Vikings - The Series

The series revolves around the brutal and mysterious world of Ragnar Lothbrok (Wakefield, S., Thompson, K., Mellor, E. (March 2013). Ragnar is a Viking warrior and farmer. He yearns to explore and raid the distant shores across the ocean. 

Synopsis received from the Vikings wikipage.

Season 1

The series introduces us to the brutal and mysterious world of Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warrior and farmer who yearns to explore-and raid-the distant shores across the ocean. His ambition puts him at odds with local chieftain Earl Haraldson, who insists on sending his raiders to the impoverished east rather than the uncharted west. When Ragnar teams up with his boat builder friend Floki to craft a new generation of intrepid ships capable of conquering the rough northern seas, the stage is set for conflict.

But for all its warfare and bloodshed, Vikings is also a story of family and brotherhood, capturing the love and affection between Ragnar and his wife, Lagertha, a fierce Shield-maiden. It is the tale of Ragnar's brother Rollo, a fierce fighter who simmers with jealously; of Earl Haraldson's wife Siggy, a dutiful beauty who may be less than loyal; and of the monk Athelstan, whose Christian morals clash with the Vikings' pagan society. As ambition and innovation rattle a civilization, these characters will be put to the test-and their way of life will never be the same again.

Season 2

The hit scripted drama series centres on Ragnar Lothbrok, a restless young warrior and family man who longs to find and conquer new lands across the sea and claim the spoils as his own. Now he is an Earl, allied with King Horik. With more power than ever before, his desire to sail west and explore new kingdoms remains unquenchable.

Yet there's a heavy price to pay for Ragnar's ascent to greatness. Season two brings crises of faith, of power, and of relationships. Brothers rise up against one another. Loyalties shift from friend to foe, and unlikely alliances are formed in the name of supremacy. Ragnar's indiscretions threaten his marriage to Lagertha, tearing him and his beloved son apart. Plots are hatched, scores are settled, blood is spilt... all under the watchful eyes of the gods.

Norse Analogy

This season draws comparisons and analogies between the characters and the Norse gods[1]. Take note that the details listed below reflect only the events known in the early part of the season and has changed since:

Ragnar Lothbrok is still as pursuant of knowledge as ever and is seemingly willing to sacrifice what he must for glory, much like Odin, who sacrificed his eye. Both will invite any pain to achieve the fame and wisdom they so desperately desire, in Ragnar's case, even taking on a brother in battle. And just as "Odin feared that his ravens will one day abandon him in time of need, Ragnar fears that in his quest to rise above the rest, he will lose all connection with who he once was."

Season 3

The new 10-episode season begins with Ragnar as King and follows the great responsibility that now rests on the shoulders of the former farmer.

With the promise of new land from the English, Ragnar leads his people to an uncertain fate on the shores of Wessex. King Ecbert has made many promises and it remains to be seen if he will keep them. But ever the restless wanderer, Ragnar is searching for something more... and he finds it in the mythical city of Paris. Rumoured to be impenetrable to outside forces, Ragnar and his band of Norsemen must come together to break down its walls and cement the Vikings legend in history.

The gripping family saga of Ragnar, Rollo, Lagertha and Bjorn continues as alliances and loyal friendships are questioned, faith is catechized and relationships are strained. Vikings tell the extraordinary tales of the lives and epic adventures of these warriors and portray life in the Dark Ages, a world ruled by raiders and explorers, through the eyes of Viking society.

Season 4

Part I

Season three culminated with the extraordinary battle in Paris, where Ragnar seized victory from the jaws of defeat - but still returns to Kattegat dangerously ill. Thoughts of his death galvanize the forces who seek to succeed him as king, including his wife Queen Aslaug and his oldest son, Bjorn. Meanwhile, Lagertha continues power struggles with her calculating, former second in command, Kalf. Rollo betrays his Vikings heritage by remaining in Frankia and Floki is seized for his brutal actions to the Christian priest Athelstan.

Part II

In the midseason premiere, Ragnar's reappearance in Kattegat triggers a chain of events no one - except the Seer - could have ever imagined. He unexpectedly arrives home to see what has become of his sons

Season 5

Part I:

In Norway, in the wake of the death of King Ragnar and his son Sigurd, the sons of Ragnar are in a civil war. Ivar claims the title of king over the kingdom of Kattegat, supported by Hvitserk and King Harald. Ubbe sides with Lagertha against their alliance. In England, King Aethelwulf and bishop Heahmund wage war against the Nordic invaders. In the Mediterranean, Bjorn follows his destiny as he and Halfdan explore northern Africa. On the Atlantic, Floki makes a discovery that will change the world of the Norsemen forever.

Part II:

In Norway, Lagertha's army is on the brink of being routed from Kattegat, with Ivar prepared to capture the city and claim his revenge. In England, after the passing of King Aethelwulf, Aethelred rallied the Lords behind his half-brother Alfred and proclaimed him King of Wessex. In Iceland, the feud between the families of Kjetill and Eyvind escalate to the point where each of their sons is killed. Determined to prevent further bloodshed, Floki offers himself as a sacrifice.

Season 6

Season 6 is also divided into 2 parts, where part 2 will be the end of the Vikings as a series, due to poor view rates.

Part 2 has yet to come out.


Why did I choose this text?
Vikings is inspired by the sagas of Viking Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the best-known legendary Norse heroes and notorious as the scourge of England and France. The show portrays Ragnar as a farmer who rises to fame by successful raids into Anglo Saxon, formerly known as England, and eventually becomes a Scandinavian King, with the support of his family and fellow warriors. In the later seasons, the series follows the fortunes of his sons and their adventures in England, Scandinavia and the Mediterranean.

Even though the series isn't as precise as I would like it to be, but the series is still worth watching. I think it tells the overall story of the Vikings and their success very well, even though George Sim Johnston (2013)  doesn't agree with me at all. He says that the show portraits quite the opposite of the political dynamic that was actually playing out in the Viking Age. He says that there was indeed an old tradition, but it was one of freedom and democracy.

The show, however, does portray the Norse Religion very well.

How did I come up with this text?
This was non-negotiable, I just had to rewatch the series for this assignment! So how did I come up with this text or piece? My love for the show and the subject!

How does the text link to the Theme or any other Theme discussed?
The text or rather series matches perfectly to almost all the themes we discussed earlier. The infiltration and raids of Anglo Saxon are well matches with the War theme and the show is abundantly clear in showing results of those raids and what consequences it had for the Vikings, think off: talking about Christianity, wanting to learn to speak some English, etc. These examples connect well with the ESW. The theme family and friends would fit because Ragnar cared so much about his family and always made sure they were well and treated with respect, he had his ideals and eventually had to stand in front of Rollo (his brother) to fight for his beliefs.

Personal response
I think I made it very clear how much love I have for this series. The series might not match up completely with the actual storyline of the Viking Era, but it is sure a nice introduction to who the Vikings were and what they believed in. I grew very fond of how quirky Floki is and the bond between him and Ragnar. I didn't like all the raping scenes and I don't see the importance of putting that in the show but they supposedly also need to make it entertaining for some audience. I have met the actor of Björn in person and asked him what he thought of the show, he actually said me to keep watching and he would surprise me.. not knowing he would be King at some point. 

Angelo Bos // S1150237 // Anthology Cult1
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