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"I beg your pardon Lord, but if I may? It is clear that, like me, the arseling here is guilty. (...) It is also clear that he is too proud and too stupid to repent, and as a consequence, will die. (...) Because of my own guilt; and because of my respect for Uhtred as a warrior, I request that he dies at my sword. (...) My plea is for a fight to the death, Lord: me against the arseling. If God is with me, I will be the victor, and the Ealdorman is allowed to die as a warrior should."
—Leofric requesting a trial by combat for Uhtred.[src]

Leofric was a main character in both The Saxon Stories novel series, and The Last Kingdom television series acting as the deuteragonist of the second half of Season 1. He was a Saxon Military man and a warrior who served Alfred. He was the uncle of Osferth. Weathered and worldly, Leofric was straight talking, uncomplicated, but a reasonable man. He initially disliked Uhtred, whom he nicknamed 'Arseling' but a close bond was soon struck between the two.

Biography[]

The Saxon Stories[]

In "The Pale Horseman", he is the captain of the Hæhengel which is one of the ships of Wessex.

(To Be Added)

The Last Kingdom[]

Season 1[]

Winchester, Wessex; Leofric is first seen after Æthelwold is found passed out drunk in the garden. He pulls Æthelwold to his feet and drags him before King Æthelred, to whom Æthelwold complains about his "mistreatment" at the hands of Leofric. ("Episode 1.2")

When Uhtred and Brida arrive in Winchester, Leofric is the first person Uhtred approaches and informs about his business with the King. Leofric at first does not respond, but when Uhtred asks whether or not he speaks English, Leofric responds snarkily, calling him an arseling and saying that he sounds like a Dane. Uhtred challenges Leofric by asking why he's dressed as a warrior when he's clearly a farmer, and the two nearly fight, but Brida attempts to hold Uhtred back. The situation is interrupted by Father Beocca, who recognises Uhtred, greets him warmly, and assures Leofric that he can vouch for him. Leofric reluctantly but respectfully defers to Father Beocca, but suggests taking Uhtred and Brida's weapons. ("Episode 1.2")

Leofric and Odda the Elder catch Æthelwold spitting in Alfred's milk. Leofric pulls a bag over his head and drags him away to a more private location, where Æthelwold is berated by Odda the Elder for his behaviour while Leofric holds a sword to his throat. Leofric suggests that he make Æthelwold "docile", to which Odda gladly agrees. Leofric then proceeds to knock Æthelwold out with a strong kick. ("Episode 1.3")

Leofric is briefly seen asking if Brida is looking for company, to which she replies that she "prefers the company of the gods to stupid men." ("Episode 1.3")

Leofric attends Alfred's coronation and is seen in the crowd chanting "Vivat Rex Alfredus." ("Episode 1.3")

He is present at the meeting between King Alfred, Uhtred, Ubba, and Guthrum. When Ubba calls Uhtred a traitor and it appears as though the two might have a confrontation, Leofric puts himself physically between the two men and shoves Ubba away. ("Episode 1.3")

Later that night, as Uhtred, Brida, and the Saxons are gathered around a fire, Leofric wonders out loud about some of the Danes sharpening their teeth into points, to which Brida responds that they do so to show that they are fearless and able to inflict pain even on themselves. Shortly after, when Alfred informs the group of his plan to have Uhtred educate the Saxon warriors on Danish customs and fighting styles, Leofric takes offence; however, Alfred quickly clarifies and Leofric is doubly pleased by Alfred's suggestion of whipping Uhtred with staves. ("Episode 1.3")

Leofric, Uhtred, and a small army of Saxon warriors gather in the fields at Southampton to train. They divide into two groups to simulate battle, and when Uhtred demonstrates the shield wall, Leofric appears impressed by the technique. After indicating his approval of the shield wall, he orders his men to charge at Uhtred (although mostly in jest). ("Episode 1.3")

That night, Uhtred and Leofric sit and drink together outside an alehouse. Leofric asks about Brida and her apparent unhappiness. Uhtred tells Leofric that Brida feels more comfortable around Danes, and that Danes have a certain "hunger for life". Leofric appears to understand, although he suggests that Saxons are the same way. Leofric proceeds to remark on King Alfred's piety and ruthlessness, adding that Alfred "thinks, which is more than you and I could ever do." ("Episode 1.3")

Leofric is approached by Æthelwold, of whom he makes his dislike quite apparent. Leofric asks if the monks know that he's missing, and is unimpressed by Æthelwold's indigence at not being allowed to fight. Æthelwold asks Leofric to teach him how to fight. The conversation is interrupted by a barmaid, who tells Leofric not to forget to pay, as he had done once or twice before. She offers him a flirtatious smile and he checks her out as she walks away. Æthelwold suggests that he should "slit Alfred's gizzard", to which Leofric responds by slamming Æthelwold's head on the table and telling him that if he said that to anyone else, he'd be hanged. ("Episode 1.3")

Leofric approaches Uhtred after Brida leaves with Ragnar the Younger. Uhtred confesses his doubts about his choice, and Leofric says that "that's what we do; we sell ourselves." Leofric tells Uhtred what he thinks Alfred has in store for him: that Alfred wants more than a year's service from him and that he wants Uhtred to help take back all of England. Leofric also raises the issue of how Uhtred's loyalty to Alfred will call his identity into question, leaving him wondering who and what he would be. ("Episode 1.3")

Leofric and Uhtred discuss his arranged marriage to Mildrith. Leofric describes her as plain. The bride price was 33 pieces of silver. With marrying Mildrith comes land, and Uhtred will become a lord under Alfred, and eventually, he’ll be able to take back Bebbanburg. Leofric reminds Uhtred that blood feuds last a lifetime and that he should live each day until the last. ("Episode 1.4")

Uhtred marries Mildrith and heads back to their farmstead. Leofric, Uhtred, and Mildrith cross paths with Danes on their way to the farmstead. They draw their swords but continue on their path. Uhtred questions why Alfred has gifted him such a beautiful bride. She reveals that her father wanted to find favor with God, so he devoted a tenth of his land to the church. They don’t own it but they’re entitled to its yield, even when crops fail. Meaning Mildrith’s betrothal to Uhtred is because of a huge debt her family owes. Which increases yearly. The amount of 2,000 shillings. ("Episode 1.4")

Leofric, Uhtred, and Mildrith arrive at Lyscombe. Uhtred's new home. Uhtred was expecting a hall and instead he got a shack. Leofric explains that Alfred wants him to obey an that this is all part of his plan to make Uhtred do his bidding. Mildrith enters, upset that Uhtred will not gather with the villagers. Uhtred is upset as he is now 2,000 shillings in debt having been married to Mildrith. ("Episode 1.4")

Several months have past. Leofric, Uhtred, Oswald, and a now pregnant Mildrith spots an army of Danes moving through the land. In a day or so, if they keep heading west, they’ll reach Werham. Uhtred orders Oswald to take his family to the hills until the Danes have passed. ("Episode 1.4")

Leofric, Uhtred, and Mildrith arrive in Winchester to inform the council that the Danes are crossing through Wessex. Alfred, Odda, and Young Odda question why he did nothing. Uhtred explains that he has no warriors. Most of his men work the fields. If Werham is captured, the Danes will grow immensely. Uhtred suggests they march now. Alfred is in agreement with Uhtred and decides they will indeed march. ("Episode 1.4")

Word of Werham’s fall has spread, and so King Alfred, Uhtred, Odda, Young Odda, Beocca and Leofric prepare for war. They stand outside of the fortress’ gates. Young Ragnar and Guthrum exit. Alfred, Odda, Leofric, and Father Selbix head down the field to speak with them. Guthrum proposes a truce. He’s decided to leave by sea. Therefore, he will send for 15 ships. Alfred gives them a month to arrive and offers food and ale for that time. ("Episode 1.4")

Leofric, Odda, Young Odda, and Wulfhere arrive at Cynuit hill. They look over the cliff to see the Dane ships. Odda wants to bide time and hold their position in hopes that Alfred will defeat Guthrum and join them. ("Episode 1.5")

Uhtred arrives at the hill and holds a knife to Young Odda's throat, demanding to know what he did with his wife and child. Odda reveals that she’s safe at his home, with his wife. Leofric draws his sword and tells Uhtred to let Young Odda go. He assures Uhtred that his wife and child are being cared for. Uhtred admits that it would've been the better choice to simply ask where he wife is. Leofric suggests that Uhtred go back the way he came if he wishes to see his family as they are stuck on the hill, and they will die there. ("Episode 1.5")

Uhtred, Odda, Young Odda, Leofric, and Wulfhere discuss their next course of action. Odda decides they will wait for Alfred to arrive. Until then, he schedules a negotiation with the Danes. So, the following day, they meet with Ubba and Storri. Ubba wants their surrender, but Odda refuses. Uhtred then reveals that Guthrum's fleet is gone. They drowned at sea. Uhtred claims that he also cast runes and that Ubba is next to die. Ubba becomes enraged and leaves. As Ubba leaves, Uhtred tells Odda that now is the time to attack. ("Episode 1.5")

Odda tells Leofric and Wulfhere to prepare their men so they can leave as Uhtred invades the Danes' camp. Leofric and Wulfhere suspect that something isn’t right, but they do as told. They watch as the ships go up in flames. Odda decides to go against his son’s plans and decides to attack. ("Episode 1.5")

Morning has come, and they have defeated the Danes. Leofric reveals that Lord Odda was hurt in battle. Uhtred wants Ubba buried with his axe, but Leofric informs him that the axe is gone and Young Odda wants Ubba cut into pieces. Uhtred won’t allow that to happen, and Leofric agrees to see to it that he’s buried. As for Uhtred, Leofric tells him to go to King Alfred and tell him that Wessex has been saved, because if he doesn't, someone else will claim the rewards. However, Uhtred would rather see his son. ("Episode 1.5")

Leofric, Young Odda, and Wulfhere arrive south to find that King Alfred has not yet lead his men to battle. Alfred asks about the men in the camp. He worries that he doesn't inspire them and that they don’t see him as a warrior. Beocca then notices Leofric, Young Odda, and Wulfhere approaching. He informs them that the Ubba and the Danes have been defeated. Young Odda hands Alfred Ubba's axe as proof of his demise. King Alfred is certain that Guthrum will now retreat. Wessex is saved. ("Episode 1.5")

Leofric finds Uhtred at an ale house with a whore after he was forced to grovel. Like the land, which is passed from man to son, Leofric is now Young Odda's man. He tells Uhtred that Young Odda is afraid that Uhtred will kill him. Uhtred jokes that he will. In actuality, he intends to find wealth elsewhere. Leofric suggests that they become Danes and plunderers. He assures Uhtred that men will follow him, including the ones they schooled. Leofric wants to head to Cornwalum and take it from the Britans. ("Episode 1.5")

Leofric makes certain that Uhtred wants to go through with becoming Danes and plundering Cornwalum. Uhtred explains that it’s a means to an end. He needs silver to raise an army and an army to claim Bebbanburg. ("Episode 1.6")

Leofric notices that they’ve been followed. He tells the unidentified tag-along to lower his hood. Instead, he runs and gets caught up in the mud. Æthelwold reveals himself and explains that he merely wanted to be part of the adventure. Leofric wants to kill Æthelwold as they will all be killed should anyone find out what they're doing. However, Uhtred owes Æthelwold and tells him to come along. That night, Æthelwold tells Uhtred and Leofric about the layout of Cornwalum; they have numerous kings and fierce warriors. Æthelwold is eager to be blooded in battle. ("Episode 1.6")

Five days of raiding, and they’ve turned up with nothing. Uhtred needs silver as quick as possible. Leofric wants to keep heading west. They later cross paths with five men. Uhtred tells Æthelwold not to speak. Brother Asser has brought them a gift from King Peredur, of the Britons. The king has heard of them and wants to enlist in their help as the king is under attack by a fellow Briton, Callyn. Peredur is prepared to pay them well if they help him recapture their land. ("Episode 1.6")

Brother Asser takes Uhtred, Leofric, and Æthelwold to meet King Peredur. Their rivals have between 40 and 50 men. The king only has 30 fighting men at his disposal. In return for their help, he will pay them 100 pieces of silver. Uhtred wants 400 pieces instead. King Peredur calls down his second wife Iseult. She's a shadow queen. She asks Uhtred who he is and what he will do for the king. Uhtred replies that he’ll only fight if he is paid what he’s worth. She examines Uhtred closely and says that he is the one. And so, King Peredur agrees to pay Uhtred the 400 pieces of silver, but they must first reclaim the fortress, where his silver is hidden. Leofric worries that what they’re doing will travel as Uhtred gave them his name. ("Episode 1.6")

The following day, Uhtred, Leofric, and Æthelwold lead King Peredur, Brother Asser, and his men into battle. However, as they approach, the Britons exit the fortress. Æthelwold goes to see why they'd do such a thing. He discovers that King Peredur lied to them and that his fortress was taken by Danes. ("Episode 1.6")

Skorpa, a sword Dane and Lord of War approaches Uhtred and Leofric. Uhtred doesn't stand a chance against Danes, and they both know it, however, silver remains inside. He proposes that they go their separate ways. Skorpa reveals that they ripped the fortress apart and there isn't any silver inside. He suggests that they split whatever the king has. They can kill his men and then force him to show them where his wealth is. Uhtred agrees to his terms and pretends to get into a dispute with Skorpa. ("Episode 1.6")

Uhtred and Leofric return to their horses and inform Æthelwold and the others of their plans to double cross King Peredur. They charge forward and then turn around, joining forces with the Danes and killing Peredur's men. Brother Asser watches from the bushes before running off. With King Peredur as the sole survivor, they demand to know where they can find his wealth. Skorpa promises him that he will be spared. King Peredur reveals that it’s buried beneath his throne. Skorpa then kills him. ("Episode 1.6")

They return to King Peredur's kingdom, where they find Queen Iseult awaiting their arrival. She tells them that the silver is under his throne and they begin searching. However, Skorpa has double crossed Uhtred, Leofric, and Æthelwold. He holds an axe to the queen’s throat as his men walk out with the riches. Skorpa whispers something into Iseult's ear before releasing her and leaving. After they're gone, Iseult tells Uhtred that she can get him more silver. There's more hidden outside under a stack of hay. Just under the hay, they find a chest filled with silver, including a large cross, which Uhtred tells them is not for plunder. ("Episode 1.6")

Uhtred and Iseult arrive in Winchester for the Witan. Leofric is introduced as a witness. He admits to being in Cornwalum with Uhtred. They also killed Britons and plundered. He also donated his share of the plunder to the church and begged for forgiveness. Leofric claims that he didn't follow anyone and that he acted of his own will. However, Odda wants Uhtred held accountable. Beocca suggests that Uhtred beg, but he refuses. King Alfred sentences Uhtred to death. Leofric asks to speak. While they're admittedly guilty, Leofric requests a fight to the death. He assures them that Uhtred won't win. It would take God's intervention for Uhtred to beat him. Æthelwold agrees that it should be put into God's hands. Alfred grants Leofric's request. ("Episode 1.6")

Leofric finds Uhtred and Iseult at an ale house. He has come to remind Uhtred that he is a better fighter than Uhtred and that a warrior's death is all he can offer him. While this isn't a fight that Uhtred wants, running away would soil his reputation, so he must kill Leofric when the time comes. Leofric tells Uhtred that it was an honor to be his friend. ("Episode 1.7")

The battle between Uhtred and Leofric is about to commence. Iseult watches from the crowd. Wulfhere stands between them and officiates. They grab their swords and shields and proceed to battle. King Alfred does not wish to watch the outcome and leaves, asking Ælswith to fetch the children. As Uhtred and Leofric trade blows, the town gets word of a Dane invasion led by Young Ragnar and Guthrum. ("Episode 1.7")

Uhtred, Leofric, and Iseult take cover. They watch as Young Odda and Wulfhere ride out on horses. Without a means to escape, the three of them take refuge in the attic of a shack until nightfall. ("Episode 1.7")

Uhtred, Leofric, and Iseult watch from the attic as three Danes rape a nun named Hild. She pleads with them for mercy, and so Iseult intervenes. She jumps down and stabs a Dane in his eye with a dagger. Hild finishes him off while Uhtred and Leofric kill the remaining two Danes. Uhtred and Leofric disguise themselves as Danes and parade Iseult and Hild as their prisoners in order to escape Winchester. ("Episode 1.7")

Uhtred, Leofric, Iseult, and Hild travel to Athelnev. They cross paths with priests fleeing from Danes. Uhtred and Leofric kill the attacking Danes while Iseult and Hild prepare a boat for them to escape on. As it turns out, one of the priests is actually King Alfred. His family is in the boat ahead. Uhtred blames Alfred for the attack on Winchester. He should’ve had watchers and spies on lookout. Like every kingdom before it, Wessex has fallen. Alfred is king of nothing. Before long, they arrive on the other end of the marshlands, where Ælswith waits with baby Edward and Æthelflæd. ("Episode 1.7")

Uhtred informs Leofric and Alfred that the Danes' ships are guarded by no more than 60 men. The rest of the army will be inland looking for food. They can kill the men and burn the ships, forcing Skorpa to go to Guthrum, where they can attack all the Danes at once. Uhtred, Leofric, and several archers lure out the nearby Danes. He reminds them to not kill the Danes but to get their attention. They shoot several arrows before encouraging the Danes to come after them. They lure the Danes into the fields, where they proceed to kill them off. After the remaining Danes are killed, they watch as the ships go up in flames. Beocca believes this was a test for Alfred, and he emerged stronger. ("Episode 1.7")

Leofric, Uhtred, Beocca, Alfred, Brother Asser, and Wulfhere discuss their next course of action. They leave the marshes and set sail for Winchester. They arrive on land and cross paths with Wulfhere's man, Halig. He reveals that Wulfhere left without saying where. So, they continue on their path to Odda's estate. ("Episode 1.8")

Leofric, Uhtred, Iseult, Alfred, and Beocca cross paths with a man claiming that Young Odda has arranged for peace with the Danes. Uhtred and Beocca advise Alfred to hide while they assess the area. However, against their wishes, Alfred advances in not far behind Uhtred and Leofric. ("Episode 1.8")

Uhtred claims they come on behalf of the king. They come with Alfred’s written order to raise the fyrd, but Young Odda refuses. He accuses Alfred of deserting Wessex. Unbeknownst to them, Alfred watches from the crowd. When Uhtred accuses Young Odda of siding with the Danes, he orders Leofric to kill Uhtred, but Leofric will do no such thing. Realizing that tyrant he has become and the treason he has committed, Odda kills Young Odda. Alfred makes his presence known. Odda begs the king to forgive his son and let him die a noble. However, Alfred will not forgive him. He then orders Odda to raise the Somerset fyrd. Alfred now wants for word to be sent that he is king and will fight alongside the sword of Wessex. ("Episode 1.8")

The Saxon and Dane armies advance towards the middle of the field. Leofric demands Wulfhere's head for his treacherous ways. He, along with Uhtred and Æthelwold, are frontline. They build a wall as Brida, Guthrum, Ragnar charge towards them with an army. Leofric manages to stab and kill Wulfhere during the battle. However, Leofric is also killed in the attack. ("Episode 1.8")

Season 3[]

Leofric appears to Uhtred, who is hallucinating from the curse placed on him by Skade. He demands that Uhtred fight him. He calls Uhtred a Dane traitor. Uhtred awakens from this hallucination and grabs his sword tight. ("Episode 3.2")

Osferth brings Uhtred broth to eat so that he may regain his strength. Leofric reappears and tells Uhtred that now he knows how Alfred feels. Belly and bones aching. But everyday he got on his feet and built Wessex. Uhtred replies that Alfred built Wessex with his sword. Leofric then questions why his nephew Osferth with Uhtred when he is no warrior. Uhtred replies it’s because of Gisela that he allowed Osferth to join him. She was fond of him. Leofric claims that Uhtred has made all the men traitors and that Alfred is their king. ("Episode 3.2")

Even as Uhtred recovers, he continues to have hallucinations of Leofric, who tells him that he can’t escape who he is. Osferth offer his condolences to Uhtred for the loss of Gisela, who was often kind to him. Leofric then tells Uhtred that if he hadn’t killed Alfred’s monk, he would still be his oathmen. ("Episode 3.3")

Winchester, Wessex; Uhtred remarks that it was never less than an honor to serve Alfred, who didn’t wish to see God without first granting Uhtred his freedom. Edward wonders why his father chose not to announce it. Uhtred recalls his great friend Leofric. A warrior and Saxon to the bone, who told him once that he could never better Alfred. "Because the bastard thinks," he said. Uhtred surmises that Alfred chose not to announce it so that people could witness the new king, Edward, dispensing justice. ("Episode 3.10")

Killed Victims[]

This list shows the victims Leofric has killed:

The Last Kingdom[]

The Saxon Stories[]

  • Numerous unnamed Dane soldiers
  • (To Be Added)

Battle Participation[]

This list shows the battles Leofric has participated in:

The Last Kingdom[]

The Saxon Stories[]

Memorable Quotes[]

"The promises you have made will stand. Blood feuds last a lifetime. What you do, arseling, is you keep living each day until the last."
—Leofric to Uhtred[src]
"You do not shit at your own table."
—Leofric

Appearances[]

The Saxon Stories[]

Books 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
The Saxon Stories                      

The Last Kingdom[]

Episodes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Season 1  
Season 2
Season 3
Season 4
Season 5
Seven Kings Must Die

Trivia[]

  • The name Leofric comes from Old English. The name is made up of the words leof, which means "desirable, friendly", and ric, which means "ruler".
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