Uhtred Transition Into Manhood In Bernard Cornwell's The Last Kingdom

The Last Kingdom, by Bernard Cornwell, is a historical fiction novel about a young man’s journey into adulthood. Beginning with the rather sudden death of his older brother, newly named Uhtred is forced to become the new heir of Bebbanberg and is taken to learn to fight the Danes. After he is captured and his father murdered by his captor, he is instructed by the Danes in the art of warfare and learns to lead his fellow warriors into battle. By the time he returns to the Saxons after Ragnar’s demise, he has become a skilled warrior and a leader of many. The storyline reveals Uhtred transition into manhood as he fights and becomes responsible for himself and his men. The author reveals to the reader during the story Uhtred’s growth in size, in mental fortitude, emotionally in love, and gain responsibility during these challenges that serve as a crucible for his refinement. At the beginning of the novel, the reader observes what seems to be the ending of Uhtred’s childhood. He is taken to battle, though he is too small to fight in the shield wall or even after the wall has collapsed, He is forced to witness the demise of his father and hundreds of his father’s men. While this would undoubtedly scar almost any child for …show more content…
He returns to his home what little remains of the Saxon held area and begins again, yet this time not as a follower but as a leader. He marries, even if by pressure from his Lord, and settles down to begin his adult life. He is called to duty to fight the Danes, and departs only to be captured. This is yet another turning point in Uhtred’s life, when he learns to think before he acts. All of the skills he has learned from his masters culminate in the final battle of the novel. Uhtred’s cunning leads him to create a diversion on the Danish ships while his soldiers flank and cut off the confused and panicked