‘The Last Kingdom’: Alexander Dreymon Discusses Uhtred’s Friendship With King Alfred
In the hit Netflix series The Last Kingdom, there is one tumultuous friendship that kept everything together. Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) and King Alfred (David Dawson) meet and things are never truly the same for either of them. Things have often become volatile between them, but their friendship is a necessary risk when England is at stake.
The friendship between Uhtred and Alfred is a necessary one
Since Uhtred could be considered both a Dane and a Saxon, he has a unique viewpoint when it comes to the overall war that the Saxons face against the Danes. Uhtred is a Saxon who was taken by the Danes and raised as their own. It changed him and he’s a Dane in his heart now, but he feels pulled in both directions. Alfred uses this to his advantage many times and puts Uhtred to work to keep Wessex safe for him.
Things have gotten volatile between them
Uhtred could definitely be considered impulsive at times and acts that way when he threatens Alfred’s life with a knife. After that, things can never go back to the way they were, but Alfred does admit in their last meeting how essential Uhtred is to his dream and legacy.
“In 100 years from now, learned people will read or recite what is written and Alfred will appear. They will know nothing of the Lord Uhtred, nor of your loyalty, advice, bravery, courage, and insolence,” King Alfred tells him.
Uhtred tells him that he couldn’t have killed Alfred and it’s clear how much each meant to the other. “If I were to say one thing it’s that I could never have killed you when I held the knife to your throat,” Uhtred tells him. “I could never have taken your life. I would have beaten you gladly, but I would never be the man who killed Alfred, King of Saxons.”
Alexander Dreymon discusses Uhtred’s friendship with King Alfred
In 2018, Alexander Dreymon spoke with TV Insider when season 3 was released and he discussed his character’s unique friendship with King Alfred. They go on a rollercoaster ride of emotions together where they are working together one minute then Uhtred is an outlaw the next.
“Well, first of all, I want to say, Alfred can’t do s*** without me! [Laughs] It’s been like that for the last three seasons, with him just shutting me down and then realizing he needs me again,” Dreymon said. “So, that theme definitely continues, and I think it definitely comes to a climax this season. I’m excited to see the scenes between David Dawson and myself because they were so much fun to play with him.”
Uhtred’s loyalty is tested like never before in season 3, but eventually he makes things right with Alfred before he dies. Alfred’s dying wish is for Uhtred to stay and make sure his son is crowned king after him, which Uhtred does do after Alfred’s death.
“And I think Uhtred’s loyalty — you hit the nail on the head — that’s one of the major themes this season, how that loyalty gets tested and how much he can stick to his promises and to his oaths, which were obviously a huge deal back then,” Dreymon said.
Uhtred’s friendship with King Alfred may have had its ups and downs, but Uhtred chooses to honor Alfred’s dying wish and he stays loyal to the crown of Wessex.
