Vikings vs Last Kingdom: Which One Should You Watch?
Vikings vs Last Kingdom—which show should you pick? Vikings is all about big battles, legendary warriors, and Viking adventures. The Last Kingdom tells Uhtred’s personal story as he tries to find his place between the Saxons and the Vikings.
Stick around to see which one is the perfect fit for your next binge-watch!
Key Points
- Vikings tells the story of Ragnar Lothbrok and mixes history with myth.
- The Last Kingdom follows Uhtred, who’s caught between Vikings and Saxons.
- Vikings is full of big, exciting battles.
- The Last Kingdom has more realistic, grounded fights.
- Vikings explores Viking culture and their beliefs.
- The Last Kingdom focuses on real history and political struggles.
- Vikings has grand, epic storytelling and stunning visuals.
- The Last Kingdom keeps the focus on Uhtred’s personal journey.
Vikings vs Last Kingdom: The Complete Comparison
Vikings and The Last Kingdom are two great shows set in the Viking era. Vikings focuses on Norse heroes like Ragnar Lothbrok, while The Last Kingdom follows Uhtred, a Saxon raised by Vikings, who is torn between his Viking family and his Saxon roots.
Storyline and Historical Basis
Vikings tells the story of Ragnar Lothbrok, a legendary Viking leader. The show is based on old Viking sagas, which are a mix of history and myth. It follows Ragnar’s journey from a farmer to a famous warrior.
You also see his sons and how they spread Viking influence.
What I find interesting is that Vikings explore not just battles, but also the Viking way of life. It takes you to places like England and France, showing how the Vikings raided and traded across Europe.
While some of the events and characters are real, the show adds a lot of drama and legend to make it more entertaining.
The Last Kingdom is based on a book series called The Saxon Stories. It follows Uhtred, a Saxon boy who is captured and raised by Vikings. The story is set during the time of King Alfred, who is trying to unite England.
What makes The Last Kingdom different is that it focuses more on the politics and conflicts between the Saxons and Vikings.
Uhtred’s struggle between his Viking family and his Saxon blood gives the show a personal touch. It’s less about myth and more about real historical events, but it still tells a fictional story through Uhtred’s eyes.
Tone and Themes
Vikings has a big, epic feel to it. The characters, like Ragnar and Bjorn, are shown almost like heroes from old stories. The show talks a lot about fate, power, and the Viking gods. It mixes real events with visions and prophecies, making it feel a bit mystical.
I think Vikings is all about big ideas like honor and destiny. It’s not just about fighting—it’s about what it means to be a Viking and leave a lasting legacy.
The Last Kingdom feels more realistic and grounded. It focuses on real historical events, like how England was formed, and there’s a lot of focus on religion. Christianity is a big theme, as it was spreading during this time, while the old Viking gods were fading away.
The main themes are loyalty and identity. Uhtred is always torn between his Viking upbringing and his Saxon heritage, and that struggle drives a lot of the story. It feels less like a legend and more like a personal journey.
Character Development
In Vikings, you follow many different characters over time. It starts with Ragnar, but later on, the show shifts to his sons, like Bjorn and Ivar. This gives the show a wide focus, exploring the lives of different Viking leaders.
It lets you see how Viking culture evolved.
However, because there are so many characters, sometimes it feels like the show jumps around a lot. One minute you’re following Ragnar, and then suddenly, you’re focused on Bjorn. This can make the story feel a bit scattered at times.
In The Last Kingdom, the story is all about Uhtred. You follow him from the start to the end, watching him grow and change.
This makes the show feel more focused. You get to know Uhtred really well, and you see how his relationships and decisions shape his life.
While other characters, like King Alfred and Brida, are important, the show never loses focus on Uhtred. This gives it a more personal feel, and it’s easier to stay invested because you’re always with the same character.
Action and Battles
The action in Vikings is big, brutal, and intense. You see a lot of Viking raids and shield wall battles. The fighting is often dramatic and bloody, which makes it feel larger than life. It’s definitely exciting, but sometimes the battles feel more like a show than something realistic.
If you like big action scenes, Vikings delivers them. The fights are often full of energy and really intense to watch.
The battles in The Last Kingdom are more grounded and realistic. You still get big battles, but they focus more on strategy and tactics. The fighting feels rough, dirty, and more like what real battles would have been like during that time.
What I like about The Last Kingdom is that it doesn’t just show the fighting. It also shows the effects of the battles—the toll they take on people and the consequences of war.
This makes it feel more thoughtful, rather than just focusing on the action.
Cinematography and Production Values
Vikings looks amazing. The landscapes are beautiful, with sweeping shots of mountains, seas, and Viking ships. Everything feels big and epic, which matches the larger-than-life tone of the show. The costumes and sets are also really well done, making the Viking world feel alive.
Watching Vikings is like looking at a painting sometimes. The show really puts effort into making every scene look grand.
The Last Kingdom has a more realistic look. The colors are darker, and the world feels more rugged and dirty. It’s not as flashy as Vikings, but it feels more real. You can really imagine what life in medieval England was like—muddy, harsh, and tough.
The costumes and settings are still impressive, but they focus more on historical accuracy rather than looking dramatic.
Historical Accuracy
Vikings is inspired by real history, but it mixes a lot of myth and legend into the story. Characters like Ragnar are based on old Viking sagas, which means they aren’t completely real. The show adds a lot of drama and fantasy to make it more exciting.
So, while Vikings gives you a taste of Viking culture, it’s not always the best source for real history.
The Last Kingdom sticks closer to real history. Even though Uhtred is a made-up character, the events around him, like King Alfred’s efforts to unite England, are based on real history. The show pays attention to the details, like the politics and religion of the time.
If you’re looking for a show that’s more historically accurate, The Last Kingdom does a better job of staying true to what actually happened.
Pacing
The pacing in Vikings can be slow at times, especially when it focuses on political drama. The show jumps between different characters and places, which can sometimes make it feel like it’s dragging.
Some seasons are faster, with lots of action, while others take their time with character development.
The Last Kingdom has more steady pacing. Since it follows Uhtred’s story, it keeps moving forward at a good pace. There’s a nice balance between action, politics, and personal drama, which keeps the show engaging without slowing down too much.
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Vikings vs The Last Kingdom: Which One Should You Watch?
If you love epic stories with larger-than-life characters, big battles, and Viking myths, watch Vikings. If you prefer a more grounded story with a focus on personal struggles, loyalty, and real historical events, The Last Kingdom is a better choice.
Watch Vikings if:
You enjoy legendary stories. Vikings is full of epic tales about heroes like Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons. The characters feel like they belong in old Viking myths, with prophecies, visions, and larger-than-life battles.
If you like stories that mix real history with fantasy elements, Vikings will grab your attention.
The show also focuses heavily on Viking culture. You get to see their customs, beliefs, and how they lived.
If you’re interested in learning about how Vikings saw the world—through their gods, honor, and exploration—Vikings gives you a peek into that, even if it’s sometimes exaggerated.
You love dramatic battles. Vikings has big, bloody, and intense fight scenes. The combat is often stylized to make the Vikings look almost unstoppable. If you enjoy action-packed scenes with brutal fighting, Vikings won’t disappoint.
Watch The Last Kingdom if:
You want a more personal story. The Last Kingdom focuses on Uhtred’s journey, making the show feel more character-driven. It’s less about mythical heroes and more about real people dealing with real struggles.
If you like following one character’s growth and seeing how their choices shape their life, you’ll enjoy Uhtred’s story.
You prefer historical accuracy. While Uhtred is fictional, the events happening around him are based on real history. The show focuses on the fight for England, the rise of King Alfred, and the clash between the Saxons and Vikings.
If you’re interested in learning about how England was formed, this show is much closer to the truth than Vikings.
You like realistic battles. The Last Kingdom doesn’t go over the top with its fight scenes. The battles are gritty and show the harsh realities of war. If you’re looking for action that feels more grounded and true to history, this show does it better.
7 Things Vikings Does Better Than The Last Kingdom
Vikings shines in delivering epic battles, a deep dive into Viking culture, and larger-than-life characters. It’s known for its stunning visuals, dramatic storytelling, and focus on Viking exploration. If you want a show that feels like a legend comes to life, Vikings does it best.
1. Epic Battles
Vikings is known for its intense, large-scale battles. The fight scenes are often long, bloody, and dramatic, with a focus on making the Vikings look fierce and unstoppable.
If you love action and epic fight scenes, Vikings does a great job of keeping you on the edge of your seat. The show highlights famous Viking tactics like the shield wall, which adds to the excitement.
While The Last Kingdom has battles too, they are more grounded. Vikings goes all out, making every battle feel like a big event. The focus is more on the thrill of the fight than on the consequences.
2. Viking Culture
Vikings gives you a deeper look into how Vikings lived. The show explores their customs, beliefs, and way of life in more detail.
From their rituals to their gods, Vikings tries to paint a picture of what Viking culture was like. You get to see their ceremonies, how they honored the gods, and even how they viewed death and fate.
The Last Kingdom touches on Viking culture, but it’s not the main focus. Vikings goes further by showing the spiritual side of the Viking world, which makes the culture feel more alive on screen.
3. Legendary Characters
Characters like Ragnar Lothbrok, Bjorn Ironside, and Ivar the Boneless are treated like legends in Vikings. They feel larger than life, with their heroic deeds and grand ambitions. The show often highlights their strength, cunning, and leadership, making them unforgettable.
While The Last Kingdom has strong characters, they don’t have the same legendary status. Vikings turns its characters into almost mythical figures, which makes their stories feel bigger and more dramatic.
4. Stunning Visuals
One thing Vikings does exceptionally well is its cinematography. The landscapes are breathtaking, with wide shots of fjords, mountains, and Viking ships sailing across the ocean.
Every scene feels grand and epic, giving the show a visually stunning feel.
In comparison, The Last Kingdom has a more muted, realistic look. It’s still well-shot, but Vikings takes the visual experience to another level, making every scene feel like it’s part of a grand saga.
5. Exploration and Raids
Vikings focuses heavily on Viking exploration and their raids across Europe. You follow the characters as they travel to England, France, and even further. The show captures the spirit of adventure and conquest that the Vikings were known for.
In The Last Kingdom, the focus is more on the conflicts within England. You don’t get as much of that feeling of exploration and adventure that you do in Vikings. If you’re interested in seeing how the Vikings expanded their influence, Vikings does it better.
6. Myth and Legend
Vikings blends history with myth, giving the show a unique mystical quality. The characters often have visions or prophecies, and the show includes elements of Viking religion, like their belief in fate and the gods.
This mix of history and legend makes the show feel more like a grand tale.
The Last Kingdom sticks more closely to real history, which means it doesn’t dive into the mythic side of things as much. If you like stories that mix reality with legend, Vikings offers more of that.
7. Larger-Than-Life Storytelling
The storytelling in Vikings is big and dramatic. Every event feels like it has huge stakes, and the characters are often caught up in grand, world-changing moments. The show is designed to feel like an epic, with big battles, huge personalities, and a focus on legacy and power.
The Last Kingdom has a more intimate feel, focusing on personal conflicts and politics. While that’s great for character development, Vikings stands out when it comes to telling a larger, more mythic story.
7 Things The Last Kingdom Does Better Than Vikings
The Last Kingdom excels in delivering a focused, character-driven story, realistic battles, and more historically accurate events. The show is grounded in the real world, with a strong emphasis on personal struggles, loyalty, and the formation of England.
1. Focused Character Development
In The Last Kingdom, the story is all about Uhtred. You follow him closely from the start to the end, watching how his choices shape his life. This makes the show feel more focused and personal. You really get to know Uhtred and see his growth over time.
Vikings jumps between many different characters, which can sometimes make it feel less focused. If you prefer to stick with one character and follow their journey closely, The Last Kingdom does this better.
2. Realistic Battles
The battles in The Last Kingdom feel more grounded and real. The show focuses on actual strategies used during that time, and the combat feels rough and dirty. You get a sense of the brutality of medieval warfare without the exaggerated drama seen in Vikings.
If you want fights that feel true to life and less flashy, The Last Kingdom handles battle scenes in a more realistic way.
3. Historical Accuracy
The Last Kingdom stays closer to real history. While Uhtred is a fictional character, the events happening around him are based on real historical facts, like King Alfred’s efforts to unite England.
The show pays attention to the politics, religion, and culture of the time.
Vikings mixes myth and legend with history, so it’s not as reliable if you’re looking for an accurate portrayal of the past.
4. Personal Storytelling
The Last Kingdom is a more personal story. It’s less about world-changing events and more about Uhtred’s internal struggle. He’s torn between his Viking upbringing and his Saxon heritage, and that conflict drives the story.
This gives the show a more emotional, human feel.
Vikings focuses on grand events and legendary figures, but The Last Kingdom is better if you want a story about personal growth and tough choices.
5. Consistent Pacing
The pacing in The Last Kingdom is steady and consistent. Since it follows Uhtred’s journey, the story moves smoothly from one event to the next. It balances action, drama, and political intrigue without feeling too slow or too rushed.
Vikings can sometimes feel uneven, with slow periods in between big battles or character arcs. If you prefer a show that keeps things moving at a steady pace, The Last Kingdom does a better job.
6. Loyalty and Identity
A big theme in The Last Kingdom is Uhtred’s struggle with his identity. He’s always caught between two worlds: his Viking family and his Saxon bloodline. This conflict makes the show feel more emotionally complex, as Uhtred constantly battles with his loyalty.
While Vikings touches on loyalty, The Last Kingdom dives deeper into this theme, making it a central part of the story.
7. Political Drama
The Last Kingdom does a great job of showing the political struggles of the time. The show is filled with intrigue, alliances, and power struggles as different kingdoms fight for control of England.
This makes the show feel more grounded in real historical events, with a focus on the formation of a nation.
Vikings focuses more on exploration and conquest, while The Last Kingdom digs deeper into the political side of things.
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Which Came First, Vikings or The Last Kingdom?
Vikings premiered first in 2013, followed by The Last Kingdom in 2015.
Vikings aired in 2013 and quickly became a popular show about the Norse warriors. It was the first TV show to focus heavily on Viking culture, bringing these fierce warriors to life.
The story starts with Ragnar Lothbrok and explores how the Vikings traveled and raided across Europe. The show mixes action with drama, showing both the violence of Viking raids and the deep beliefs they held about fate and gods.
It sparked a lot of interest in Viking history, making people curious about how these real-life warriors lived and fought. The success of Vikings paved the way for more shows about this time period, including The Last Kingdom.
Two years after Vikings, The Last Kingdom premiered in 2015. While Vikings focuses more on the Norse warriors, The Last Kingdom tells the story from the English side.
The show follows Uhtred, a Saxon who was raised by Vikings, and his struggle to reclaim his ancestral land while fighting in the battles between the Saxons and the Danes.
Even though The Last Kingdom came after Vikings, it tells a different story with a more historical focus. While Vikings is about the Norse perspective, The Last Kingdom shows how the Viking invasions shaped the future of England.
Vikings vs Last Kingdom vs Game of Thrones
Vikings, The Last Kingdom, and Game of Thrones are all epic shows, but they offer different experiences.
Vikings is about Viking raids and exploration, The Last Kingdom focuses on England’s fight against Viking invasions, and Game of Thrones is a fantasy series about power struggles in a fictional world.
Vikings | The Last Kingdom | Game of Thrones | |
Setting | Viking era, focusing on Norse raids and travels | Anglo-Saxon England during Viking invasions | A fictional medieval world called Westeros |
Focus | Viking culture, mythology, and legendary figures | Personal story of Uhtred | Power struggles between noble families |
Main Themes | Fate, honor, exploration, and conquest | Loyalty, identity, and the clash | Betrayal, politics, power, and war |
Tone | Gritty, action-packed | Grounded, with a focus on personal and political struggles | Dark, complex, and full of twists |
Type of Story | A mix of history and legend | Historical drama | Fantasy with dragons, magic, and fictional kingdoms |
Battles | Large, dramatic, and often stylized | More realistic | Huge, with epic, fantasy-style fights |
If you appreciate epic stories, check out when Game of Thrones really starts to get good and why it’s worth sticking with.
Conclusion
To sum up:
- Vikings gives you epic battles and larger-than-life Viking heroes.
- The Last Kingdom focuses on Uhtred’s personal journey between two cultures.
- Vikings mixes myth and history for a more legendary feel.
- The Last Kingdom sticks closer to real historical events.
- Both shows are packed with action, but each offers a different experience.
No matter which one you choose, Vikings and The Last Kingdom both offer great adventures and stories that will keep you hooked!
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