Further to this, the unknown location of Brunanburh is actually a corruption of early writers referring to it as the last battle of Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
Jossed: He survives the final book.
Enter Æthelstan. Readers who are familiar with the historical events surrounding the series will know that he is fated to become the first king to rule over all the English-speaking lands; the culmination of Alfred's vision. His victory at Burnanburh is ultimately what made that possible. Egil's Saga relates that the famous Norse warrior Egil Skallagrimsson, his brother Thorolf, and their company of warriors fought on the side of Æthelstan at Brunanburh, and were personally rewarded by the king for their service. It's very possible that Cornwell's character Berg is either a kinsman of Egil, or else is somehow based on him. At Brunanburh, Berg will either do something that directly results in a Saxon victory, save the king's life, or both.
- Alternately, Berg's death will motivate Egil to join forces with the English to avenge his kinsman's death.
- It's now confirmed that Berg is Egil's baby brother, and he has persuaded Egil and Thorolf to betray their previous master and enter Uhtred's service.