I had the same thought about nuns. At the same time, however, I doubted there be women soldiers dressed the same as men armed guards would be in the tower to watch over Kwenthrith and her baby. I mean, they'd have women there to "attend", but armed as the men are in ninth century Xtian England?

Ruse. That's the way I want it be, so it must be so. He was just intrigued by Athelstan and the twisted submissive ethics of Xtianity, but he is at heart a pagan Norseman and would not really choose to become a martyr (which we were led to believe was happening).

Not sure if the name mentioned was meant to be the well-known Charlemagne of the HRE around 800 or just another grandiose name for Charles of West Francia, aka Charles the Bald, who became Charles II of the HRE.

Filler? Nonsense. Great shows do not do "filler". It's no doubt part of the building the background for a dramatic confrontation down the road.

They've already had a character killed by snakes in a pit by Aelle in Northumbria, so that legend is already covered.