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There are a number of characters in the hit series The Last Kingdom that viewers might be surprised and even shocked that they’re still around. That’s the premise of a new poll on Reddit. Fans weighed in with their thoughts, and the answer may or may not surprise you.

Jeppe Beck Laursen as Haesten in 'The Last Kingdom'
Jeppe Beck Laursen as Haesten in ‘The Last Kingdom’ | Adrienn Szabo/Netflix

‘The Last Kingdom’ fans reveal which character they’re ‘shocked’ is still around

On August 31, 2021, a fan on Reddit made a poll titled, “Which character are you shocked that’s still there?” They also added, “Brida really hasn’t really had a storyline since Ragnar’s death, so I’ll go with Brida.” The options are Brida (Emily Cox), Aelswith (Eliza Butterworth), and Haesten (Jeppe Beck Laursen). 1,466 people took part in the poll, and the results were close for the first and second choice. Haesten won the poll with 647 votes. Brida was a close second with 566 votes. Aelswith came in last with 253 votes.

Brida, Aelswith, and Haesten in ‘The Last Kingdom’

Emily Cox as Brida in 'The Last Kingdom'
Emily Cox as Brida in ‘The Last Kingdom’ | Adrienn Szabo/Netflix

Fans will recall that Brida was a Saxon child taken in by the Danes. Brida is now a Viking, and she has adopted their culture and beliefs as her own. She was lovers with Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) at one point, and they grew up together. She holds a grudge against him in season 4 for not killing her when she is found by the Welsh in battle, as she thought she would then go to Valhalla.

Aelswith is the wife of the late King Alfred (David Dawson). She has two children, King Edward of Wessex (Timothy Innes) and Lady Aethelflaed (Millie Brady), who is now ruler of the Mercians. She’s poisoned by Lord Aethelhelm (Adrian Schiller) in season 4 while held captive by the Danes. Although eventually allowed free, she falls, and the last we see of her, she’s lying in bed. However, she survives, as we’ve seen an official look at her character in season 5.

Haesten is a Dane and Viking who plays both sides when it suits him. He causes all sorts of trouble over the years. He even abducts Aelswith along with King Edward’s son, Aethelstan, and Uhtred’s daughter, Stiorra (Ruby Hartley). They are then held captive by the Danes and Sigtryggr (Eysteinn Sigurðarson) in season 4. 

Fans weigh in with comments

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Some fans chose to leave comments as well. Fans are split between Aelswith and Haesten as to who they’re “shocked” is still around. 

One fan mentioned the large amount of Viking characters who have come and gone over the years. “Considering the high Viking turnover rate, it’s Haesten,” the fan said.

Another fan also chose Haesten as their answer as well. “Definitely Haesten…never imagined he would live so long,” they said.

Other fans named Lady Aelswith. “Aelswith,” a fan said. “I’ve read the books so I’m not surprised by the other two being there still. Aelswith really lost usefulness when Alfred died.”

Another fan also chose Aelswith as their answer as well. Some fans might expect she would have joined a convent after the death of Alfred. “Aelswith,” a fan said. “Most widowed queens, ladies, ect. would have faded away into a convent, but not Eliza.”

Some fans even mentioned characters such as Uhtred himself and Aldhelm (James Northcote). When it comes to which character fans of The Last Kingdom are “shocked” is still around, Haesten wins the Reddit poll.

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