A list of characters affiliated with the Kingdoms of England in Assassin's Creed: Valhalla. For the main Valhalla index, see here.
Kingdoms of England
Thrown into chaos after the repeated Viking incursions, most recently the Great Heathen Army led by the Sons of Ragnar to avenge their father Ragnar Lothbrok, the Kingdoms of England are seeking to rebuild while dealing with an influx of new Dane and Norse settlers into Anglo-Saxon lands. open/close all folders
Kingdom of Mercia
Ledecestrescire
King Burgred
King Burgred
Voiced by: Tim Watson (English)note
Ruler of the Kingdom of Mercia. Burgred opposes the attempted takeover of his kingdom by Ubba and Ivarr Ragnarson.
- Arc Villain: He is the primary antagonist of the Ledecestrescire story arc.
- Bad Boss: To Leothrifth, who is utterly loyal to him. Burgred repays this by constantly insulting and berating him, then potentially allowing him to be killed by the Vikings.
- Bullying a Dragon: Even after losing, he continues mouthing off to Ceolwulf, which is not a particularly smart move when Ivarr is in the room. Ivarr even admits that if it were up to him, he'd just kill Burgred then and there.
- Even Evil Has Loved Ones: As much of a jerk as he can be it's obvious that he and Aethelswith care deeply for one another.
- The Exile: After being captured and forced to capitulate his crown, Ceolwulf exiles him and his wife to Rome. The devs make a point of noting that Rome in the 9th Century was not a pleasant place to be, even less so than it was for Ezio in Brotherhood.
- Historical Domain Character: The second to last King of Mercia who was deposed and banished to Rome, where he would die shortly after and be buried at the site of the future Santo Spirito in Sassia, then the Saxon School for West Saxon Pilgrims.
- Villain Has a Point: His kingdom is being invaded by a faction he had already paid off to leave them in peace and he had been allowing Norsemen to live in peace within his kingdom's boundaries.
Lady Aethelswith
Lady Aethelswith
Voiced by: Lucy Briers (English)
The wife of Bergred, and sister of Alfred the Great of Wessex.
- Decoy Getaway: On the mission to capture her, Eivor discovers that the "Queen" they find was a handmaiden because of her hands being worn from chores.
- Decapitation Presentation: While Eivor is interrogating her for King Burgred's location, Ivarr casually comes in and throws the heads of some soldiers for the pigs to eat. They can either be pissed at him, or tell her she could just as well be next to feed the pigs.
- The Exile: Follows her husband to exile in Rome.
- Happily Married: She and King Burgred are clearly quite happy together.
- Historical Domain Character: The sister of Alfred the Great, following their exile to Rome she would outlive her husband and later die in the Italian city of Pavia in 888, then part of the Italian portion of the Holy Roman Empire.
Thegn Ceolwulf
Thegn Ceolwulf II
Voiced by: Mark Bonnar (English)note
A nobleman of Mercia who allies with Ubba and Ivarr Ragnarson in order to end the wars plaguing the kingdom by deposing King Burgred.
- Commonality Connection: After Ceolbert's death, Eivor commiserates with Ceolwulf that they know all too well what it's like to lose all their living family.
- Famous Ancestor: Possibly. Little is known about Ceolwulf II's reign in history, but his name makes it possible he was related to the 'C' Dynasty of rulers for Mercia (Cenwulf, Cuthred, etc). If so, it gives his claim to the throne legitimacy following Anglo-Saxon customs.
- Historical Domain Character: Like Burgred, Ceolwulf II was a real figure, one that is looked upon negatively by our scant sources of the time period. They paint him as an 'unwise king' and puppet ruler, letting the Danes have their fill of Mercia — even if the reality might be closer to Valhalla's depiction. Certainly, history shows that he had far more authority and independence than chronicles portray.
- I'm Going to Hell for This: Eivor can find a journal entry written by Ceolwulf that reveals he has fully resigned himself to the idea he will be damned to hell for siding with pagans against his king, but views it as a worthwhile sacrifice if it brings peace to the kingdom.
- Outliving One's Offspring: His son Ceolbert dies at the hands of Ivarr. If Eivor visits him afterwards, Ceolwulf states he is having a difficult time dealing with it and that the world seems to have lost a shade of color in his eyes.
- Puppet King: While he will be king, Ubba and Ivarr will have significant influence over his decisions thanks to being behind his rise to power. Eivor even directly says to Ceolwulf's face that he'll be a puppet, and he doesn't deny it.However, by the end of the story he has outlived both Ivarr and Ubba.
- The Quisling: Many in Mercia view him as a traitor for allying with the invading Norsemen and believe he is only doing so for power. However, he genuinely believes that it is for the greater good and will spare much bloodshed on both sides.
Ceolbert
Ceolbert
Voiced by: Luke T. Taylor (English)
The young son of Ceolwulf and potential future heir to the Kingdom of Mercia.
- Distressed Dude: During the Book of Dragons arc Eivor has to save Ceolbert from a pack of wolves who've dragged him into their cave den. While they succeed at getting him back to the camp, he dies from his dagger wound.
- Due to the Dead: He is interred in Tamworth following his death and Eivor can visit his tomb.
- Foregone Conclusion: Historically, Ceolwulf was succeeded as ruler of Mercia by a man named Aethelred, not Ceolbert. (In fact, sources of the time don't mention whether he had children at all.) Ceolbert doesn't live long enough to take the throne.
- Historical Character's Fictional Relative: Sources at the time don't mention whether or not Ceolwulf had any children at all.
- Kill the Cutie: Is stabbed through the heart by Ivarr, who frames King Rhodri for it.
- Like a Son to Me: Ivarr admits to Eivor that he views Ceolbert as a son, though it doesn't stop Ivarr from killing him and framing Rhodri for it so that he has an excuse to kill him.
- Morality Chain: Only barely manages to keep Ivarr from going completely bloodthirsty, and only sometimes. Subverted; Ivarr does like him, but is fully willing to kill Ceolbert in order to get Eivor to help indulge his revenge against Rhodri by framing him for the murder. That said, he does appear to express some regret over it while admitting it as the admission is said with none of his usual bluster.
- "Not So Different" Remark: Ponders the similarities between the Danes and Britons, noting that they seem like brethren separated by space and time. This endears him greatly to Eivor, Sigurd, and even the Ragnarssons.
- Reluctant Warrior: Even after learning how to fight he still dislikes it greatly and views it only as a last choice option. Ivarr is extremely confused by this and wonders why Ceolbert does not revel in killing.
- Too Good for This Sinful Earth: Ceolbert believes in trying to understand other people and tries seeing the best in everyone. He ends up being the first major storyline allied death of the game, since he tried to do this with a scorpion like Ivarr.
- Took a Level in Badass: Under Eivor and Ivarr's training he does become a capable warrior, even joining the two of them in launching a three-person assault on a Briton-occupied town.
- Tragic Keepsake: After he's murdered and Ivarr is killed, Eivor can visit Bishop Deorlaf at his church and get Ceolbert's cloak brooch as a memento.
- Wide-Eyed Idealist: He is always trying to see the best in people and the world, even Ivarr. Ceolwulf thinks this makes him naïve, but Eivor disagrees and believes it is one of Ceolbert's better qualities.
- Wise Beyond His Years: Ceolbert is surprisingly philosophical despite his youth, with many characters impressed by his thoughts on language in particular.
- The Wise Prince: Sigurd, Eivor, and even Ivarr all take a liking to Ceolbert and see potential in him to be a wise king and even a potential warrior.
Thegn Leofrith
Thegn Leofrith
Voiced by:
War-thegn of King Burgred and one of the few nobles still loyal to the king in the face of the Ragnarsons' invasion.
- Badass Boast: Not surprising given the man is a badass.Eivor: You can't win Leofrith! Even if you defeat me, the brothers Ragnarsson have won the day.Leofrith: I have fought many a Dane in my day and I'm still standing.
- Battle Trophy: He took the axe Ivarr threw into his back as one.
- Covered in Scars: He's covered in scars from his many battles against the Sons of Ragnar, especially against Ivarr. When Eivor first sees him, he's got fresh wounds all over him due to the ongoing war with the Ragnarsons.
- Face Death with Dignity: If Eivor chooses to kill him, they tell him he's earned an honorable death and makes his finishing blow quick.
- Impaled with Extreme Prejudice: Die in battle with him and he will not hesitate to run Eivor through with his blade.
- Made of Iron: Ivarr threw an axe into his back mid-battle, a short while before Eivor meets him. He walked away from that one, and you'd never know he'd even taken the injury.
- My Master, Right or Wrong: He knows that the war is pointless and that Burgred will be deposed, even attempting to convince him to end things peacefully. When that fails, he follows his king's orders and fights a losing battle.
- One-Man Army: A note you find says that when four viking scouts were outside a fortress' walls, he charged out and killed them all. If that wasn't enough, he killed twelve viking warriors by himself in a river ambush. He was only stopped by Ivarr throwing an axe into him, but even that wound healed rather quickly.
- Real Men Love Jesus: Is a powerful warrior who, when asked by Ivarr if he's a god for recovering from his injury so quickly, owes his recovery to his faith in God.
- Undying Loyalty: Although Burgred treats him like dirt, Leofrith continues to be staunchly loyal to him. Only the revelation that he was ordered to carry out a pointless attack after Burgred had already forfeited his crown and been exiled does he stop fighting for him. And even then, if you choose to spare him, he says he will follow his master to Rome. A later encounter with him has him explicitly state he's going for revenge..
- Worthy Opponent:
- Everyone opposing Burgred has a positive opinion of Leofrith, including Ivarr, be it for his fighting skills or loyalty. Ivarr even wonders if he is a god following his surprisingly quick recovery after Ivarr threw an axe in his back.
- Also considers Eivor one in his battle with them through his battle dialogue.
Leofrith: Not bad for a heathen!Leofrith: You're good! But I'm better.
Oxenefordscire
Lady Eadwyn
Lady Eadwyn
Voiced by:
Ruler of Oxenefordscire following the death of her husband, the Ealdorman of the region, at the hands of a Viking raiding party. Disgusted by the ascension of Ceolwulf to the throne of Mercia, Eadwyn rises in rebellion and beseeches the aid of King Alfred the Great of Wessex.
- 0% Approval Rating: She has almost zero support amongst the Thegns and common people of Oxenefordscire, with her family riches providing the money to pay for her army and supplies.
- Arc Villain: Of the Oxenefordscire arc.
- Crusading Widow: Her hatred of the Norsemen knows no bounds thanks to their murder of her husband. Her treason is spurred by the fact that Ceolwulf takes the throne with the aid of the Sons of Ragnar.
- The Exile: One of the choices Eivor has after defeating her is to banish her.
- Heal Thyself: If given the chance, she'll start drinking a concoction that slowly restores her health.
- Locked Away in a Monastery: If she is left in Gaedric's care after her defeat he sends her to a convent to find purpose after she tries to take her own life. It seemingly goes well for awhile until the nun looking after her is found stabbed to death with a sharpened crucifix and Eadwyn is nowhere to be seen. Gaedric guesses her suicide attempt was faked in order to manipulate herself into a position to escape and flee to Wessex.
- Royals Who Actually Do Something: Is perfectly willing to fight on the frontlines and is actually quite skilled with a spear.
- Wolfpack Boss: Eivor battles her alongside her bodyguards.
Thegn Gaedric
Thegn Gaedric
Voiced by: Geoff Breton (English)
One of the leading Thegns of Oxenefordscire and leader of the revolt against Lady Eadwyn. Gaedric despises Wessex and King Alfred's attempts to annex his region with the aid of Eadwyn.
- False Flag Operation: He and his men dress as Vikings for the raid on Rouecistre Fortress in Cent in order to avoid being identified as Mercian soldiers attacking a Wessex territory.
- Out of Focus: Since the Oxenefordscire Arc primarily focuses on Sigurd and introducing Fulke, he doesn't get as much characterization as other regional leaders who Eivor helps.
- Rank Up: Becomes the new Ealdorman of the region after deposing Eadwyn. Eivor later gets an invite to attend the formal ceremony where Ceolwulf elevates him.
- Rebel Leader: Leads the Thegns against Eadwyn, although he objects to the idea he is in rebellion, as Eadwyn is a traitor to Mercia and attempting to hand over Oxenefordscire to King Alfred of Wessex.
Lunden
Reeve Stowe
Reeve Stowe of Lunden
Voiced by: Andrew Shaver (English)
Reeve of the Saxon district of Lunden. A bastard orphan raised by priests, Stowe works to keep the peace in the troubled city alongside Reeve Erke under the leadership of Governor Tryggr.
- Ambiguously Bi: While he's a romance option for Eivor, it's all but stated that he's in love with Erke.
- Hero with Bad Publicity: He and Erke are blamed by the citizens of Lunden for failing to protect Tryggr, and when two of the assassins are eliminated by Eivor, they get the blame for that too as both are popular public figures whom the general populace are unaware are responsible.
- Heroic Bastard: Was born out of wedlock and a noble peacekeeper in Lunden.
- Real Men Love Jesus: Stowe is a devoted Christian. Much like Bishop Deorlaf, he is very uncomfortable with attacking Aelfred's men during "Holy Day".
- Reluctant Warrior: While he agrees to help Eivor in the rescue of Sigurd, he asks to leave before the final assault on Portcester, feeling guilty about having killed too many of his fellow Saxons. However, when Eivor calls for aid once more at Hamtunscire, he resolves to see the whole thing through this time and make good on his word.
Reeve Erke Bodilsson
Reeve Erke Bodilson
Voiced by: Aron Mar Olafsson (English)
Reeve of the Dane district of Lunden. A former member of the Summer Army, Erke remained in Lunden and was appointed Reeve by Governor Tryggr alongside Stowe.
- Ambiguously Gay: It's not 100% clear if he returns Stowe's feelings - they have some ambiguously romantic moments when they think they're alone but it's not stated outright.
- Hero with Bad Publicity: Like Stowe, he is blamed for failing to protect the governor and Eivor's subsequent assassinations of the Order members who did kill him. The citizens of Lunden even come to suspect that he and Stowe are in fact responsible for the murder to take power and are seeking to cover it up.
- Sole Survivor: Both his brothers died of a plague that swept Lunden when he was younger.
Governor Tryggr
Governor Tryggr
The current governor of Lunden.
- Dirty Old Man: While checking his papers, it's revealed he had quite a few mistresses, with Erke telling a surprised Stowe that he "always had a wandering hand and eye".
- He Knows Too Much: Is killed for his knowledge about the Order's plans for Lunden.
- No Kill like Overkill: When Eivor, Stowe, and Erke find him, his chest is riddled with arrows and his head has been removed.
- Off with His Head!: Has his head cut off with a pair of barber's shears after being riddled with arrows.
Sciropescire
Bishop Deorlaf
Bishop Deorlaf
Voiced by:
Bishop of Quatford and de-facto ealdorman of Sciropescire following the death of all other regional leaders. He represents the region during peace talks between Mercia and King Rhodri.
- Badass Preacher: He serves as a de facto ealdorman while waiting for someone to properly ascend to the throne, and by all accounts he is quite good at it. With Ceolbert's death, he continues that responsibility.
- Blood Knight: He used to be a raider, before becoming a man of the cloth, and while he's retired, he was definitely enjoying harrying Aelfred's troops in Wessex.
- My God, What Have I Done?: An understated example, but he is really uncomfortable with violence in general and strongly disapproves of Eivor and Guthrum's plan to attack Aelfred's forces on what amounts to Christmas.
- You Are in Command Now: Left in charge of Sciropescire due to being the highest authority left after two years of war with the Britons. Ceolbert is sent to take over as ealdorman to relieve Deorlaf of those extra responsibilities. After Ceolbert's death, he's forced to remain as ealdorman.
Lincolnscire
Hunwald of Lincolnscire
Hunwald of Lincolnscire
Voiced by: Harry McEntire
The son of Ealdorman Hundbeorht, Hunwald arrives in Ravensthorpe requesting aid in returning home after being exiled due to the influence of a secret order upon his ailing father.
- Chubby Chaser: His Dane lover Swanburrow is a little on the heavy side, but he's so in love and talks about her so much Eivor initially thinks he made her up. After finishing the Lincolnscire arc, you can build a house for the two of them in Ravensthorpe.
- Drowning My Sorrows: On learning his ailing father has died some time ago, he proceeds to run off and go get drunk.
- Expy: Of Oswald from the East Anglia arc. Both are perceived to have deep personal flaws, and start their arcs seeking to consolidate their birthrights. Also, both had brushes with death. For Hunwald, he dies during the battle against Aelfred's forces near the end of the plotline.
- Fearless Fool: During the Lincolnshire arc, Hunwald often displays misplaced bravado/ bravery. This is emphasized if he is not made ealdorman of Lincolnshire, as he volunteers to join Eivor in the final battle against Aelfred's men. At least as ealdorman, he has the reason of having to be there out of duty/honor. To put his foolhardiness into context, no other resident of Ravensthorpe volunteers to join Eivor; if they're not an ealdorman Hunwald is the only casualty from Ravensthorpe in that battle.
- I'm Cold... So Cold...: As he lays dying, he asks if winter has come.
- Manchild: Hunwald is not as smart, intellectually or emotionally, as someone in his position really should be, much to Aelfgar's exasparation when first met.
- Plotline Death: He dies during the battle against Aelfred's forces near the end of the plotline. This is significant, as he dies even if he's not made ealdorman, making him the only resident of Ravensthorpe to die in battle against Aelfred's men.
- Too Dumb to Live: Nice enough, but he's got the survival instincts of a suicidal lemming. Like marching back into the place he was exiled from and making no effort to disguise himself.
- Took a Level in Badass: If the bishop was chosen as ealdorman, Hunwald takes part in the fortress siege. Despite all previous interactions with him suggesting this would end with him becoming kebab meat, he gets through the fight unharmed. ... but it's not enough to save him later.
Thegn Aelfgar
Thegn Aelfgar
Voiced by:
A leading thegn of Lincolnscire and ally of Hunwald.
- BFS}: His main choice of weapon is a very large sword.
- The Friend Nobody Likes: He's the only candidate of the shiremoot that doesn't have anyone speak in his favour. Notably, the Dane Grim who is his supposed friend votes for a different candidate.
- Graceful Loser: Takes losing the shiremoot calmly. Even if the bishop is chosen and turns out to be a loon, Aelfgar's only comment is that the decision can't be unmade.
- Sheep in Sheep's Clothing: Early on, Eivor is told the main Order man in Lincolnshire is a rich person. Aelfgar is a man who's come into wealth, which the codex can't explain, and acts very suspiciously when asking Eivor to consider him. Turns out he's on the level.
- Sole Survivor: He's the only candidate at the shiremoot to survive to the post-game.
- You Are a Credit to Your Race: Tries to paint himself as being a friend to Danes but it's clear he doesn’t know much about them or really care to. He assumes Eivor knows other Danes in Lincolnscire without bothering to check that they are actually Norse.
Abbess Acha
Abbess Acha
Voiced by:
An abbess in the city of Lincoln who helped care for the ailing Ealdorman Hundbeorht.
- Unwitting Pawn: She's convinced to lie to Hunwald about the death of his father by Bishop Herefirth which makes her immediately suspicious. However, it turns out she is actually innocent and instead being manipulated.
Glowecestrescire
Ealdorman Cynon
Ealdorman Cynon
Voiced by:
Ruler of Glowecestrescire, Cynon is an able leader popular amongst Christians and pagans alike, having ruled for twenty years by the time Eivor arrives. He is planning to be sacrificed in a Wicker Man as the Harvest King and pass his title onto Tewdwr, which worries many in the region of possible unrest and war.
- Bitch in Sheep's Clothing: Initially seems like a pretty great guy, certainly more fun to be around than his incoming replacement. Then he has Tewdwr kidnapped and killed, framing Eivor for it.
- Gallows Humour: Tries making a quip about Eivor killing him. Depending on Eivor's response, this may well count as Tempting Fate, if they chose to take him up on that offer.
- Human Sacrifice: If Eivor spares his life, he does indeed choose to sacrifice himself in the Wicker Man ceremony as the Harvest King by being immolated inside it.
- Not Afraid to Die: Is resolute about being a human sacrifice, and invokes both God and Mother Earth as he's being burned to death in effigy.
- Slashed Throat: If Eivor chooses to kill him, they slit his throat with their axe.
- Your Days Are Numbered: Whether by Eivor's hands or as a Harvest King sacrifice, Cynon knows he's not making it out of the story alive, which is also why Eivor decides to spare their life if they don't kill him.
Tewdwr
Tewdwr
Voiced by:
A highly religious man and Cynon's chosen successor as Ealdorman.
- Distressed Dude: First he's kidnapped by some highly incompetent thieves, then left with Modron, who was in on the plot and plans to sacrifice him.
- Fire-Forged Friends: With Eivor throughout the Glowecestrescire arc.
- The Fundamentalist: How he's introduced. Tewdwr is initially highly intolerant of Glowecestrescire's pagan beliefs, but he mellows out eventually, due to his experiences of being kidnapped and nearly sacrificed by Modron.
- In Vino Veritas: A night of extreme drunken partying with Eivor helps dislodge the turnip he's got up his arse, revealing underneath his fundamentalist exterior he's actually not so bad.
- Took a Level in Badass: He helps in the fight for Hamptunshire, despite having no experience fighting before. He manages to come through alive and unharmed.
Modron
Modron
Voiced by:
A pagan high priestess and healer who lives in the city of Glowecestre.
- Anti-Villain: Her motives for killing Tewdwr are to protect the region's pagan ways and her daughter's father, Cynon.
- Plotline Death: If Eivor chooses to kill her, she's struck dead with their axe after Eivor's Screw Destiny-invoking Pre-Mortem One-Liner.
- Seers: Claims to have seen Eivor's destiny in a vision, and that it has twists and turns like the River Ouse.
Gwenydd
Gwenydd
Voiced by:
Modron's daughter and next in line to succeed her as high priestess.
- Creepy Child:
- Downplayed, but Gwen likes morbid stuff just a bit too much. The trait worsens somewhat if Cynon is burnt, partly because Cynon was her father.
- If Eivor kills Modron, Gwenydd tells them that she doesn't plan on taking revenge on them when they get old enough, because the fate their mother saw for Eivor was far worse than any punishment she could think of. For a child, that's pretty cold-blooded.
- Harmful to Minors: If you have Eivor choose to kill Modron, she comes just in time to see Eivor strike Modron dead with their axe.
Kingdom of East Anglia
Thegn Oswald
Thegn Oswald
Voiced by: Kyle Gatehouse (English)
One of the last remaining Thegns of the Kingdom of East Anglia, Oswald is the current contender for the throne and seeks to secure a marriage alliance with Valdis, the head of a prominent Dane family with the military might to secure his bid.
- Altar Diplomacy: Oswald and Valdis's marriage is meant to unite the warring Anglo-Saxon and Dane factions in East Anglia, so the ravaged region can finally enjoy lasting peace and rebuild.
- Cruel Mercy: While part of his decision to spare Rued is genuine mercy due to be a devout Christian, this is also a factor in his decision — sparing him denies Rued a warrior's death, and with it entrance to Valhalla.
- Determinator: While his skill in battle might be lacking, he makes up for it with conviction and refusal to stay down.
- Hidden Depths: Eivor realizes there is more to Oswald than meets the eye upon arriving at his holdings, which is a prosperous village, indicating that for all his perceived weaknesses, Oswald is a good ruler who could manage a kingdom well.
- Historical Domain Character: Oswald was the historical king of East Anglia during this period, but his existence is only attested to by coins bearing his name and image.
- Last of His Kind: He is the last noble in East Anglia with a valid blood claim to the throne; if he dies, the chaos of the kingdom could get even worse.
- Made of Iron: Guy falls off a cliff, after already having had the stuffing knocked out of him, and is presumed dead, but he soon turns up alive, surprisingly none the worse for wear.
- Man Bites Man: Bites a chunk out of Rued in their first duel, forcing him to throw them both off a ledge.
- Modest Royalty: Despite being the future king, Oswald wears very modest clothing. Eivor also finds him doing busy work in his village more fit for a thrall than a nobleman, but Oswald finds it productive and calming to just work.
- Nice Guy: He is a thoroughly pleasant, understanding, reasonable, and compassionate man. Unfortunately, he's perceived as lacking a toughness that would win him the respect of both the Danish settlers and his people as king.
- Non-Action Guy: This is his main flaw in his bid to become king, and overcoming this is a significant part of his character arc. East Anglia has been plagued with violence and chaos for years following the invasion of the Great Heathen Army and needs a warrior to help hold it together, and Oswald is not much of a fighter to begin with.
- Puppet King: Aspiring, anyway. The Ragnarssons and Finnr have spent months trying to find a good, obedient puppet for East Anglia in order to stop Anglo-Danish tensions from undermining the occupation. They haven't had a lot of luck due to a bunch of problems starting with Rued, and Oswald is the next candidate on the chopping block.
- Real Men Love Jesus: A kind and determined man who's a devout Christian, and even uses his Christian values as the reason for not killing Rued following their second duel if Eivor lets him fight, citing that his religion doesn't allow him to give Rued the death he'd want. Brothir and Broder are so shocked by these events that they have some trouble conceptualizing the whole episode.
- Took a Level in Badass: Thanks to Eivor's training and encouragement, his fighting skills do improve to a degree, enough to defeat Rued after his escape, should Eivor let Oswald do the fighting.
Finnr
Finnr
Voiced by: Björn Bengtsson (English)
A Danish steward appointed by Halfdan Ragnarson to find a English king to sit upon the throne of East Anglia.
- The Chooser of the One: Halfdan left him with the task of finding someone worthy to sit on the throne who could unite the Saxons and Danes of East Anglia. It... has not gone well, as the last few people Finnr picked ended up dead very quickly and Oswald is the only one left with both a claim and the willingness to go for it.
- Drowning My Sorrows: He is drunk fairly often as a means of coping with the shitty situation and job he was left with. He stops once Eivor settles the situation once and for all.
- Undying Loyalty: The only reason he hasn't given up on his task is his complete loyalty to Halfdan. Depending on how Eivor handles the situation, his loyalty is then transferred to either Oswald or Eivor.
Valdis
Valdis
Voiced by:
The leader of the most powerful settled Danish clan in East Anglia. She is being courted by Oswald to become his bride and queen of the kingdom.
- Altar Diplomacy: Oswald and Valdis's marriage is meant to unite the warring Anglo-Saxon and Dane factions in East Anglia, so the ravaged region can finally enjoy lasting peace and rebuild.
- Hard-Drinking Party Girl: While not seen, Brothir mentions she can seriously drink when the need arises.
- Love Triangle: Averted. Halfway through the arc, it turns out she was once married to Rued, the Arc Villain. While he wants her back, she makes it abundantly clear that she despises him and she's willing to do anything to stay out of his clutches. Except by Rued, it never really gets brought up again.
- Make an Example of Them: Casual conversation that can be overheard between some of Rued's men mentions that one of them once insulted her. She had him flayed for it. As a result, the guard recalling this tells his buddy not to insult Valdis if he ever encounters her.
- Single Woman Seeks Good Man: To Oswald. At first it was pure pragmatism, as his reason and compassion would at least give East Anglia a chance at peace, even if he was a weakling. Later, after Oswald proves his courage, she grows genuinely fond of him.
- Violently Protective Girlfriend: Where Oswald can barely hold a sword, Valdis is an experienced warrior. After Oswald's presumed death, she rallies the people of Elmenham to avenge her late husband-to-be, and leads them into battle at the front gates while Eivor's forces breach the harbor. Finnr outright calls her the soul and fist of East Anglia.
- Women Are Wiser: She's much more rational than her brothers, and it's clear she's calling the shots there.
- Women Prefer Strong Men: Zigzagged. Between Rued and Oswald, the former is undoubtedly the physically stronger man, but Valdis despises his cruelty. Oswald on the other hand is kind and compassionate, but also weak. It is clear Valdis doesn't respect him initially because he doesn't back up his words with action. She only warms up to him when he shows his courage and conviction in combat with Rued, despite losing.Oswald: I fought poorly. I melted under the heat and anger of that brute. And I never—
Valdis: Oswald, stop. You fought. With all your heart and soul. That is all you ever need do.
Brothir and Broder
Brothir and Broder
Voiced by:
Valdis' brothers. They oppose her marriage to Thegn Oswald due to perceiving him as a weak ruler.
- The Dividual: Where one is, the other isn't that far behind. Subverted later, when Brothir is killed during the siege to rescue Sigurd.
- Optional Sexual Encounter: Eivor can run off and have a quickie with Broder at his sister's wedding.
- Punny Name: Both names just sound like "brother" and they're Valdis' brothers.
Kingdom of Wessex
Wincestre
King Aelfred the Great (Spoilers)
The king of Wessex, later king of the Anglo-Saxons, and secretly the Grand Maegester of the English Order of the Ancients. See his entry here.
Reeve Goodwin
Reeve Goodwin
Voiced by:
The Reeve of Wincestre, and Aelfred's effective second in command.
- Anti-Villain: He's really only a "villain" because he directly opposes Eivor.
- Authority Equals Asskicking: Second in command to Aelfred, and also the strongest combatant in the game that isn't a Superboss.
- Better to Die than Be Killed: If Eivor tries to spare him after defeating him, he will slit his own neck to prevent himself from being taken prisoner.
- BFS: Wields a sword almost as long as he is tall one-handed.
- Bitch in Sheep's Clothing: Initially seems like a pretty nice guy, but once he and Aelfred turn on Eivor, he starts showing a much nastier, spiteful side.
- The Dragon: Is effectively Aelfred's second in command and closest confidant. He is also the only other person who knew he was trying to undermine the Order of the Ancients from within.
- Duel Boss: Invoked, Eivor chooses to have Soma and Ljufvina leave to assist the alliance and fight Goodwin 1v1 rather than have all three of them team up on him.
- Face Death with Dignity: If Eivor chooses to kill him following their final confrontation, Goodwin simply kneels and says a prayer before Eivor runs them through with their knife, and before then says that Saxons will never bow to "thieves and tyrants" like the Vikings.
- Final Boss: As Aelfred isn't a fighter, Goodwin serves as the final boss for the conquest of England. However, given the main arc has been completed by then, narratively he's more of a Post-Final Boss.
- Flaming Sword: Can set his sword alight in order to give it the ability to inflict burning damage.
- Luckily, My Shield Will Protect Me: Uses a large tower shield to protect himself.
- Post-Climax Confrontation: The climax of the main "prophecy" arc has already been reached with the return to Norway and Basim's betrayal by the time Eivor faces Goodwin.
- Slashed Throat: If Eivor chooses to spare Goodwin in order to try prying Aelfred's location out of him, Goodwin chooses to slit his own throat rather than betray Aelfred or suffer torture at the Viking's hands.
- Smoke Out: Can throw smoke bombs to disorient Eivor.
- Worthy Opponent: Eivor respects Goodwin enough to try to talk him down before they start fighting.
- Undying Loyalty: Is completely loyal to Aelfred to the point that he'd literally rather slit his own throat than betray him to Eivor.
- Villainous Valor: While, again, he's more an antagonist than an outright villain, he chooses to stay behind and fight Eivor in order to get Aelfred time to escape rather than try running away.
Harriet
Harriet
The sister of Ealhferth.
- Big Brother Worship: Truly loves her brother enough to overlook his more immoral actions.
- Mistreatment-Induced Betrayal: As she holds the Order responsible for his death, she tells Eivor that the key they hold unlocks the door to the Wincestre Temple of Mithras.
Aethelflaed
Æthelflæd
The eldest daughter of King Aelfred, and princess of Wessex.
- The Cameo: She and Aelfred's wife Ealhswith only appear in a World Event.
- Historical Domain Character: Aethelflaed, daughter of Aelfred the Great, is most famous for the major rule she played in unifying England by helping conquer the Danelaw, the last vestige of Norse and Danish rule in England, though she died a few months before her brother Edward the Elder finished the job in 918.
- Young Future Famous People: Aethelflaed will later grow up to be the first female sovereign of Mercia, but here she's about seven years old.
Ealhswith
Ealhswith
The wife of King Aelfred, originally hailing from Mercia.
- The Cameo: She appears alongside Aethelflaed for a World Event.
- Historical Domain Character: Ealswith was the wife of Aelfred the Great and was commemorated as a saint after her death, though contemporary sources seldom mentioned her.
Cent
Abbot Cynebert
Abott Cynebert
Voiced by:
The Abbot of Cent, Cynebert is highly protective of both his and the Church's power in the face of King Aelfred's tightening control.
- Ambition Is Evil: He is so desirous for power that he plots with a Viking and a heathen to sabotage Cent's defenses all so he can arrange a situation where he can gain influence with Thegn Tedmund before he becomes Ealdorman.
- Killed Offscreen: Is killed by Paladin Fulke as part of a trap for Eivor and Basim.
Thegn Tedmund
Thegn Tedmund
Voiced by:
The paranoid and Dane-hating commander of Rouecistre Fortress.
- Asshole Victim: Nobody mourns his passing, partly because many don't even know that he's dead. Those who know the truth (basically Shergar and Eivor) are happy to keep it that way.
- Cyanide Pill: Seemingly poisons himself so that he can't be held for ransom, ruining Cynebert's plans.
- Duel Boss: Eivor fights them 1v1 after storming their fortress.
- What the Hell, Hero?: Calls out Eivor for getting so many people killed all for the sake of holding them for ransom.
Shergar
Shergar
Voiced by:
The body double of Tedmund.
- Took a Level in Badass: After the completion of the Cent arc, Eivor can return to the lumber mill at Beamasfield to talk to him. Shergar is now more confident in his mannerisms; he realises that with both Tedmund and Cynebert dead, he is now able to develop Cent in a more balanced manner, as opposed to Tedmund's anti-Dane stance and Cynebert's overly zealous approach.
Essex
Ealdorman Birstan
Ealdorman Birstan
Voiced by:
Leader of Essex and an avid huntsman and writer, Birstan neglects his lordly duties for both.
- Arranged Marriage: Married Estrid on the orders of King Alfred, who wanted to increase the kingdom's political and noble ties with Francia. This has led to unhappiness for both of them.
- Brilliant, but Lazy: Neglects his fiefdom while married to Estrid. With Alfida by his side, he proves more than capable to reverse the rot which had set in due to his inaction.
- Disappeared Dad: Didn't realise he had a son with Alfida.
- Great White Hunter: A 9th Century variation of the trope, Birstan spends most of his time hunting, and Eivor finds them in the midst of a bear hunt gone wrong.
- Spoiled Sweet: He's a nobleman who neglects his duties as lord of Essex and instead spends most of his time pursuing his hobby of hunting, but his love for Alfida and his bastard son by her is genuine, and he's on surprisingly friendly terms with his wife despite their mutual desire for a divorce.
- Warrior Poet: He wants to be one, but by all accounts is flubbing the poet bit.
Lady Estrid
Lady Estrid
Voiced by:
Wife of Birstan, Estrid hails from Francia and is frustrated by her husband's lack of interest in both governing and her.
- Arranged Marriage: She and Birstan were wed as part of negotiations by King Alfred to strengthen his ties with Francia.
- Awful Wedded Life: Between Birstan longing for his first love, the deaths of their children, and her homesickness, Estrid's wedded life is bad, hence her desire to leave.
- Europeans Are Kinky: During the staged abduction, she loudly proclaims Eivor will almost certainly try to steal her virtue. Then she heavily hints she'd not object if Eivor were to try, hint hint.
- Faked Kidnapping: She gets out of her marriage by using Eivor and Rollo's help to stage a kidnapping. Later on, it's made clear the nobles know it's all BS, but since they like Estrid so much they don't mind, so long as she's happy.
- Large Ham: She puts a lot of effort into playing the distressed damsel during her abduction, much to Eivor's irritation, since it's bringing half the guards in Essex down on them.
- Outliving One's Offspring: Part of her desire to leave Essex and return to Francia is related to the two stillborn children she had with Birstan.
- Working with the Ex: She and Rollo have a history. In fact, she's the one who points Eivor in his direction to hire him.
Alfida
Alfida
Voiced by:
Birstan's childhood sweetheart and lover.
- Defiant Captive: Taken prisoner by some soldiers, she's still yelling her head off at them from inside the hut she's locked in, even after they beat her to try and get her to shut up.
- First Girl Wins: Birstan had never forgotten her after many years and marries her after Estrid manages to escape Essex with Rollo.
- Iron Lady: Despite the manner of how she came to Birstan's side, Alfida proves herself capable of helping Birstan run Essex, much like Estrid before her.
Eluric
Eluric
Voiced by:
Alfida's seeming younger brother.
- Bastard Angst: He's less than pleased to find out the true nature of his parentage, being Birstan and Alfida's illegitimate son, and only really gets over it in the postgame.
- Character Development: In the battle for Hamtunscire, he's the representative of Essexe instead of Birstan. He fights bravely and develops a friendship with Hunwald, which is tragically cut short when Hunwald dies in battle.
- Family Relationship Switcheroo: Despite Alfida claiming to be his sister, likely to protect him from the stigma of being a bastard child that was common in those days, he's actually her and Birstan's illegitimate son.
- Heroic Bastard: He's actually Birstan's illegitimate son with Alfida, which causes him to storm out of the room once he finds out. He only gets over it somewhat after his experiences in the final battle against Aelfred's men.
- Took a Level in Badass: Introduced as scared and whimpering while hiding from the soldiers who took Alfida, but after a few years grows into a capable warrior who fights in the chaotic battle of Cippanhamm. The Last Chapter DLC reveals that he also joins the Hidden Ones and receives training from Hytham.
Aswig
Aswig the Mellifluous
A bard that Eivor rescues who proves to be a little bit too clingy.
- Bound and Gagged: Eivor is introduced to them tied up and kneeling after getting on the wrong side of someone.
- The Thing That Would Not Leave: After Eivor rescues her, she continues following Eivor around until they pay her off with 165 pieces of silver.
- Upper-Class Twit: Implied, she's wearing purple, a color associated with nobility in this time period, refers to those who don't like her work as "peasants", and is unpleasant to be around due to her obnoxiousness.
Kingdom of Northumbria
Jorvik
King Ricsige
King Ricsige
Voiced by:
Ruler of Northumbria from its capital city of Jorvik, Ricsige owes his rule to Halfdan Ragnarson.
- Dirty Coward: Once his plan with the Picts goes tits up, he tries fleeing. Eivor isn't having any of it.
- Hazy-Feel Turn: Ends up teaming up with the Picts in order to try ridding the area of the Norse and restore self-rule to Northumbria, only for him to die at Eivor's hands.
- Jerkass: Even when he seems to be on Eivor's side, he's pretty dang snide.
- Puppet King: The previous rulers of Northumbria died at the hands of the Great Heathen Army and Ricsige rose to power thanks to aligning with Halfdan. He is not entirely pleased with the situation but wise enough to know going against the Ragnarsons would be a terrible idea. Up until he feels he has an opportunity through an alliance with the Picts.
Hjorr Halfsson
Hjorr Halfsson
Voiced by:
Descended from a royal dynasty in western Norway, Hjorr willingly left his homeland after his lands were claimed by King Harald. Settling with his wife Ljufvina in Jorvik and became an advisor on King Ricsige's council.
- Plotline Death: Dies during the battle against Aelfred's forces near the end of the plotline.
- Red Herring: One of the members of the city council is a member of the Order, and Eivor and Ljufvina find evidence he's doing something suspicious. He's not the Order member. He was just trying to make Ljufvina a gift without her noticing.
- Screw the Rules, I Have Money!: According to Shaun, his main weapon in the politics of Jorvik are his personal riches, and Eivor notes that he and Ljufvina have done quite well for themselves after leaving Norway, as they're living in a manor.
Ljufvina Bjarmasdottir
Ljufvina Bjarmasdottir
Voiced by: Sandra Yi Sencindiver (English)
A princess of Bjarmaland and wife of Hjorr, Ljufvina prefers action to politics.
- Action Mom: She's the mother of the twins Geirmund and Hamund Hel-hide, and a skilled warrior.
- Battle Cry: As Eivor tracks her down in Jorvik she's letting out a battle cry as she prepares to fight agents of The Vault.
Ljufvina: Blood of Tengri! Daughters of Bjarmia!
- The Bus Came Back: First appears briefly at the beginning of the game, only to reappear once Eivor reaches Jorvik.
- Historical Domain Character: The wife of Hjorr was traditionally believed to have been a Mongolian princess, which the game goes with by having her invoke Tengri, the Mongolian and Turkish god of the sky, before battle.
- Religious Bruiser: As to be expected from a 9th Century Mongol, she's a Tengrist and warrior.
- Switched at Birth: Not her, but when her sons were born while Hjorr was away and she noticed they looked more like her than their father, her worries made her decide to have them switched with the child of one of their thralls who had also recently given birth. This continued for about four years before she admitted the deception to Hjorr.
Snotinghamscire
Jarl Hemming
Jarl Hemming
Voiced by:
One of the greatest commanders of Halfdan Ragnarson's army, Hemming settled in Snothinghamscire and united the native Saxons and Norseman under his banner to combat the Picts to the north.
- Due to the Dead: His passing brings mourners from across England to Hemthorpe for his funeral.
- The Last Dance: A posthumous one. After his death, Eivor manages to meet his spirit in a dream. They then proceed to duel despite them being on good terms when Hemming died. After their duel, Hemming's spirit admits that he goaded Eivor with words to have the duel, in order to offset the Norse belief that it is shameful to die of illness in bed (as Hemming did, as opposed to death in battle).
- So Proud of You: On his deathbed, his dying words to Vili are how proud of him he is and that he will be proud no matter what path he chooses.
- Universally Beloved Leader: He is beloved by both his Norse and Saxon subjects, the latter of whom find his rule better than what they had before.
Vili Hemmingson
Vili Hemmingson
Voiced by:
The son of Jarl Hemming and an old friend of Eivor.
- Embarrassing Nickname: Eivor calls him arse-stick after an incident from their childhood where Vili pretended to be a dragon by making a tail for himself out of a stick.
- Reluctant Ruler: Although very charismatic and widely liked, the last thing Vili wants is to become Jarl, as he feels like he is more of a warrior than a leader and wants to travel the world instead of leading his clan and potentially screw up his father's legacy. Eivor can persuade him to join the Raven Clan as a raider.
- Selective Obliviousness: Ignores all the signs of his father's illness and upcoming death and maintains the belief that he will essentially continue ruling forever. Eivor, Hemming, and Trygve are all very concerned by this denial of reality.
- Vitriolic Best Buds: He and Eivor never stop snarking and sniping at one another, but in a friendly fashion.
- You Are Better Than You Think You Are: The whole crux of his storyline is Eivor trying to convince him to step up to the plate.
Trygve
Trygve
Voiced by:
The steward of Hemthorpe and right-hand man of Jarl Hemming.
- Driven to Suicide: After Hemming's passing, Trygve plans on joining the funeral pyre as he believes he has nothing left to offer and is at a loss at how to continue without his Jarl. Eivor can convince him that he can live and continue to honor Hemming's legacy by continuing his work to better Snotinghamscire.
- Number Two: For Jarl Hemming. He's also one of the potential replacements, though it's noted while he's a competent administrator, he's not popular with the Thegns.
Eurvicscire
Moira
Moira
A Christian healer who is caring for Halfdan Ragnarsson.
- Burn the Witch!: Is nearly lynched out of the belief that she's poisoning Halfdan if not for Eivor's intervention.
- Red Herring: Her concern for Halfdan's health is legitimate, as her mother suffered the same physical and mental ailments that she's begun to see in Halfdan.
Kingdom of Gwenydd
King Rhodri ap Merfyn
King Rhodri ap Merfyn
Voiced by: Paul Amos (English)
The King of the Britons, Rhodri rules the lands to the west of Mercia, with whom he has been at war with for the past two years. He and his wife travel to Sciropescire to engage in peace talks with Mercia, represented by Ceolbert, Ivarr, and Eivor.
- Arch-Enemy: He is Ivarr's, having been one of the few to best him in battle, and the person who gave him the scar that runs along most of his head, which he makes sure to remind Ivarr about when they meet again.
- Arc Villain: Of the Sciropescire story arc. Ultimately subverted, as Ivarr is the true villain, sabotaging the peace process at every opportunity and framing Rhodri for Ceolbert's murder. Rhodri really did observe the peace treaty and was pulling out of Mercia entirely when Eivor assaults his fortress.
- Authority Equals Asskicking: King of the Britons and a skilled enough warrior to best Ivarr in a fight.
- Big Brother Instinct: He is adamant about not engaging in peace talks until his captured brother's safety and freedom is assured. Gwriad's murder at Ivarr's hands ends the peace talks immediately, and Eivor and company are forced to fight their way through the Britons.
- Combat Pragmatist: According to Ivarr's story of how he and Rhodri fought for the first time, when Ivarr and his men attempted to raid Cyrmu on their way back from Ireland; Rhodri and his men were encamped on a hill, and the mist-covered ground the Vikings charged at Rhodri and his men over was marshland, and so they couldn't move as easily and were easily cut down despite their superior numbers compared to the Britons.
- Cruel and Unusual Death: Ivarr ends his life by inflicting a blood eagle upon him, cutting Rhodri's ribs from his spine using his knife before yanking his lungs out through the holes and leaving him to die. This all happens onscreen with only a Gory Discretion Shot for the latter part, and seriously disturbs Eivor to the point that they decide to cut ties with Ivarr from that point forward.
- Cutscene Boss: Eivor doesn't fight him since that honor gets to go to Ivarr.
- Dead Guy on Display: After being blood eagled, his body is hung up on Manstone Rock, the highest peak in the region, for all to see.
- Eye Scream: During his fight with Ivarr, his foe picks up a lit candlestick and shoves it into his eye.
- Historical Domain Character: Rhodri was the first ruler of what now comprises most of modern-day Wales and came to be known as Rhodri the Great for his time as ruler.
- Large and in Charge: Ivarr describes him as the biggest of the Britons, and he's their king.
- No Man of Woman Born: According to prophecy, he will be killed by a dragon and thus is merely amused at Ivarr's threats to kill him. Then Ivarr gets a dragon tattoo on his face and is lit aflame during their fight before defeating Rhodri.
- Perfectly Arranged Marriage: With Angharad, whose family lands expanded his kingdom significantly while also giving him a clever political advisor. The two are quite happy together and genuinely love each other as well.
Lady Angharad ferch Meurig
Lady Angharad ferch Meurig
Voiced by:
Wife of King Rhodri, Angharad is a calming influence on her husband and his primary political advisor.
- Put on a Bus: She departs Sciropescire after believing that peace has been established, and thus escapes the battle at Caustow Castle.
- Women Are Wiser: Tries to keep her husband from picking fights with Ivarr or answering his taunts in the name of establishing peace, and serves as his primary political advisor.
Gwriad ap Merfyn
Gwriad ap Merfyn
Voiced by:
King Rhodri's younger brother, recently captured and held captive by Ivarr.
- Ambition Is Evil: He is very open to the suggestion of being given enough silver to bribe Gwenydd's nobility into supporting him in overthrowing his brother and becoming king if Eivor chooses to give them the silver. However, even this option is gone with his throat being slit minutes later by Ivarr.
- Distressed Dude: He was captured by Ivarr's forces, who joined Mercia's side in the war after putting Ceolwulf on the throne.
- Slashed Throat: Bored by negotiations and eager to kill Rhodri, Ivarr slashes open Gwriad's throat in front of his brother to break the peace talks.
- We Hardly Knew Ye: Gets less than two minutes of screen time before being murdered by Ivarr.
Ynyr ap Cadfarch
Ynyr ap Cadfarch
Voiced by:
A captain and senior military advisor in King Rhodri's army who accompanies him to the peace talks.
- Dual Wielding: Fights with a spear and sword in each hand.
- Greed: Is willing to take a silver bribe to put in a good word to Rhodri about making peace with Mercia.
