Is Vikings: Valhalla connected to The Last Kingdom?
As a historical drama enthusiast and gaming content creator, I‘m often asked if Netflix‘s Vikings sequel series Valhalla shares continuity with the popular BBC show The Last Kingdom. While both shows offer action-packed stories grounded in medieval history, the two shows do not directly crossover in either plot or production.
However, with complex storylines spanning centuries of Viking conquests, the connections between all three shows (Vikings, Valhalla, The Last Kingdom) can seem hazy. As someone who has analyzed each series in depth, let me clearly explain the links (or lack thereof!) between these gritty historical dramas.
Vikings vs The Last Kingdom vs Vikings: Valhalla – Key Comparisons
While these 3 shows depict loosely interconnected eras focusing on Viking domination and England‘s resistance, their narratives do not directly overlap. Here is a breakdown of how each series stands apart:
| Show | Era | Main Characters | Plot Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 8th-9th Century | Ragnar Lothbrok, Lagertha, Bjorn Ironside | Chronicles legendary Viking ruler Ragnar‘s initial raids on England |
| The Last Kingdom | 9th Century | Uhtred of Bebbanburg | Follows Saxon nobleman Uhtred captured and raised by Danes |
| Vikings: Valhalla | 11th Century | Leif Eriksson, Freydis Eriksdotter, William the Conqueror | Next generation of famed Vikings 100 years after the original, culminating in the Battle of Hastings |
As you can see above, the 3 shows focus on different narrative threads spanning over 3 centuries, despite touching on intersecting history. I‘ll analyze these links more deeply so you can understand where each series fits in the Vikings historical saga!
Connections: Shared Historical Figures Across Series
Despite not directly intersecting narratively, all 3 shows prominently feature the legendary Viking Ragnar Lothbrok. However, his portrayal varies across series:
- Vikings: Focuses on his founding raids on England as King of Denmark
- The Last Kingdom: Features in Uhtred‘s backstory, died before series starts
- Vikings Valhalla: Mentioned posthumously as a near-mythical ancestral figure
Ragnar‘s death before The Last Kingdom means the two shows do not share characters or direct plotlines. But as a key figure tying Danish and Norse lore together, his iconic legacy resonates across all 3 series.
Beyond Ragnar, side characters also occasionally overlap – often as ancestors/descendants or figures impacted by legends:
- Ubba – Appears in The Last Kingdom as a Danish warlord, Ragnarsson descendant
- Ivar the Boneless – Vikings and The Last Kingdom briefly feature disabled legendary son of Ragnar
So in terms of characters, think of these shows as each spotlighting a different chapter of the expansive Viking chronicles – anchored by the iconic Ragnar but largely not direct sequels. Valhalla jumps ahead generations with all new characters you need no prior background on!
Now that we‘ve compared the links between shows on a character level, let‘s analyze how the historical timelines both intersect and branch apart.
Timeline Analysis: Era Portrayals Across Series
With centuries of bloody Viking conquests spanning Scandinavian raids across Europe, dramatized accounts vary widely in precise era focus:
While the original Vikings series starts earliest in the mid 700s AD, portraying initial clashes with England and Frankia, the spinoff Valhalla skips ahead right before the famed 1066 Norman invasion.
The Last Kingdom slots in the middle timeline-wise, showcasing 9th century Britain defending itself in-between the original Viking raids and William the Conqueror‘s decisive conquest.
So in terms of narrative timeline, think of it this way:
- Vikings – Ragnar Begins Viking Domination of England
- The Last Kingdom – Saxons Resist Ongoing Viking Invasions
- Vikings Valhalla – Vikings Conquer Britain Under William the Conqueror
Despite gaps between eras covered, intersecting history means references and legends appear across series – such as the conquests of Ivar the Boneless and leadership of Alfred the Great against foreign invaders.
But besides anchoring use of historical figures, the three shows do not attempt to form one perfectly synchronized continuity. Think of them instead as standalone spotlights on the most pivotal chapters in this epic, sprawling saga!
My Take: Harmonizing Fact and Fiction
As someone passionate about historical fiction in games and entertainment, I adore seeing novel interpretations of medieval Scandinavian warriors and the figures that echo through lore like Ragnar and Ivar.
But I equally appreciate that shows branching the same premise aren‘t beholden to tightly interwoven canon timelines. This allows more creative freedom to spotlight narrowed slices of history that most intrigue modern audiences.
While as a gaming content creator I‘d love to map out a definitive, merged Vikings-verse franchise bible tracking cross-century dynasties…I understand why self-contained artistic license reigns supreme.
Ultimately the proof is in viewership – with Vikings spanning 6 seasons and both The Last Kingdom and Valhalla renewing for new seasons, the decision to let each reset its own course has clearly worked well! Fans crave ongoing tales of betrayal, bloodlines and Norse spirit – whether tied explicitly into one uniform timeline matters little compared to sharp writing and cinematography.
So in summary – hope this helped explain why you as fans can enjoy all three shows immensely without needing to piece together direct lineage between the stories and characters portrayed! Dive into any chapter first without needing to remember endless backstories.
Let me know in comments if you have any other questions on links between your favorite medieval Viking series. And stay tuned here for my next deep-dive comparing historically accurate Norse paganism across the shows!
