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King Brihtwulf (Old English: 'beorˠxtwuɫf; meaning "bright wolf"), of Mercia is the uncle of Princess Kwenthrith.


Biography[]

Season 3[]

The combined forces of the Northmen and Wessex sail up a river into Mercia to conquer it for Princess Kwenthrith on behalf of King Ecbert. They are confronted by two armies, each on one bank of the river. The smallest is commanded by Brihtwulf, who proclaimed himself King of Mercia. Ragnar decides to attack Brihtwulf first, as Burgred has a considerable force on the other bank, and there is no bridge in sight to allow him to come to his uncle's aid. Brihtwulf's army are overwhelmed by Viking and Wessex forces. Before he can flee, he is dragged from his horse and killed by Floki, who picks up his crown.

At the camp, Kwenthrith asks for her uncle's head, which she angrily starts to stab. When Ragnar asks why she hated her uncle so much, she tells her uncle raped her many times when she was young.

In History[]

Brihtwulf is based on the historical figure Beorhtwlf who was King of Mercia from 839 to 852 AD. The Vikings attached Mercia within a year or two of Beorhtwulf's accession when they raided the province of Lindsey in 841 and London in 842. According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, the Vikings assaulted London again inn 851 and "put Beorhtwulf to flight." The Vikings were then defeated by Æthelwulf of Wessex.

Appearances[]

Season three appearances
Mercenary The Wanderer Warrior's Fate Scarred The Usurper
Born Again Paris To the Gates! Breaking Point The Dead
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