Between the 8th and 11th centuries, from early raids to toppling powerful kingdoms, the Viking Age played a fundamental role in reshaping early European society. And yet they remain a mystery, existing to many as horned warriors in dragon ships and characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Released back in 2013, Vikings set out to address these damaging stereotypes, introducing audiences to the captivating worlds, stories, and legends of the Vikings. With the release of the sixth and final season in late 2020, it’s time to close the book on not only one of the most entertaining, exciting and engaging shows, but one of the most important ever produced.
Vikings tells the story of Ragnar Lothbrok, a legendary leader of the 9th century. Ragnar leads raids into England, embroiling himself in the fortunes of Northumbrian, Mercian and Wessex kingdoms. The series also tells the story of Ragnar’s older brother, Rollo, who would go on to become the first Duke of Normandy. While the series documents the well-known aspects of Viking life, such as raiding, settling and struggles for power, it also shines a spotlight on the complexity of Scandinavian society and the intricacies of their religious beliefs. The interplay between Christianity and paganism forms a fascinating undercurrent to the main narrative, highlighting both the differences and intriguing similarities that frame the relationships between the people, societies and cultures in the show.
Simply by the virtue of its own existence, Vikings plays an important role in addressing traditional stereotypes of the Vikings in popular culture. In recent years, archaeologist and broadcaster Neil Oliver has taken great strides in exposing the beautiful complexities of the Scandinavian past in a range of unique documentaries and publications, produced in his own inimitable style. But for those with a hankering for binge-worthy visual storytelling, Vikings sows the seeds of education through pure entertainment.
If you were to ask the question, ‘Is Vikings historically accurate?’, the answer would at first seem simple – no it isn’t. While the series may not be an accurate retelling of the Viking past, there is both a solid historical and cultural grounding to the overarching narrative. The show takes inspiration from one of the great Icelandic sagas – the Legend of Ragnar Lothbrok. Written around 350 years after his supposed death, these sagas chronicle his rise to power and famous raids on both England and France during the 9th century. He would meet his end in Northumbria by King Aella, who is said to have thrown him into a pit of venomous snakes. His death triggered the arrival of the Great Heathen Army in England, led by his sons in search of revenge – Ivar the Boneless, Bjorn Ironside, Halfdan, Ubba, Hvitserk and Sigurd Snake-Eye.
Despite some correlation with other sources, such as the Gesta Danorum by Saxo Grammaticus, some Frankish sources of the 9th century, and the existence of his ‘sons’ in the historical record, it is genuinely agreed Ragnar Lothbrok is fictional. The story shares strong similarities with Norse mythology and Thor’s battle against the Midgard World Serpent during Ragnarok. Despite his eventual victory, Thor would soon die as a result of, you guessed it, the snake’s venom. Sounds familiar, right? Despite presenting myth as reality, Vikings is in fact documenting a wider history, mainly the importance of story telling in the Norse world view. While not necessarily supported by the archaeology, the series is arguably the dramatisation of what many could have believed, debated and discussed when these stories were first published.
In framing Ragnar’s story, Vikings also tells of Normandy’s foundation by Rollo. There is no historical record of Rollo as the older brother to Ragnar, however the persistence of the Viking raids leading to a gift of land to Rollo is based in fact. Normandy (or land of the Northmen) was created as a peace treaty and security buffer for the Frankish empire. Even the brief mentions of Charlemagne fits the show in the correct historical context. As they say, it’s all in the details.
Similarly, the representation of Anglo-Saxon England, from the waning power of the Mercian throne to the strength of Wessex under King Ecbert, does fit with the historical sources. There is even talk of Ecbert’s ambitions to be bretwalda – one of the original terms given to those who had control of the entirety of England. While his serpent antics are disputed, it was King Aella of Northumbria who first faced the Viking incursions into the British isles. Similarly, while King Alfred is the very same Alfred the Great of English history, he never was an illegitimate son as Vikings would suggest.
Finally, it’s the intricate cultural details that provide the intense sense of realism to the show. The character of Athelstan perfectly illustrates the conflict, physical and cultural, between Christian England and Norse polytheism. Athelstan becomes a hybrid of the two, illustrating what would happen to England by the 11th century. Vikings also highlights the fascinating power structures that governed political success. There could be no success for Ragnar without the power associated with being an earl or king, whether he wanted it or not. Across the ocean, the power plays by Ecbert to obtain power through marriage, underhand treaties and payment to ensure security were a vital part of English society. In fact, the English strategy to managing Viking raids would become the Danegeld – the land tax levied to pay off raiders.
Outside of history, it’s hard to deny the frenetic attraction of Vikings as a simple, raw form of entertainment. The production alone is worthy of the highest commendation; a sense of pure realism from the breathtaking cinematography through to the intensely graphic nature of the action (violent, emotional or otherwise). The lack of any major digital effect adds a layer of relatability for the viewer. Combine into the recipe some truly electrifying performances by the cast and what you’re left with is nothing short of a binge-worthy masterpiece. Take for example the character of Floki; Gustaf Skarsgard presents a misunderstood, conflicted, eccentric yet critically powerful character. And of course, there is no forgetting the spine-chilling performance of Ragnar himself by Travis Fimmel – another example of an actor who can command so much with nothing more than a glance.
On a deeper level, Vikings pinpoints some important issues relevant outside the context of the show itself. Central to this is the rationalisation of religion within society, epitomised in the spiritual struggle of Athelstan. The conflict between the Christian and Norse religion is explained through cultural contexts, impossible to reconcile due to their fundamental differences. However, both sides are linked in their importance on prophesy and destiny inspiring direct action. Even with the power of religion playing such a vital role, Vikings presents spiritual belief as logical, reasoned and wholly realistic in its manifestation on people’s lives.
Intriguingly though, it is Ragnar Lothbrok who shows himself to be the most liberal and nondiscriminatory in accepting the Christian beliefs of Athelstan alongside his own, even showing intrigue and a willingness to learn. This leads to the final fascinating element of the show – the importance of perspective. Popular culture would often paint the Vikings as the ‘bad guys’ with Christian Europe as the ‘good guys’ throughout the 9th century, yet because the series focuses on the Vikings you find yourself rooting for them. After all, they are humans, complete with the same emotions, desires and conflicts, just like us. Compare this to the The Last Kingdom where the English kingdom is the bedrock of the action, thus transforming the Viking invaders into the villains. Perspective holds great power, and only through understanding what’s beneath the surface through the eyes of those within can a clearer picture emerge.
Vikings is more than just another historical drama, it has become the cornerstone of understanding not only the Vikings, but the Scandinavian cultures that created them. Unlike a traditional documentary, it draws you in with the drama, relationships and actions of any good series. But what makes the show truly stand out is the incredibly rich historical context in which it’s placed. While Vikings does not paint an airtight picture of 9th century Europe, it beautifully combines some of the key themes, events and cultural complexities of the time into a perfect creative overview of the Viking Age. Audiences watch as traditional stereotypes melt away, replaced with something that does this beautifully multifaceted culture the justice it deserves. This tantalising glimpse into a now forgotten world contains a truly indescribable power – the power of intrigue.
What more is there to discover about the Viking Age? Perhaps it’s time we find out.
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