It is new and odd to me not to see King Ragnar. His loss, although tragic in this historical fiction, is a part of why this story is so great...and quite addictive! Although the absence of Ragnar's presence is still fresh in the viewer's mind and heart, the development of the other characters allow us to accept and find a bond. I think that is how the character of Ragnar wanted it to be...although there will never be one quite like him. Even Rollo is easing his way back into the hearts of the viewers. You sense the division within Rollo's soul: the love for his people vs. the desire of conquest.
The early scenes of Judith visiting her father King Ella and mother was very real to me. The anger and bitterness of her arranged marriage to Athelwulf was prevalent along with her romantic relationship to King Ecbert, which is known to all. Judith's statement of " a woman's desire to be free," certainly identifies with our modern culture's beliefs in America.
I thought it interesting as Rollo left his " brother Vikings," returning to the French, Floki's wife Helga says good bye to Rollo. Hmmm? Helga herself has grown attached to a captured girl with Muslim faith, and has adopted her as her own daughter. Floki seems to accept Helga's decision along with having a spiritual experience at the Mosque. Yet, his anger and perhaps hatred toward Rollo is apparent, wishing they had killed Rollo before he returned to the French kingdom.
Princess Gislam the wife of Rollo, did not welcome him home. She expressed her frustration and wrath, particularly when she belted Rollo on the nose.
King Ecbert seems lost if not a little mentally unstable since the death of Ragnar. His focus now was on teaching the young boy Alfred on the importance of reading books and the philosophies of great men in that era. He describes how a leader of people needs to be a teacher to people. His analogy of carrying the burdens of a people like "dragging a stone up a hill, only to perpetually roll back down," Then, he gave Alfred wine while Ecbert drank water. His point to Alfred was never allow others to influence him, one must think their own thoughts ( Alfred did not want so much wine.)
Judith, upon seeing the place where Ragnar had died, declares to her mother and father that it is a sacred place. She again warns them of the retribution coming from the sons of Ragnar. King Ella seems to take the warning lightly, commenting he and his countrymen are already prepared.
In yet another scene, a man pays respect to Lagertha as he and many are now joining this "Great Army" to avenge the death of King Ragnar. His comments include the great stories and poems of past adventures of Lagertha and Ragnar. Lagertha responds that perhaps her and Ragnar should have done things differently. The man responds, " No, that would be the fault of the poets." Lagertha was visibly touched by his words.
Yet, the sons of Ragnar are not an exactly cohesive unit. Lagertha murdering Queen Aslaug, has not gone well with her sons Hvitserk, Sigurd the Snake-Eye, Ubbe, and most of all, Ivar the Boneless.
At one point Bjorn ( son of Ragnar/Lagertha) steps in and says "If you kill her (Lagertha,) you will have to kill me." Gotta love Ivar's reaction, " Maybe we should."...followed by a brother saying " Shut-up!"
It is amazing to me how the director Michael Hurst is committed to keeping this story accurate. You see, there really was a Great Army formed, and they did attack England. Their opponent was led by a man known in history as "King Alfred the Great."
Love it!
Oh, the chariot Floki built for Ivar...Priceless!
The early scenes of Judith visiting her father King Ella and mother was very real to me. The anger and bitterness of her arranged marriage to Athelwulf was prevalent along with her romantic relationship to King Ecbert, which is known to all. Judith's statement of " a woman's desire to be free," certainly identifies with our modern culture's beliefs in America.
I thought it interesting as Rollo left his " brother Vikings," returning to the French, Floki's wife Helga says good bye to Rollo. Hmmm? Helga herself has grown attached to a captured girl with Muslim faith, and has adopted her as her own daughter. Floki seems to accept Helga's decision along with having a spiritual experience at the Mosque. Yet, his anger and perhaps hatred toward Rollo is apparent, wishing they had killed Rollo before he returned to the French kingdom.
Princess Gislam the wife of Rollo, did not welcome him home. She expressed her frustration and wrath, particularly when she belted Rollo on the nose.
King Ecbert seems lost if not a little mentally unstable since the death of Ragnar. His focus now was on teaching the young boy Alfred on the importance of reading books and the philosophies of great men in that era. He describes how a leader of people needs to be a teacher to people. His analogy of carrying the burdens of a people like "dragging a stone up a hill, only to perpetually roll back down," Then, he gave Alfred wine while Ecbert drank water. His point to Alfred was never allow others to influence him, one must think their own thoughts ( Alfred did not want so much wine.)
Judith, upon seeing the place where Ragnar had died, declares to her mother and father that it is a sacred place. She again warns them of the retribution coming from the sons of Ragnar. King Ella seems to take the warning lightly, commenting he and his countrymen are already prepared.In yet another scene, a man pays respect to Lagertha as he and many are now joining this "Great Army" to avenge the death of King Ragnar. His comments include the great stories and poems of past adventures of Lagertha and Ragnar. Lagertha responds that perhaps her and Ragnar should have done things differently. The man responds, " No, that would be the fault of the poets." Lagertha was visibly touched by his words.
At one point Bjorn ( son of Ragnar/Lagertha) steps in and says "If you kill her (Lagertha,) you will have to kill me." Gotta love Ivar's reaction, " Maybe we should."...followed by a brother saying " Shut-up!"
It is amazing to me how the director Michael Hurst is committed to keeping this story accurate. You see, there really was a Great Army formed, and they did attack England. Their opponent was led by a man known in history as "King Alfred the Great."
Love it!
Oh, the chariot Floki built for Ivar...Priceless!
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