(Mild Spoilers) What happens to Mildrith now? - The Last Kingdom (2015) Discussion

[–] morn1960 9 years ago

There is a lot more background about the decline of their relationship in the novels. Basically mildrith fades away with just a couple more important mentions later. I don't know if they will follow the novels in that or not.

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[–] morn1960 9 years ago

Having read all of the books I will stick firmly with Uthred as Alfred is tyrannical toward Uthred in many many instances.

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[–] fwbrown 9 years ago

When Uthred decided to abandon his wife and child I lost all respect and sympathy for him. The whole reason I started watching this show was my admiration for the real Alfred and Wessex so I look forward to watching Alfred make Uthred's life miserable in upcoming episodes.

Þæs ofereode, ðisses swa mæg. -- Deor

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[–] Elijahohmy 9 years ago

When Uthred decided to abandon his wife and child I lost all respect and sympathy for him. The whole reason I started watching this show was my admiration for the real Alfred and Wessex so I look forward to watching Alfred make Uthred's life miserable in upcoming episodes.

I have to agree, I presonally dont get all this defense of Uthred the so called "Hero". He's an A hole. He does whatever he wants, than has a hissy fit when there is concequences....and then they blame Alfred for it, lol

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[–] morn1960 9 years ago

If you bothered to read the books you would know why people see Uthred as the hero. Alfred is written as an ass, self righteous and cruel to Uthred who's saved his kingdom on multiple occasions

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[–] 9 years ago

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[–] morn1960 9 years ago

Read the books. Better yet pay attention

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[–] Elijahohmy 9 years ago

The show version of Alfred is Hardly "cruel to Uthred though. He uses him, just like Uthred planned on using him.

He may have saved his kingdom "multiple times" in BC's fictional world but his behavior is still terrible and childish

Great show, but Uthred is my least fav character, next to Alfred's wif

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[–] benelli86 9 years ago

Alfred is a pathetic self rightous dick! He needs to bow down before Aethelwold the true king!!

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[–] fatality713 9 years ago

From what I have seen so far that is exhibited pretty well in the show. Alfred is basically using Uthred and constantly putting Uthred down. He knows Odda the Younger is a lying scheming cretin but Alfred always finds a way to pick Odda's side over Uthrid's, even when it is blatantly unjust.

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[–] Elijahohmy 9 years ago

And Uthred is not using Alfred?

And Didn't Uthred raid Cornwall?

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[–] SevenHouses 9 years ago

Uhtred made some big mistakes in Cornwall.

"Now, who has the key?"

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[–] draivin 9 years ago

I've heard that a lot from other readers. Hopefully, I get the first novel in the mail in a few days. I've never really been into those novels from that time but I'm actually pretty excited to start the series.

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[–] SevenHouses 9 years ago

Have fun!

"Now, who has the key?"

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[–] sindragosa 9 years ago

I feel no sympathy for Mildrith. Religious people (especially Abrahamic religions) piss me off. Religious people apparently piss the author off as well. So I guess that's why I enjoyed the books and show so much, the author and I are coming at it from the same perspective.

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[–] Elijahohmy 9 years ago

Religious people apparently piss the author off as well.

That's obvious , which explains his different portrayal of Alfred the great than the way he is usually written about,

He wants people to root for the no rules guy, who does whatever he wants and does not care.

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[–] sindragosa 9 years ago

Of course. Frankly I'd root for anyone over a religious person.

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[–] Elijahohmy 9 years ago

So you'd root for a murdering rapist etc over a religious person who never broke the law.?

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[–] fatality713 9 years ago

To be fair, none of the people on this show seem to believe in the religion and adhere to all of its practices. They basically wear their religion on a sleeve and use it to justify their unjust acts.

Alfred "the great" goes around portraying a holy and devout person yet he sleeping around on his wife every chance he gets. In his dealings with those commanding his armies is to reward schemers that have their lips planted on their posteriors while punishing and ridiculing those that deserve praise just because they will not demean themselves for his benefit.

Heck the entire church is run by people that will do and say anything to strip the people of as much as possible. The tithe is collected from everyone by what they think the person should be earning and not by how much they actually make. At the same time the Church is building gold altars with the money from the people. The people on the other hand are losing their land and property because of the church's avarice and the lack of funds to appease this avarice.

Before you say that this is just the way it is being portrayed by the show-runners who are anti-religion, this type of behaviour is recorded history as far as the Catholic Church is concerned. It is true to this very day. The Church has always been motivated by profit. Rulers like Alfred have been the norm rather than the exception. These types of leaders are still the vast majority of leaders today and this is one of the main reasons most people go into politics and leadership roles.

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[–] Top_Shelf 9 years ago

I haven't read the novels so I can't comment on what happens to Mildrith.

However, Uhtred leaving her is a favor to her. The purpose of their marriage was to give him his title and for her to hold onto her property, right? So their mutual attraction was a bonus.

Uhtred's stated his high regard for her and demonstrated it by taking care of her first. He's paid off her debts. By leaving her, he's freeing her to live among the Saxons without the shame of the "godless" husband and she will no longer be shunned by the other women.

As a man, to be humiliated that way in front of her was rough. And she didn't make it any easier with the constant admonishment. Punishing someone with a religion isn't a way to get them to convert; it only makes them reject it more viciously. And she Baptized his son. Total disrespect. In Uhtred's mind, she's taken his son away from him. He believes his son will regard him the way Saxons do.

We've not mentioned how Mildrith's a hypocrite. She married a pagan when her Bible is against marrying a non-believer. If she'd only expressed more interest in him and his childhood. Imagine them after the realization that he too has been baptized.

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[–] james_juhn 9 years ago

I agree.

I haven't read the novels, but in the show, she clearly wasn't helping the situation when Uhtred was humiliated by saying things like "You should learn some humility etc etc."
It's like throwing oil into the fire, considering how furious Uhtred was after the whole ordeal.

And Uhtred made it adamantly clear that he doesn't approve of his son being baptized. But she did it anyway. So what did people really expect? For him to just forgive her and for them to be the happy couple again?

Uhtred is by no means perfect (he made some stupid decisions), but people have to understand Mildrith clearly did not try to improve things either (in fact , in most cases especially, after her husband's humiliation, a lot of her actions only just antagonized Uhtred's attitude towards her).

But let's not forget whose actual fault was this in the first place - Alfred, who arranged to have Uhtred get married to Mildrith in the beginning. He may be called "Great" according to history, but in this show, all that can be seen is that Alfred is nothing but a schemer who just manipulates people to serve his own purpose. I hope that changes.

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[–] Top_Shelf 9 years ago

A schemer who just manipulates people to serve his own purpose.

Isn't that the definition of a capitalist? It's how men generate wealth - either through lopsided deals, land grabs, marketing ploys, repressive laws, and/or plain ol' thuggery. How were kings made?

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[–] Scifi71 9 years ago

Alfred is nothing but a schemer who just manipulates people to serve his own purpose.

And what is Uthred doing? LOL

Uthred is using Alfred to get money and land to get his home back

Humankind cannot bear very much reality. ~T.S. Eliot

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[–] Top_Shelf 9 years ago

Alfred holds all the power, the master. Uhtred is merely selling his services, the servant.

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[–] Scifi71 9 years ago

Alfred holds all the power, the master. Uhtred is merely selling his services, the servant

yup, and Uthred came to Alfred, and neither trusts the other

In the books does Uthred see the kid again?

Humankind cannot bear very much reality. ~T.S. Eliot

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[–] Top_Shelf 9 years ago

But you laughed and wrote that Uhtred's using Alfred. Do employees use their employers?

Uhtred lost his father, title and land defending Wessex from the Danes. Uhtred is merely seeking recompense from the man who has the ability to provide it. In return, Uhtred's also provided services to bolster Wessex's defense against the Danes. Instead of being rewarded as Uhtred expected, Alfred's working to break him to be able to control him and appear to be fierce in the eyes of his subjects.

Unfortunately, Uhtred doesn't know how to play the game and act as if he's giving Alfred what he wants. Uhtred could be using Alfred except he's what people have been commenting, a rash haughty hothead, "young and dumb," an abandoned pet who learned how to survive among the wolves.

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[–] cheops_nk 9 years ago

Yeah I feel like a total master manipulator by working for the bank. Take that RBC! I'm using you!

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[–] Top_Shelf 9 years ago

lol

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[–] PVarjak 9 years ago

I agree with this (several said similar things) as it best states the case. Anyone else would have gotten a title and lands free and clear for TWICE saving the kingdom (advising Alfred to intercept Guthrum on the road to Abbendum at Asches Hill and at Cynuit). Instead, he's tricked into marrying Mildrith with a heavy debt. But it's true, he isn't exactly his own best friend/advisor. Listening to Beocca a bit would help too.

One thing I found impossible to believe (and I watched the first series twice), was that Odda the Younger was so easily able to take credit for Cynuit. The whole army would be talking about Uhtred and his victory. Who cares if Odda brought back Ubbe's axe?

I'm going to start another thread on this because none of the Mildrith threads seem to deal with it; but why didn't they fill in what happened to the baby? We see Odda getting Mildrith to leave with the baby (who seems fine) and the next thing we know the baby is buried BACK at Mildrith's farmstead?

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[–] LeofricsBeloved 9 years ago

Uhtred would have won titles and land if he showed Alfred respect and restrained his anger. In court politics, there's no place for outbursts. Perhaps the only place where anger can be expressed is on the battlefield for noblemen like him. It's not clear in the show because Alexander Dreyman is in his 30s, but Uhtred would only be about 16-18 years-old which would explain his impulsiveness. He has a lot to learn the hard way.

As for Alfred not knowing/acknowledging Uhtred's contribution to Cynuit and giving Odda credit - it seems unbelievable but it can still be explained logically. Wasn't it mentioned that Odda was the richest man in Wessex, maybe even wealthier than the King? I would imagine that much of the army is sustained by Odda's wealth. This is really a dispute among nobility, so the rest of the soldiers kept their mouths shut. Odda was portrayed as a coward, but he was a very powerful Lord. Because Uhtred kept antagonizing Alfred, Alfred was more than happy to ignore Uhtred's contributions even if given evidence to the contrary. Alfred isn't exactly a friendly guy. I don't think he would fraternize with his soldiers over some ale. Beocca had to remind Alfred to be more personable and show his subjects more appreciation. So Alfred isn't going to hear/receive information from people outside his inner circle.

If Mildrith went home, it might make sense too. Odda lusts after her and maybe she felt uncomfortable to stay with him.

transcendcinema.blogspot.com "Mind over matter; if you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Room

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[–] PVarjak 9 years ago

He only really lost his temper after not being given his own proper due. Alfred has done nothing a but manipulate him. There'd be no drama if Uhtred were perfect and Alfred were perfect.

Yes, they lugubriously used exposition to give a very unrealistic series of reasons why this would be possible. it just wasn't believable. Yes, Odda was going to become the wealthiest man (although the elder Odda recovered) and he brought back Ubbe's axe; but the whole army and Winchester would be talking about Uhtred's victory.

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[–] LeofricsBeloved 9 years ago

I was fascinated by Alfred's character but his constant betrayal of Uhtred made me take my interest back.

If Uhtred or anyone looking to move up in the world, sacrifices will have to be made. That means dealing with people like Alfred and Uhtred from time to time. They were fine towards the end of the Season though, so the refined, cunning Alfred was able to reconcile with the uncouth upstart Uhtred.

Even if Alfred were completely aware of Uhtred's contribution, Uhtred stormed into a mass and drew his sword right away. That is disrespect towards Alfred's God and drawing a sword before a King is treason. Instead of waiting until after and to talk to Alfred privately to explain his contribution, Uhtred lashed out at everyone. This is a lesson in humility and patience that Uhtred just had to learn the hard way.

My point is Uhtred needed the blessing of a King such as Alfred to reclaim Bebbanburg, and Alfred needed warriors like Uhtred to consolidate his kingdom. But in the end, Alfred is still the King and has infinitely more power and resources than Uhtred. If Uhtred were smarter, he would have deferred to Alfred more. He didn't and thus Alfred had to be several steps ahead of him.

While I stopped being a fan of Alfred, Uhtred definitely needed people like Alfred to teach him the skills needed to be a statesman.

transcendcinema.blogspot.com "Mind over matter; if you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Room

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[–] PVarjak 9 years ago

He doesn't really need Alfred to reclaim Bebbanburg. It's in Northumbria and for now Alfred has no influence or control there. It looks like next season will be Uhtred gathering a group of warriors to take back his land and title.

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[–] LeofricsBeloved 9 years ago

Alfred sheltered Uhtred and Brida when Ubba's men and the Saxons came after him, no matter how poorly Alfred treated him later. Where is Uhtred going to gather warriors? Without Wessex's and Alfred's support, Uhtred had no one. Even Leofric, one of Uhtred's best warrior friends, is from Wessex. In the last battle, warriors from beyond Wessex came as well. Alfred introduced Uhtred to a group of people who could help him. Uhtred and Brida would have continued to become fugitives (with no ability shape events such as fighting in the frontlines, designing battle plans, being sent to missions such as Cynuit) until Ragnar came to get them, but it was Alfred and Beocca who kept them safe.

transcendcinema.blogspot.com "Mind over matter; if you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Room

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[–] PVarjak 9 years ago

He gathered 20 warriors fairly quickly just to raid in Cornwallum. Now, he's saved Alfred, won another huge battle (after Cynuit), and has a legitimate title claim. That's a pretty good start.

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[–] LeofricsBeloved 9 years ago

He got the warriors from hanging out with Alfred who opened doors for him, regardless of how Alfred treated him.

transcendcinema.blogspot.com "Mind over matter; if you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Room

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[–] PVarjak 9 years ago

No he didn't. Those guys specifically defied what would have been serious consequences to go with Uhtred. You have some kind of axe to grind over this.

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[–] LeofricsBeloved 9 years ago

My point: Uhtred met Alfred's men in Wessex. He wouldn't have made as many connections as he did without Alfred's patronage.

I'm not saying Alfred gave him his warriors for Uhtred to go moonlighting. I'm merely saying he met them because he was around Alfred.

I have no axe to grind. This is a discussion board. People write long opinions if they want to.

I'm not sure why you misconstrue my opinions. Either your reading comprehension is lacking, or you have Asperger's, or you just like to be contrarian.

Whatever the reason, I'm putting you on ignore. It's exhausting.

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[–] PVarjak 9 years ago

Those are two separate things. He met the men through Alfred but really AGAINST Alfred. Alfred didn't help. The fact it happened in Winchester doesn't mean much. He might have done the same wit the Danes or with another 'king' in Britain. Alfred didn't give him connections (all of them except Leofric were against him, not for him). The people he gathered were the outliers and lower warriors, not nobles or well-connected people. They were the people who had the least to lose.

Although it's very insulting and I wouldn't have used it, it seems to be YOU who have the Asperger's.

P.S. You horned into my response to someone else, so it's not like I was trying to provoke you. You kind of tried to provoke me. You even said you 'withdrew' your admiration for Alfred because he was so manipulative and that's one thing we can agree on.

You certainly can put me on 'ignore;' but I didn't go to the inflammatory insulting language.

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[–] SevenHouses 9 years ago

In the books does Uthred see the kid again?

The kid will play his part.

"Now, who has the key?"

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[–] Top_Shelf 9 years ago

Oh noooo. It's happening now through Iseult, huh?

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[–] colwoodward 9 years ago

There is an article in the current Radio. Times by Michael. Wood, praising The. Last. Kingdom and its portrayal of Alfred

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[–] Scifi71 9 years ago

Suprising, since the Alfred in the MW's documentry sounds nothing like in in TLK.

Humankind cannot bear very much reality. ~T.S. Eliot

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[–] colwoodward 9 years ago

Can only tell it as it is

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[–] Scifi71 9 years ago

But really, nobody really knows "how it was"

There is an article in the current Radio. Times by Michael. Wood, praising The. Last. Kingdom and its portrayal of Alfred

Cool! Is there a link or do you have to buy the mag?

Humankind cannot bear very much reality. ~T.S. Eliot

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[–] colwoodward 9 years ago

Sorry can't provide a link , I read the magazine, there's also an interesting article in BBC's History Magazine

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[–] 9 years ago

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[–] Scifi71 9 years ago

Alfred the Great and his wife Aelswith in the Cornwell books are, in my opinion, more like his adoptive parents, than the historical figure

That makes a lot of scense given how he has written Alfred.

Humankind cannot bear very much reality. ~T.S. Eliot

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[–] 9 years ago

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