Hirst did mention in an interview over a year ago that Magnus would be an important character.

Thanks for putting it in a historical context. Much of the show plays fast and loose with history but i have learned a lot by reading comments about the show on sites like this.

I've seen the Magnus' scene several times. I really think he was trying to help the kid. Although Aethelwulf was heavy handed and lacked any compassion when he threw the kid out. Although, a still unanswered question is if Aethelwulf threw out Magnus on his own or if Ecbert told him to dump Magnus. In a later…

Totally agree with what you say about Aethelwulf. I think Magnus will return but I'm clueless as to how he'll interact with any of the characters and what his role will be. There was a king named Magnus the Good but he lived about 200 years after our story. Who knows? Hirst plays fast and loose with history but I…

He is becoming a more sympathetic character. I've watched the scene of him throwing Magnus from the villa several times. I really think he was doing the kid a favor. The hanging question is whether Magnus fades into obscurity or emerges as an adult in later episodes. Hirst did mention in an interview last year…