Brida of Dunholm transitions from a main character to a formidable antagonist in "The Last Kingdom," captivating audiences with her complex journey and fierce loyalty to the Danes. This costume guide offers a deep dive into recreating Brida's iconic look, detailing everything from selecting the perfect faux fur cover-up and leather overbust to embodying her warrior spirit at your next Halloween gathering. Alongside dressing tips, this guide also explores how to act like Brida, couple and group costume ideas, and an insightful look into her character's background and significance.
Brida Costume Essentials
You will need the following items for your Brida Halloween costume:
How To Dress Like Brida
Now that you're fired up to embody Brida, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of crafting her iconic costume. We'll break down each key element, providing clear instructions and bonus tips to ensure your Brida transformation is flawless. Remember, these are just guidelines; feel free to unleash your creativity and add your own personal touches!
1. Faux Fur Power:
What You Need:
- Faux fur bridal cover-up with a medieval vibe (think rich browns, greys, or blacks)
- Brooch or other adornment (optional)
How to Do It:
- This is your statement piece, radiating Brida's fierce energy. Choose a fur cover-up that drapes dramatically over your shoulders and adds a touch of wildness.
- Secure the cover-up with a stylish brooch or pin to personalize your look. You can even add fur bracers or leg wraps for an extra touch of warrior spirit.
Bonus Tip: Embrace the texture! Tousle the fur gently to create a natural, windswept look.
2. Leather Up Like a Shieldmaiden:
What You Need:
- Fitted leather overbust or corset
- Leather belt (optional)
How to Do It:
- A well-fitted leather overbust cinches your waist and creates a sleek silhouette, just like Brida's. Choose a design that complements your chosen fur cover-up.
- For an extra touch of definition, cinch your waist further with a vintage-style leather belt. Opt for brass or silver buckles for an authentic medieval feel.
Bonus Tip: Don't be afraid to show some skin! Bare shoulders or a plunging neckline add a touch of allure to Brida's otherwise practical attire.
3. Pants Fit for a Warrior Queen:
What You Need:
- Comfortable, durable fisherman pants in earthy tones (brown, green, grey)
How to Do It:
- Brida prioritizes practicality, so ditch the skinny jeans and opt for loose-fitting fisherman pants. These will allow for freedom of movement, perfect for battling your way through a Halloween party.
- Choose natural colors that complement your fur and leather pieces. Consider rolling up the cuffs for a more rugged look.
Bonus Tip: Add leather patches or decorative stitching to your pants for a personalized touch. Remember, Brida is a skilled craftswoman!
4. Boots Built for Battle:
What You Need:
- Sturdy lace-up riding boots in brown or black leather
How to Do It:
- No Brida costume is complete without a pair of fierce boots! Opt for knee-high lace-up riding boots in worn leather for an authentic look.
- Ensure they're comfortable enough for a night of revelry, but sturdy enough to conquer any dance floor (or battlefield).
Bonus Tip: Don't forget the details! Tuck your pants into the boots for a polished look, and add decorative buckles or spurs for an extra warrior touch.
5. The Finishing Touches:
What You Need:
- Viking knife with boar's head (prop, of course!)
- Jewelry: simple necklace, earrings, or arm bands (optional)
How to Do It:
- A Viking knife is Brida's signature accessory, symbolizing her strength and independence. Choose a safe, prop version with a decorative boar's head detail.
- Keep jewelry simple and understated, like a leather cord necklace or silver earrings. Remember, Brida prioritizes functionality over flashy adornments.
Bonus Tip: Braid your hair in a practical style, like a single braid down your back or two braids framing your face. Let loose some strands for a touch of wildness.
Brida Cosplay
Now that you're clad in Brida's attire, it's time to awaken the warrior within! Here are some tips to channel her fierce personality and make your Halloween transformation complete:
How to Act Like Brida at the Halloween Party
1. Speak Your Mind with Confidence:
- What To Do: Be bold and unafraid to express your opinions, just like Brida. Don't shy away from engaging in conversations, even if they challenge the status quo.
- How To Do It: Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and project your voice clearly. Speak with conviction and avoid apologizing for your beliefs.
- Bonus Tip: Practice a few conversation starters beforehand, referencing historical events or social issues that Brida might have cared about.
2. Fiercely Loyal to Your Pack:
- What To Do: Show unwavering support and dedication to your friends and loved ones, just like Brida does with Uhtred and her people. Be there for them, offer help when needed, and stand up for them if challenged.
- How To To: Actively engage with your friends, initiate interactions, and show genuine interest in their well-being. Offer compliments, celebrate their successes, and be a shoulder to lean on during tough times.
- Bonus Tip: If you're attending with a group dressed as other characters from "The Last Kingdom," act out scenes of camaraderie and loyalty, showcasing the strong bonds between them.
3. Embrace Your Wild Side:
- What To Do: Don't be afraid to let loose and have fun, just like Brida's adventurous spirit. Embrace the energy of the party and participate in activities that bring you joy, even if they seem unconventional.
- How To Do It: Dance with enthusiasm, laugh freely, and engage in playful banter. Show your excitement for the night and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
- Bonus Tip: Learn a few basic Viking dance moves or practice a playful sword-fighting routine (with props, of course!) to add a touch of Brida's wild spirit to your interactions.
4. Passionate About Your Beliefs:
- What To Do: Stand up for what you believe in, just like Brida fights for her values and her people. Be vocal about issues you care about, engage in respectful debates, and inspire others to do the same.
- How To Do It: Choose a cause or belief that resonates with you and find opportunities to discuss it in a positive and constructive way. Be open to hearing different perspectives, but also be firm in your convictions.
- Bonus Tip: If you're feeling bold, prepare a short speech or toast about something you're passionate about, channeling Brida's unwavering spirit and inspiring others to do the same.
5. Channel Your Inner Warrior:
- What To Do: Exude strength, resilience, and determination, just like Brida faces any challenge. Hold your head high, maintain good posture, and walk with purpose.
- How To Do It: Practice power poses throughout the night, standing tall with your shoulders back and chin held high. Respond to challenges with composure and offer help to those in need.
- Bonus Tip: If you're feeling playful, engage in friendly sword-fighting competitions (with safe props!) or participate in activities that require physical prowess, showcasing Brida's strength and agility.
Embodying Brida is about more than just the costume. By embracing her confidence, loyalty, passion, and warrior spirit, you'll truly transform yourself into a fierce and unforgettable character, making your Halloween experience truly legendary!
Couple and Group Costume Ideas
Exploring couple and group costume ideas that complement Brida's fierce character from "The Last Kingdom" can make your Halloween celebration uniquely memorable. Whether you're pairing with another character from the series or bringing together a group for a themed ensemble, these ideas will help you stand out.
Couple Costume Ideas
Brida and Uhtred
- Concept: The complex relationship between Brida and Uhtred, from allies to adversaries, offers a dynamic duo costume option.
- Costume Suggestions: For Brida, follow the detailed costume guide. For Uhtred, a warrior outfit with chainmail, a sword, and a Saxon or Viking cloak will capture his essence.
- Bonus Points: Carry matching swords or shields to symbolize their shared history and eventual rivalry.
Brida and Ragnar the Younger
- Concept: Embody the passionate and tumultuous relationship between Brida and Ragnar the Younger.
- Costume Suggestions: For Ragnar, opt for a Viking warrior look complete with fur, leather armor, and a Viking helmet. Brida's costume remains as described, highlighting their connection.
- Bonus Points: Intertwine elements of each other's costumes, such as Ragnar wearing a piece of Brida's faux fur, to symbolize their bond.
Group Costume Ideas
Characters from "The Last Kingdom"
- Concept: Create a group ensemble featuring key characters from "The Last Kingdom," such as King Alfred, Aethelflaed, Skade, or the other Viking warriors.
- Costume Suggestions: Each character should don attire fitting their role in the series, from Alfred's royal garb to Aethelflaed's warrior princess outfit.
- Bonus Points: Coordinate a group pose or scene reenactment that fans of the series would recognize.
Warriors from Different Eras
- Concept: Assemble a group of warriors from various historical periods or series that reflect the same spirit as Brida.
- Costume Suggestions: Include characters like Lagertha, Arya Stark, Furiosa, Quiet from Metal Gear Solid, each in their iconic battle attire.
- Bonus Points: Create a narrative that unites these warriors from different realms for a Halloween quest or competition.
Family Costume Ideas
For Families with Young Kids
- Concept: Dress the family as Viking warriors and shieldmaidens, making even the youngest members part of the Viking raiding party.
- Costume Suggestions: Adults can take on the roles of Brida and other adult warriors, while kids can be dressed as young Vikings with tunics, helmets, and safe, toy weapons.
- Bonus Points: Craft a small Viking ship or shield wall from cardboard for a family photo that brings the theme to life.
For All Adult Families
- Concept: An all-adult family can delve deeper into the complexity of "The Last Kingdom" by representing the various factions and characters.
- Costume Suggestions: Beyond Brida, include characters like the seer Storri, the formidable King Alfred, and the treacherous Aethelwold, each with details that reflect their personalities and allegiances.
- Bonus Points: Use props like scrolls, crowns, and swords to enhance each character's backstory and allegiance.
Ensemble with thought and creativity will ensure your Brida-inspired Halloween costume is not only authentic but also a tribute to the enduring appeal of "The Last Kingdom." Whether venturing out as a formidable solo warrior or as part of a dynamic group, you'll embody the spirit of the era and the essence of its unforgettable characters.
About Brida
Brida of Dunholm is a compelling figure whose evolution from ally to antagonist in "The Last Kingdom" captivates viewers and readers alike. Her journey, fraught with betrayal, love, and a quest for vengeance, paints a vivid portrait of a woman torn between her Saxon origins and her loyalty to the Danes.
Character Overview:
- Role in "The Last Kingdom": Brida starts as a Saxon child raised by Vikings, later becoming a skilled warrior and fierce leader. Her complex relationship with Uhtred and evolving loyalties drive the narrative's emotional core.
- Played By: Emily Cox
Background and Personality Traits:
- Personality: Brida is fiercely independent, passionate, and unafraid to speak her mind. She values loyalty and fights for what she believes in, even when it leads to conflict. Deep down, she yearns for belonging and struggles with the complexities of identity and betrayal.
- Appearance: Brida often dons practical clothing suited for battle, with leather accents and fur adornments reflecting her Viking upbringing. Her piercing gaze and determined expression convey her inner strength and unwavering spirit.
Role in the Story:
- A Complex Catalyst: Brida's choices and actions significantly impact the plot, driving major conflicts and character development. Her journey challenges gender norms and explores themes of loyalty, revenge, and the search for belonging.
- A Symbol of Resilience: Brida embodies the strength and resilience of the human spirit, facing hardship and loss with unwavering determination. Her journey resonates with viewers, sparking discussions about personal growth, overcoming adversity, and staying true to oneself.
Cultural Impact:
- Empowering Representation: Brida's fierce personality and fighting spirit challenge traditional female archetypes, inspiring viewers with her strength and independence.
- Sparking Conversations: The character's complex journey raises questions about identity, loyalty, and the nature of power, prompting deeper engagement with the series' themes.
Further Reading:
Conclusion
Crafting a Brida costume is an invitation to step into the shoes of a warrior caught between worlds, embodying her fierce spirit and complex allegiance. This guide ensures you not only look the part but also carry Brida's unyielding strength into your Halloween festivities. From detailed attire to embodying her persona, celebrate the night with the courage and determination of one of "The Last Kingdom's" most memorable characters.