The Last Kingdom

Nature is an immediate presence. In many ways, it is a primary character in The Last Kingdom. Set centuries before science would begin to decode the mysteries of nature, The Last Kingdom taps into a sense of nature as a troublingly intrusive, raw, and unpredictable energy. At critical moments, nature determines the course of history itself. Both armies must plan their campaigns around the cycle of the seasons. The Norse are headed south because the intemperate climate of Scandinavia cannot sustain their population. When Alfred finally makes his move against the Norse armies, an unexpected storm at sea nearly upends the entire operation. Winters are fierce months that suspend all operations and drive both armies indoors; they feast on whatever supplies they gathered and spend the long and formidably bleak days honing their battle skills. The spring is a time for returning to battle as well as a time to turn to the earth to raise food and hunt for provisions.

Uhtred is given two philosophies for understanding nature. The Danes create a pantheon of lesser gods, each of whom directs different aspects of the natural world. The Danes respect that the gods express their pleasure or displeasure in the operations of nature.