Is Seven Kings Must Die a True Story? Seven Kings Must Die Ending Explained

Learn whether this captivating tale is Seven Kings Must Die based on a true story, get the answers you seek, and dive deeper into this compelling story of Seven Kings Must Die.

by Hemalatha R

Updated Apr 18, 2023

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Is Seven Kings Must Die a True Story? Seven Kings Must Die Ending Explained
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Is Seven Kings Must Die a True Story?

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is a movie that has caused some confusion among viewers about whether it is based on a true story. However, the answer is no. The movie is based on a series of books, and while the author, Bernard Cornwell, has blended real historical characters and events into the narrative, the story is not true.

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The storyline of Seven Kings Must Die is derived from the final two books in the series, namely Sword of Kings and War Lord, both published in 2019 and 2020, respectively. However, several significant changes have been made to the film, which distinguishes it from the original books. Despite the author's use of real historical events, the movie's narrative is purely fictional.

Therefore, viewers should not mistake it for a true story. Bernard Cornwell has done an excellent job of creating a compelling storyline while incorporating real historical characters and events to give it an air of authenticity.  It's worth noting that many historical fiction novels and movies use this technique, blending real-life events and characters with fictional ones.

The technique is often used to make the story more engaging and believable. The Last Kingdom series is no exception, and the author's skillful use of this technique is one of the reasons why the books have been so successful. The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is a work of fiction based on a series of books. The story has been skillfully crafted to include real historical characters and events to make it more engaging, but it is not a true story. Viewers should watch the movie with this understanding to fully appreciate the story's artistry.

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Seven Kings Must Die review

Netflix has recently released a much-anticipated movie called Seven Kings Must Die, which serves as a continuation of the popular TV series, The Last Kingdom. It has been released on April 14 and offers an exciting and satisfying conclusion that fans have been eagerly waiting for since the end of the show's fifth season. The movie serves as a conclusion to the story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, which was told over five seasons of the show.

For those who haven't watched any episodes of The Last Kingdom on Netflix, it may be a little difficult to understand the plot. The Last Kingdom and its spinoff film both try to adapt the expansive storyline of Bernard Cornwell's "The Saxon Stories" book series, which is a vast and epic tale about Saxons and Danes. The movie features many grunting, bearded men wielding swords, whose names all seem to begin with 'Ae.' 

If you're not familiar with the characters and their storylines, you might struggle to follow the plot. The series and the movie have received critical acclaim for their historical accuracy, attention to detail, and compelling characters. Seven Kings Must Die is inspired by the final novels of Bernard Cornwell's book series, including "War of the Wolf," "Sword of Kings," and "War Lord."

The plot centers on Uhtred of Bebbanburg, who played a pivotal role in the formation of England. After King Edward's death, Uhtred helps Prince Ælfweard take the throne. But when Ælfweard's brother, Aethelstan, claims the crown and begins to implement his vision for a united England, Uhtred finds himself in a difficult position. As Aethelstan's actions become more extreme, Uhtred must navigate a dangerous political landscape while also fulfilling a prophecy that predicts the deaths of seven kings and the woman he loves.

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The climax of the movie is the Battle of Brunanburh, where Uhtred and his allies face off against the invading Danes and fight to secure the future of their country. The story is filled with betrayals, stabbings, and treacheries, making for an intense and captivating plot. Director Ed Bazalgette has done an excellent job of presenting the set piece spectacularly.

The big battle includes gushing injuries, fierce sword battles, dramatic charges, and tautly coordinated fight scenes, which are all happening on the screen at once. While there are plenty of action and compelling storylines to keep us interested in the earlier part of the movie, it is in this big battle that both the cast and the effects and stunt teams really shine.

Overall, Seven Kings Must Die provides a satisfying conclusion to the epic story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg from The Last Kingdom. It is definitely worth a watch for those who have watched all five seasons and are waiting for the grand finale of Uhtred's journey.

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 Does Uhtred die in the last kingdom?

The release of "The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die" on April 14, 2023, marked the end of the storyline that began with the popular TV series "The Last Kingdom" in 2015. While the show and the movie were inspired by history, the protagonist Uhtred's fate has no basis in real history. Therefore, it was only revealed in the movie's finale.

In the climax of the movie, Uhtred leads England's army in a battle against a larger Danish force and uses his cunning to defeat them. When King Aethelstan is in danger, Uhtred intervenes and saves him but sustains a serious injury in the process. Uhtred manages to survive his injuries and makes it back to Bebbanburg Castle to help Aethelstan fulfill the prophecy.

However, after Aethelstan is crowned as the first-ever king of a united England, Uhtred becomes torn between his fallen comrades urging him to cross over to the afterlife and his living companions still by his side. The ending of "Seven Kings Must Die" does not confirm whether Uhtred dies or survives. However, there are indications that Uhtred's death may be his ultimate fate in the story's canon.

Overall, the article provides a summary of the conclusion of Uhtred's story in "The Last Kingdom" movie. Despite its historical inspiration, the character's ultimate fate is a fabrication of the series, and the ending of the movie does not provide a definitive answer to the question of whether he lives or dies.

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Seven Kings Must Die ending explained

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die, the latest season of the Netflix series, centers on the story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a warrior who seeks to reclaim his ancestral lands and protect his people. The season is named after a dream that Finian's wife has, where "seven kings must die, and the woman you love." Uhtred initially dismisses the dream since he is not a king and has no woman in his life.

The season begins with Edward's two sons, Aethelstan and Aelfweard, vying for the throne. Uhtred offers to arrange a meeting between the two to resolve the matter, but Aethelstan murders his brother during the meeting and assumes the throne. Aethelstan then eliminates anyone who could pose a threat to his rule, hangs his former friends, and banishes Uhtred to the Shetlands.

Meanwhile, Finian's wife's prophecy starts to come true as the residents of Bebbanburg are murdered. Uhtred, Aethelstan, and their men join forces to take on the Norse leader Anlaf and his allies in the AD 937 battle of Brunanburgh. The battle is bloody, and many lives are lost, but Uhtred's forces emerge victorious. After the battle, Uhtred is badly wounded, but Sihtric and Finian manage to take him back to Bebbanburg.

The five kings fighting Aethelstan flee, and their sons are killed, leaving no heirs to carry on their family names. Uhtred pledges Northumbria to Aethelstan, creating England, with the condition that Aethelstan must not marry or produce any heirs so that Edmund, Uhtred's half-brother, can ascend to the throne after him. In the final scene, Uhtred is seen walking to the end of the hall and opening a door.

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Those behind him see an empty space, but Uhtred sees a room filled with people from his past who have died, indicating that he is about to die himself. The end titles reveal that the seventh king, Uhtred, has died, while King Aethelstan has united the land and is regarded as the first and greatest Medieval king of England. Alexander Dreymon, who plays Uhtred, revealed that there is some "ambiguity" in Uhtred's final moments.

He explained that Uhtred has the option of going to the feast hall, which he has been longing for, or staying with the people he loves. Dreymon believes that the life Uhtred has led will be very rewarding for him in the end, and he is happy for him. The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die is a thrilling season that culminates in a bloody battle and the creation of England. Uhtred's final moments are ambiguous, leaving room for interpretation, but the season's end titles reveal that the seventh king has died, and Aethelstan has united the land.

Who dies in Seven Kings Must Die?

The Netflix series "The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die" reveals that the protagonist Uhtred, played by Alexander Dreymon, is the seventh and final king to die. Meanwhile, King Aethelstan becomes the ruler of England and is regarded as the first and greatest Medieval king of the country. The history books portray Aethelstan as having united the land until his death in AD 939, after which he was succeeded by his brother Edmund.

The series ends with a scene where Uhtred appears weak and pale, walking to the end of a hall and opening a door. Those behind him see an empty space, but Uhtred sees a room filled with people from his past who have died, hinting that he is about to die himself. However, the ending is left somewhat ambiguous, and Alexander Dreymon believes that Uhtred's decision to stay with the people he loves in either Valhalla or the mortal world is ultimately a rewarding one.



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Is Seven Kings Must Die a True Story - FAQs

1. What is the Seven Kings Must Die ending about?  

The Seven Kings Must Die ending refers to the finale of the TV show "The Last Kingdom" where Uhtred, the protagonist, dies and Aethelstan becomes the first king of a united England.

2. Who dies in Seven Kings Must Die?  

Uhtred, the protagonist, dies in the Seven Kings Must Die ending.

3. Who becomes the king after Uhtred dies?  

 Aethelstan becomes the king after Uhtred dies.

4. What happens to the other kings in Seven Kings Must Die?  

All of the sons of the other five kings who were fighting against Aethelstan are killed, ensuring that there will be no heirs to carry on their family names.

5. What does Alexander Dreymon say about Uhtred's final moments?  

Alexander Dreymon, the actor who plays Uhtred, says that there is some ambiguity in Uhtred's final moments and that he has the option of going to the feast hall or staying with the people he loves. Ultimately, he believes that the life Uhtred led will be rewarding for him in the end.

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