Uhtred

Q: "Who is Uhtred?"

"Uhtred of Bebbanburg, born Osbert, is the protagonist of Bernard Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles. Born a Saxon noble but abducted and raised by Danish Vikings after a raid, he becomes a fearsome warrior caught between two worlds."

Q: "What defines Uhtred's character?"

"Uhtred is a warrior's warrior, pragmatic and loyal to those who earn it. He rejects Christianity for the Norse gods and values honor, courage, and loyalty above all else. His divided heritage makes him uniquely positioned to understand both worlds."

Q: "What is Uhtred's ultimate goal?"

"Uhtred's primary goal throughout his life is to reclaim Bebbanburg, the ancestral castle from which he was stolen as a boy, and restore his family's honor."

Uhtred of Bebbanburg is the central protagonist of Bernard Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles, a series of historical fiction novels set in 9th and 10th century England. Born Osbert, the son of Ealdorman Uhtred of Bebbanburg, his life is changed forever when his family castle is raided by Danish Vikings in 866.

After his father is killed and his uncle usurps Bebbanburg, the young Uhtred is taken by the Danes and raised as one of their own. He learns their language, culture, and fighting style, eventually becoming one of the fiercest Viking warriors. Yet he never forgets his Saxon birthright and his claim to Bebbanburg.

Caught between the pagan Danes who raised him and the Christian Saxons of his birth, Uhtred serves various Saxon kings while maintaining loyalty to the Danish oath-father who raised him. His military prowess, leadership, and complex political maneuvering help shape England’s future as he fights in countless battles against Viking invaders, rival Saxons, and Norse conspirators.

Reading Order

See the complete Warlord Chronicles reading order for all books in the series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Uhtred?

Uhtred of Bebbanburg, born Osbert, is the protagonist of Bernard Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles. Born a Saxon noble but abducted and raised by Danish Vikings after a raid, he becomes a fearsome warrior caught between two worlds.

What defines Uhtred's character?

Uhtred is a warrior’s warrior, pragmatic and loyal to those who earn it. He rejects Christianity for the Norse gods and values honor, courage, and loyalty above all else. His divided heritage makes him uniquely positioned to understand both worlds.

What is Uhtred's ultimate goal?

Uhtred’s primary goal throughout his life is to reclaim Bebbanburg, the ancestral castle from which he was stolen as a boy, and restore his family’s honor.

Reading Order#

Frequently Asked Questions

Reading Order