Cultural depictions of Æthelflæd facts for kids

Æthelflæd, often called the Lady of the Mercians, was a powerful ruler in the 9th century. She was a very important figure in early English history. She has been shown in many books and TV shows, bringing her story to life for new audiences.

Æthelflæd in Books

Many authors have written stories about Æthelflæd. These books help us imagine what her life might have been like.

• A Chronicle of Ethelfled (1861) by Anne Manning tells about Æthelflæd's relationship with her famous father, King Alfred the Great.
• The novel Elfwin (1930) by S. Fowler Wright also features Æthelflæd.
• In The Edge on the Sword (2003) by Rebecca Tingle, we see Æthelflæd as a young woman.
• She appears in several books from Bernard Cornwell's popular "Saxon Stories" series.
• The Bone Thief (2012) by V.M. Whitworth includes Æthelflæd as a character.
• The novel To Be a Queen (2013) by Annie Whitehead tells Æthelflæd's story from her own point of view.
• The short story "The Lady of the Mercians" by Sue Purkiss is all about Æthelflæd's life. This story was part of a collection called Daughters of Time (2014), edited by Mary Hoffman.

Æthelflæd on Screen

Æthelflæd's story has also been told on television and in special productions.

• In a 2011 show for the Chester Heritage Trail, called Aethelflaeda : Saxon Queen, she was played by Lisa-Marie Hoctor.
• In the popular 2017 television series The Last Kingdom, Æthelflæd was played by Millie Brady.