‘Vikings’: Why Alfred Was the Better Choice for King Over His Brother
There have been many things that have occurred on Vikings that make fans question why it had to be that way. After the untimely death of Aethelwulf (Moe Dunford), his sons are the obvious choices to take his place as King of Wessex. Read on to learn why Alfred (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) was the better choice for king over his older brother.
A fan questions why Alfred would be a better king
A Reddit user asked a question in regards to why Alfred would be a better king than his older brother Aethelred (Darren Cahill).
“Why would Alfred be a better king than his brother?” a Reddit user asked. “Just got done with season 5 and I just can’t understand why would his mother think that her less charismatic, weaker child would be a better king now, during these times of war.”
Fans weigh in on the situation
Numerous fans weighed in on the situation with excellent points. A major factor had to do with all the support Alfred received from his grandfather King Ecbert (Linus Roache) and his mother, Judith (Jennie Jacques). This all comes down to Alfred’s true father, Athelstan (George Blagden) and how much Ecbert and Judith cared for him. The adoration was then transferred to his son, Alfred.
“Ecbert worshipped Aethelstan. He transferred that adoration onto Alfred. As did Judith,” a Reddit user said.
Alfred was the change Wessex needed
Alfred and his brother were so different in a number of ways. Alfred is definitely smarter and clearly wiser than his years. Judith saw this in her son and so did Ecbert, who was grooming him for the position for his entire life. With support like this, how could Alfred not be king?
“Because Alfred was more fit to be king, and also partly because he was indeed favored by Judith,” a Reddit user agreed. “Aethelred might be a good fighter, but he doesn’t have what Alfred has intellectually. You can always learn how to fight, but the manner of your thoughts is something that can’t be changed overnight. Alfred is smart, thoughtful, and ready to make a change. Something they were in great need of.”
Aethelred was too much like his father
One Reddit user brought up the fact that Aethelred was too much like his father, Aethelwulf. He would have been the same type of leader in a time when they needed something more.
“Look at how ineffective Aethelwulf was. Aethelred is exactly like his father; a blunt instrument,” the user explained. “Alfred is able to both fight militarily and know how to negotiate and is intelligent enough to see solutions that Aethelred would never be able to see, much less put into effect.”
Another fan seems to agree. “Because Aethelred would be an Aethelwulf 2. And right now they needed someone more ‘Ecbert,’” the fan said.
Alfred “symbolizes” things that his brother never could. “Alfred symbolizes a peaceful prosperous future and Aethelred, the fighting past,” a Reddit user wrote.
Alfred was the better choice over his brother for a number of reasons. He’s already proven himself and it will be interesting to see more of Alfred in season 6B of Vikings.
