"Athelstan"...a secret to the Viking lore on the History Channel

Athelstan is the Christian monk captured by the famous Viking leader (both in real life and in this historical novel) Ragnar Lothbrok. The monastery inhabited by Athelstan and his fellow brothers were attacked and killed with no mercy...except Athelstan. He became the domestic slave of Ragnar and his then wife Lagertha. 
  Athelstan's character role was genius and his impact on the development of other characters within this story makes a great impact on their roles. Three of these characters, Floki, King Ecbert, and Ragnar, were molded around the virtues of this Christian monk turned slave.
Why? Why did the producer Michael Hirst choose to go this direction in making this historical fiction? 
  In a 2015 interview with Michael Hirst, Chris E. Hayner writes of Hirst: " What happened I was working on Season 3 bible before I started writing the episodes. I realized I had to resolve his ( Athelstan's) issues; I had to resolve his spiritual crisis. Otherwise, I was going to start repeating myself."

  Athelstan's personal life develops into a complex inner battle, battling his convictions of Christian belief vs. the Nordic belief. The real key...Athelstan sees value in both. The paradox is
beautifully seen as various episodes continued to bring this inner turmoil to the forefront. Ragnar's Christian baptism in the river with his Viking comrades watching brought Ragnar into the similar inner conflict. This scene was of great impact to me because of Ragnar's motive for baptism... his love for Athelstan.  
  I think Hirst tapped into an area many face today in reference to spirituality. We find ourselves confused by the various teachings within Christian circles, only to witness Christian virtues demonstrated by those who have not embraced this very faith. Then, we of the Christian faith are "bombarded" with rationale from Christian leaders that do not satisfy our hearts and inner thoughts. We then cover our true feelings by accepting this religious rationale, yet the depths of our hearts still feel a drawing to this "foreign" train of thought. 

  So, why do we feel this way?

  I must again give the credit to the Vikings producer, Michael Hirst. I think the Viking series exposes a weakness within Christianity. If Christianity is nothing more than following the rules of a Christian religion, we are truly no different than any other religion. The exposure in this marvelous drama are the hearts of Ragnar and King Ecbert. Both of these men experienced a profound effect from the heart of Athelstan, and I am extremely appreciative of this exposure.
  As far as my favorite character Floki, the last episode brought one word that was so loud. In a vision, Ragnar heard the word "mercy," and Floki was freed by Ragnar. In the meantime, King Ecbert sees Athelstan in a vision and recognises Athelstan is dead, yet presents a hope that the virtues of Athelstan are worth pursuing.
  I think it brings home the fact that Christianity is not a mere set of rules, but a relationship that touches that touches the heart...of all of us.
  And this is just one side of this historical fiction story!

  Thoughts on a late winter day.....