No Guarantees being a Character on the Viking Series
Real history takes no prisoners. It seems Michael Hirst, creator of The Viking Series on the History Channel, understands that. If the count is right, 87 characters have been killed off, regardless of the "character pecking order."
I was surprised when Siggi drowned and King Ragnar killed Yidu. I was heartbroken when Floki killed Athelstan. I hated to see Queen Lagertha kill Queen Aslaug, Floki's wife Helga dying, and King Egbert of Wessex go. Of course, King Ragnar's death was a real moment, while recently Astrid and Halfdan were killed off.
I appreciate Michael Hirst's persistence to keep close to recorded history we have on the Vikings realizing it is still a historical fiction series.
Michael Hirst said on September 12, 2017; " It has been my pleasure and my privilege to work with History and MGM over five seasons and 69 episodes of Vikings. Now we are ready to begin production of a 20 episode season 6 that will deliver a huge and unexpected revelation to our audience."
Historical fiction is a tough act. It is particularly hard with limited sources of historical data. Much of Viking lore was passed down orally or in written sagas. A few examples include:
1. Athelstan He is not mentioned in Anglo/Saxon accounts nor in Nordic sagas.
2. Queen Aslaug She is mentioned in 13th century Icelandic saga in the story of Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons.
3. The Seer His character is not based on a specific person but inspired by ancient pagan sorcerers.
4. Bjorn Ironside History indicates he may have actually been the 2nd son of Queen Aslaug. His older brother may have been Ivar the Boneless. He was a legendary King of Sweden who lived in the 800's. He was known for his raiding skills on both England and France.
5. Queen Lagertha She is recorded to have been born around 795 A.D. and died sometime in the mid 800's. Not much detail but was said to be member of King Siward's court of Norway. I won't forget the episode in the TV series when Ragnar had to kill a bear and a hound to win her affection.
6. Rollo He was the first Duke of Normandy and did marry Princess Gilsa of France. He had a son named William Longsword. No, he was never a brother to Ragnar.
7. Ivar the Boneless He appears to be a pretty mean guy who was equally manipulative. He might have been the wisest of all Ragnar's sons.
8. Floki No character like this seems to exist in Norse legends, but his personality is influenced by the Norse god Loki. Did he create the Viking longboat? Who knows.
9. King Ragnar A legendary Viking king, ruler, and raider. He is described in several Norse sagas and attacked the coasts of England and France to raid and plunder. Still, the evidence of Ragnar is vague.
Other questions arise like did the Vikings have shield maidens? Were they really farmers? Were they here on the North American continent before anyone else from Europe? Did they come in longboats?
The Viking series is the best! Skol!
References:
acsu.buffalo.edu/NorseCharacters.org
mythologian.net
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