Vikings: Who Is Judith, Is Judith Based On A Real Person? | TV & Radio

Vikings: Ivar the Boneless burns Thora in episode eighteen

Vikings has seen many characters come and go over the past six seasons, with many meeting brutal deaths. Jennie Jacques starred as Judith of Northumbria in seasons two, three, four and five of the historical drama. Express.co.uk has everything you need to know about Judith.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Who is Judith in Vikings?

Judith in Vikings was the daughter of King Aelle of Northumbria (Ivan Kaye) and Queen Elsewith (Roisin Murphy).

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

She was known under the official title, Judith of Northumbria.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Judith was the wife of Prince Aethelwulf of Wessex (Moe Dunford), due to an arranged marriage. Together they had one son, Aethelred (Daniel Cahill).

Despite her marriage, she was the lover of Athelstan (George Blagden), the man she really wished to marry.

READ MORE Vikings cast: Who is Rollo? Is Rollo based on a real person?

Judith of Northumbria (Image: HISTORY/AMAZON)

Jennie Jacques played Judith in Vikings (Image: HISTORY/AMAZON)

• Vikings season 6B theories: Lagertha to return after Hvitserk vision

Together, they had an illegitimate son, Alfred (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) who went on to become King Alfred of Wessex.

After Athelstan’s death, she became the lover of King Ecbert (Linus Roache), her father-in-law.

Judith was also close friends with Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), before her death from cancer in season five.

Judith of Northumbria is based on the real Judith of Flanders (Image: AMAZON/HISTORY)

Is Judith in Vikings based on a real person?

Yes, Judith of Northumbria in Vikings is based on a real person.

Vikings creator Michael Hirst loosely based Judith on Judith of Flanders.

Judith of Flanders was the eldest daughter of Charles the Bald, the King of West Francia and the future Holy Roman Emperor.

She became the Queen Consort of Wessex through her marriages to two Wessex Kings, Aethelwulf and Aethelbald.

DON'T MISS...Vikings season 6: Will Floki return in part B? Soundtrack reveals clue [INSIGHT]Vikings theory: Did Aslaug plan her own death? Fans reveal clue [THEORY]Vikings season 6, episode 11 release date: When does Vikings return? [SHOW INFO]

• Vikings recap: What happened to Josefin Asplund’s Astrid?
• Vikings season 6B theories: King Alfred’s return revealed

Judith sadly died in season 5 of Vikings (Image: HISTORY/AMAZON PRIME)

As seen in Vikings, Judith and Aethelwulf were husband and wife.

However, in Vikings, she is portrayed as a Northumbrian princess, instead of the daughter of a Frankish king.

In the series, Judith is also portrayed as an adulterer, having an affair with Athelstan. This is not occur in real life.

The real Judith of Vikings then married Baldwin I and she became the first Countless of Flanders.

Judith was also an ancestor of Matilda of Flanders, the consort of William the Conqueror, and thus of later monarchs of England.

Review, gossip and upcoming show releases plus selected offers and competition Subscribe Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

• Vikings: Why did Josefin Asplund leave the series?
• Vikings recap: What happened to Josefin Asplund’s Astrid?

• Vikings season 6 theories: Ragnar Lothbrok to return after Bjorn death

Who is Jennie Jacques?

Jennie Jacques is an English actress from Coventry.

Vikings fans may recognise her as Annie Miller in the six-part series Desperate Romantics.

In Desperate Romantics, Jacques starred alongside Aidan Turner, Tom Hollander, Amy Manson and Zoë Tapper.

from 2013–2014 she played the lead role of WPC Gina Dawson on the BBC television series WPC 56.

Most recently, Jacques played the role of Amber in the BBC police drama, London Kills.

Her other credits include Casualty, Love Life, Father Brown and Stanley Park.

Vikings is streaming on Amazon Prime now

Vikings (TV show) Amazon Prime Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Comments Most Read Most Commented Alan Titchmarsh, 76, issues update on health post-surgery in sad admission Who is in The Night Manager season 2 cast? James Martin announces huge Saturday morning show change amid ITV shake-up Midsomer Murder fans distracted by Doc Martin star's appearance minutes in to ITV series James Martin makes 'difficult' admission as he reveals 'big responsibility' 'Better than Stranger Things' TV show that Netflix viewers can't stop binge-watching Donald Trump clip sparks more health concern as people ask ‘what is he hiding’ Death in Paradise fans thrilled as beloved character confirms return in major announcement Keir Starmer humiliated on GB News in ‘worst ever’ takedown GB News halted for breaking news announcement after tragic deaths BBC Breakfast star announces 'terrible' news as guest admits 'I didn't see a future' GB News guest slams Keir Starmer with brutal two word new year prediciton Sky News halted for breaking news announcement in 'tragic start to 2026' BBC Breakfast paused for devastating breaking news after fatal explosion The Traitors series 4 cast in full as the BBC show returns 'Masterpiece' Western series fans hail ‘best ever made' is available to stream on Netflix The Traitors hasn’t even started yet - and I already ‘know’ who’s going to win ‘Forgotten’ Only Fools and Horses spin-off with legendary cast ‘needs to be renewed’ Historical series based on book is the 'best BBC period drama fans have ever seen' Strictly Come Dancing's 2025 scandals in order - police investigations to rigged BBC vote Is The Night Manager season 2 based on a real story? The Night Manager season 2 filming locations that left cast 'slightly mad' Police target 17 UK areas in 'dodgy' Fire Stick raids OPINION ‘RIP Tipping Point’ – the top 6 shows that need axing in 2026 Donald Trump's wildest TV moments of 2025 – falling asleep in Oval Office to 'quiet piggy' OPINION This is what TV schedules would look like if soaps were axed – ITV hangs in the balance Graham Norton takes cheeky swipe at Donald Trump minutes into show BBC Celebrity Traitors star admits he was 'mistaken for crew' behind the scenes 'Angry' BBC viewers switch off over 'ignorant' Mastermind celebrities GB News guest explodes on air over Rachel Reeves pub costs: ‘She’s killing us!’ Latest videos Horror moment Switzerland ski resort fire breaks out as 'at least 40' dead First look at new King Charles film and he teams up with Hollywood megastar Hundreds of families in UK's 'poorest seaside town' to be evicted Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves odds on to QUIT in 2026 - next PM will shock you Trump makes complete U-turn on Putin after CIA releases shocking new evidence

Daily Express uses notifications to keep you updated

Keep me updated No thanks