proposition to offer. Edward offers Uhtred 500 men or more. He tells Uhtred to set a day for the attack and he will be there. ("Episode 3.5")
Father Pyrlig catches Æthelwold as he returns to Winchester and has him snatched up by the guard. They place Æthelwold in a cell, who claims that men are coming to do harm unto Alfred and Wessex. Æthelwold is sentenced by Alfred to have his eye removed, which the town bears witness to. Æthelwold screams as a hot poker is jammed into his right eye. ("Episode 3.7")
Pyrlig takes Æthelhelm and Ælflæd to meet with the king. Æthelhelm is growing impatient, leading to Pyrlig to question if he has somewhere else to be, such as a whore house. Leading up to the ceremony, Pyrlig confronts Æthelwold and Sigebriht outside of Beocca’s house. They claim that Uhtred is inside his home and wish to take a look. However, Beocca and Pyrlig refuse to allow them to pass. Finan and Sihtric arrive, joining Beocca and Pyrlig. Thyra exits the house and tells Æthelwold that he’s welcome to look inside. Æthelwold and Sigebriht enter their home though Uhtred is nowhere in sight. ("Episode 3.8")
Pyrlig marches with the Wessex army to combat the Danes. They attack from higher ground, though they are vastly outnumbered until Merica arrives and helps push them to victory over the Danes. ("Episode 3.10")
Season 4[]
Winchester, Wessex; Lord Æthelhelm informs King Edward and Pyrlig that Cnut is leaving for Irland to help a cousin, Sigtryggr, who’s besieged there. King Edward says they’ll ignore the news until the scouts confirm and orders them to continue to fortify the board. When the Danes break the peace, they’ll be ready. King Edward is joined by his mother, Ælswith, whom he tells to take comfort in knowing that all is well. ("Episode 4.1")
Pyrlig interrupts King Edward and Ælswith as they pray. He whispers into the king’s ear. Edward instructs his mother to finish her prayer as it is of no concern of hers. They head outside, where Uhtred awaits. Pyrlig, King Edward, and Steapa approach. Uhtred informs the king that Cnut has brought his sons over from his homeland, which means he has ambition here. Uhtred has come to Winchester to make Edward an offer. He can help Edward fulfill his father’s dream of a united land if King Edward gives him men to retake Bebbanburg. ("Episode 4.1")
Pyrlig, Uhtred, Lord Æthelhelm, and King Edward discuss the matter further inside. If Uhtred takes Bebbanburg, it becomes a foothold in Northumbria. King Edward could then unite the four kingdoms. One country, one king. With 100 men, Uhtred can take the kingdom in a week. with 200, in a day. Lord Æthelhelm doesn’t believe it is wise to distract themselves with other matters given the ongoing threat with the Danes. Uhtred urges Edward to accept his offer, but he instead agrees with Lord Æthelhelm and refuses to lend Uhtred his men. ("Episode 4.1")
Later, Pyrlig instructs Beocca to keep his head down and stay inside for a while following his latest encounter with Ælswith. Pyrlig promises to bring him news when he can. Beocca warns Pyrlig that to advise a king is a great honor. But it can also be a curse. Sometimes he found himself at war with his own conscience. He gives Pyrlig his blessing to do whatever must be done to protect King Edward, who has all the makings of a great leader. Beocca fears that time may be against them. Those around Edward have ambition. And it is not the ambition of the King, or of his father, who they both loved. ("Episode 4.1")
Pyrlig, King Edward, Lord Æthelhelm, and Æthelflæd discuss Æthelred of Mercia and the troop of soldiers he’s led from Aegelesburg. All Æthelflæd knows for certain is that he is seeking the bones of St. Oswald. Ælswith warns them that If Æthelred is seeking St. Oswald, he means to break from Wessex. Many Mercians believe that uniting the body of the saint will restore their land to greatness. This is a signal of intention. Or to Æthelhelm’s point, a ploy to pander to the simple folk of Mercia. Pyrlig and Lord Æthelhelm advise King Edward from being drawn in. They are then joined by Steapa, Ælflæd, and Ælfweard, though Edward doesn’t appear interested in eithe rof them. Æthelhelm tells Ælfweard that the men of Wessex are fighters. Rule the sword, and rule the land. ("Episode 4.2")
Admittedly, she was unjust with him, so Ælswith asks Pyrlig to bring Beocca to her, but he has left Winchester. He thought there was nothing left there for him. Pyrlig reminds Ælswith that it was she who asked that he be removed. She admits this is true. Just as she asked her son to be married to that vain, silly girl. Any path Ælswith chose was to secure the country her husband loved. ("Episode 4.2")
Pyrlig, Ælswith, Æthelflæd, King 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. Æthelred has ridden into Daneland and ravages East Anglia. With Æthelred gone, the people of Mercia expect King Edward to protect them. Edward then realizes that Cnut is trying to draw him out into the open. 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. Instead of helping, he tells Pyrlig to dispatch messengers to find Æthelred. ("Episode 4.3")
Ælswith joins King Edward, Lord Æthelhelm, Ælflæd, and Pyrlig at the table and asks if they’ve heard about Cnut and how he continues to burn villages from Tofeceaster to Fagranford. He defiles their holy places and slaughters their priests. Edward explains that he’s merely waiting for the right moment. Æthelhelm interrupts to inform them that Lady Æthelflæd isn’t at the nunnery as Ælswith claimed. Concerned for her, Æthelhelm asked Steapa to make further inquiries. He saw Æthelflæd leaving Winchester. Ælswith reveals that she has gone to Mercia. They could not allow their people to die. Ælswith only wishes to counsel Edward to follow the Christian path, as she did his father. Edward worries that his sister has now walked directly into Cnut's trap. She put the men of Wessex and all the Christian kingdoms at risk. Edward orders his mother to call his sister back, but Ælswith cannot swear loyalty to a plan that is misguided. Æthelflæd will summon the Mercian fyrds to Tettenhall. Edward must join her. ("Episode 4.3")
Ælswith tells Pyrlig how her husband valued loyalty and was always practical. If he saw a person make the wrong decision, he took action to correct it. Edward’s rule in Wessex is vulnerable and Mercia has been left undefended by its king. Mercia needs their protection and the support of all their Christian allies. Ælswith wants Pyrlig to deliver a message to the Welsh king, Hywel. Pyrlig fears that he’ll be killed if he disobeys Edward’s rule. However, Ælswith that the risk of him losing his life is worth protecting the people of Mercia. Æthelflæd is expecting an army, so Ælswith will deliver. ("Episode 4.3")
Deheubarth, Wealas; Pyrlig arrives in the Kingdom of Deheubarth. When approached by guards, he tells them that he has urgent business with King Hywel despite the guards telling him that Saxons aren’t welcome. Pyrlig meets with Hywel as he would like to strike a bargain. However, the king doesn’t make treaties with Saxons. Cnut’s army are slaughtering all in their path and it will bring a dangerous heathen to Wealas’ border. They follow the same God and their faith is now under threat. Pyrlig explains that to take care of Cnut now will save them all bloodshed later. Pyrlig explains that Mercians are gathering in Tettenhall and there are plans for Wessex to join. In return for his help, Hywel wants every last piece of Danish silver. He makes Father Pyrlig sweat upon the Bible. ("Episode 4.4")
Tettenhall, Mercia; Father Pyrlig and King Hywel’s army arrive at Tettenhall to find Uhtred, Æthelflæd, young Uhtred, Finan, Osferth, Sihtric, and Aldhelm. 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. He then joins in on the battle against the Danes. Young Uhtred is nearly killed by a Dane, but Uhtred saves him, and Father Pyrlig helps him up. ("Episode 4.4")
Aegelesburg, Mercia; King Edward, Lord Æthelhelm, and Pyrlig ride into Mercia to hold Æthelred accountable for abandoning his people. They won the war, now they must help bring about the peace. Later, Pyrlig informs them that Danish survivors have been spotted heading East. However, Edward wants all his forces in Aegelesburg. He also wants to speak with Ludeca to discuss succession. ("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")
King Edward, Lord Æthelhelm, and Ludeca agree that the union between Mercia and Wessex is critical. Edward wishes to further discuss this unity as well as the betrothal of his niece. Pyrlig grows uncomfortable with the talk of Ludeca’s betrothal to Edward’s niece and leaves. Pyrlig informs Æthelflæd of Edward’s plans to have her daughter betrothed to Ludeca. He asks that Æthelflæd keep his name out of it. With this in mind, Æthelflæd confronts Edward and Ludeca. However, Ludeca reveals that he isn’t the suitor. He’s merely someone trying to prevent chaos. He later reveals to Æthelflæd and Uhtred that a group of riders were just sent to retrieve Ælfwynn. ("Episode 4.5")
Pyrlig reports to Edward that Æthelflæd has escaped and left Aegelesburg. And rumor has it that Eadith helped her escape. Edward orders Cenric to track Uhtred down. He later gets word of a sickness going across Mercia. ("Episode 4.6")
Lord Æthelhelm worries that they’re running out of time to find Uhtred and the king’s niece. Edward orders Cenric to continue looking. Pyrlig and Ludeca then inform them of a sickness spreading across Mercia. Ludeca advises they close the gate to prevent any more sick villagers from entering. Pyrlig and Burgred refuse to abandon the sick, but Lord Æthelhelm is in agreement with Ludeca. Edward believes they should keep the gates open as well, but should he overrule Ludeca, the Witan will say that Edward desires to conquer them. And so, Edward orders that the gates be shut. ("Episode 4.6")
In the late hours or the night, Pyrlig pays off the guards to let in the suffering villagers just outside of Aegelesburg’s gates. Ælswith watches from the shadows as this occurs. Pyrlig feeds the starving villagers. Before long, they are joined by Ælswith. He assures her that none of them have the sickness. She simply wants to talk with him about why her daughter left Aegelesburg. ("Episode 4.6")
While the town is distracted by King Æthelred’s funeral, Pyrlig sneaks Uhtred, Finan, Stiorra, and Æthelstan inside. Pyrlig fears they are beyond getting Edward to listen. Aegelesburg is like a tinder waiting to spark. ("Episode 4.7")
Stiorra helps Father Pyrlig distribute the grain among the people, but the villagers become too unmanageable and start fighting over the grain. Stiorra is thrown to the ground and Uhtred and Finan intervene. Uhtred takes control of the situation. While they may have suffered, turning on each other won’t save them. He urges them to work together. He tells everyone to form a line and they will be given what is needed. ("Episode 4.7")
Uhtred informs Pyrlig of the offer made to him by King Edward to be the Lord of Mercia. While he’s right that Æthelflæd will be defended, Uhtred never sought such power. Pyrlig argues that this is perhaps what makes Uhtred the best man. He doesn’t have such ambition. Pyrlig questions what’s holding Uhtred back. Uhtred swore he would never give his loyalty to another Saxon king. Pyrlig advises Uhtred to take the offer as it is a path to peace. ("Episode 4.7")
Father Pyrlig takes Æthelstan to hide with the other villagers he’s brought in. Unbeknownst to him, Ælswith follows. She demands that he show her the child. Tears of joy fill her eyes to know that Æthelstan is safe. It is for this that she’s grateful to Uhtred. Pyrlig then tells her about the offer Edward made to Uhtred to become Lord of Mercia. ("Episode 4.7")
Osferth, Finan, Stiorra and Pyrlig celebrate after learning that Ælfwynn is recovering from her sickness and that Uhtred has accepted being Lord of Mercia. ("Episode 4.7")
Father Pyrlig comes to discuss Uhtred’s baptism. The Lord of Mercia must be Christian. Some of the Ealdormen wish to witness Uhtred’s baptism in person. Uhtred reluctantly agrees despite getting baptized by Father Beocca twice before. ("Episode 4.8")
Uhtred is baptised 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 baptised. ("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")
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")
Young Uhtred asks Pyrlig about his father relinquishing the throne to Æthelflæd. Perhaps he should be angry at his father for mocking God, but he isn’t. Pyrlig explains that Uhtred is driven by his passions, but he does not act with bad intent. Young Uhtred is grateful to his father for it. It’s a test to his faith, and each time it grows stronger. However, it’s become clear to young Uhtred that he must follow his calling and serve God and God alone. ("Episode 4.8")
Pyrlig informs Uhtred that his son has left for Wessex to return to his church. Uhtred asks if this is because of the baptism. Pyrlig explains that God simply called him away. Uhtred wonders if he’ll return. ("Episode 4.8")
Thatcham, Wessex; Uhtred, Stiorra, Eadith, Finan, Sihtric, Osferth, Æthelstan, and Pyrlig hold up in Thatcham, where they set up camp for Ælswith, who will offer prayers of thanks on their behalf when she arrives in Bedwyn. She explains how God worked through Uhtred and how he did not give up his throne to Mercia on his own. And for that, she would always be grateful. She hopes that Uhtred will be willing to help her to accomplish the goal that her husband started. However, Uhtred has his own children to look to. The group, with the exception of Eadith, who hides behind the trees, suddenly finds themselves surrounded by Hæsten and his men. 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. ("Episode 4.9")
They 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. Unbeknownst to them, Eadith watches from within the trees. Sihtric appears to be suffering the worst. Suddenly, they hear the screams of a woman off in the distance. One of the two remaining Danes goes to investigate and is is killed by Eadith. The second Dane comes looking after him. While he’s gone, Eadith frees Sihtric and Pyrlig. As she frees the others, the two of them kill the remaining Dane. Father Pyrlig will return to Aegelesburg to inform Edward while the others head to Winchester. ("Episode 4.9")
Kingsclere, Wessex; Pyrlig arrives in Kingsclere, where he finds Edward and informs him of the Danes' attack on Winchester and capture of his mother and child. He suspects that someone must’ve betrayed him for the Danes to know that Winchester was unguarded, but Prylig suggests that maybe it was Edward's fault for making his presence in Mercia less than subtle. ("Episode 4.9")
Outside Winchester, Wessex; Edward, Pyrlig, and the Wessex Guard arrive and charge towards the kingdom, but the gates are shut before they can enter. Edward’s strategy is foolish, and he inevitably falls back as his men are killed. Brida and Sigtryggr watch as they retreat. Edward warns them that soon they will be surrounded and massacred if they don’t surrender. Edward sends his men to attack. ("Episode 4.9")
Winchester has been under siege for 30 days. What’s left of the Wessex army has camped out near the kingdom. Pyrlig has tried to convince Edward from staging another attack, setting fire to the kingdom, but he won’t listen. And so, Uhtred tries to talk him out of it as burning the land and the people inside is not the answer. Edward fears that he has no other choice, he does this and in time Winchester will rise again. Uhtred suggests they try to speak with Sigtryggr but Edward refuses. Aldhelm arrives 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")
Uhtred and Pyrlig continue to try and convince Edward against burning the kingdom. However, each hour they wait is an insult to Edward’s father. Young Uhtred arrives after hearing of Stiorra’s capture. ("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")
Winchester, Wessex; The Wessex and Mercian armies, 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. After, Æthelflæd and Edward reveal that they've struck a bargain with Sigtryggr. ("Episode 4.10")
Killed Victims[]
This list shows the victims Pyrlig has killed:
- Numerous unnamed Dane soldiers
This list shows the victims Pyrlig has killed:
- (To Be Added)
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 |
