Vikings Series: Everything, you Need to Know About

"Vikings" is a historical drama series created by Michael Hirst, premiering on the History Channel on March 3, 2013, and concluding on December 30, 2020. A co-production between Canada and Ireland, the series was inspired by the legendary sagas of Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking farmer from Kattegat who rises to power through his raids on England, eventually becoming a Scandinavian king. The show, known for its gripping portrayal of Norse mythology and history, shifts focus in later seasons to Ragnar's sons and their expeditions across England, Scandinavia, Kievan Rus', and beyond.

Credit: MovieWeb

Vikings Plot

"Vikings" immerses viewers in the brutal and enigmatic world of Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warrior and farmer driven by a desire to explore and raid distant shores. His ambitions clash with local chieftain Earl Haraldson, who prefers raiding the impoverished east rather than venturing westward. With the help of his friend Floki, Ragnar builds advanced ships capable of navigating the treacherous northern seas, setting the stage for intense conflict.

Beyond the bloodshed, the series delves into themes of family and loyalty, highlighting the bond between Ragnar and his fierce shield-maiden wife, Lagertha, and the jealousy simmering within his brother Rollo. The story also explores the moral struggles of Athelstan, a Christian monk, as these characters face challenges that will forever change their world.

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Vikings Cast

Ragnar Lothbrok

Ragnar is the central figure of the series, portrayed as a visionary leader with ambitions that stretch far beyond his Viking roots. His character arc is one of the most compelling in the show, from a simple farmer to a legendary warrior and king.

Lagertha

Lagertha, Ragnar’s first wife, is a formidable shieldmaiden who embodies strength, independence, and resilience. Her character is a fan favorite, known for her warrior spirit and leadership.

Rollo

Rollo, Ragnar’s brother, is a complex character torn between loyalty to his brother and his own desires for power. His journey is one of the most turbulent, filled with betrayals and redemption.

Bjorn Ironside

Bjorn, the eldest son of Ragnar and Lagertha, grows up to become a legendary Viking leader in his own right. His adventures and battles are central to the latter part of the series.

Floki

Floki, Ragnar’s closest friend and the shipbuilder responsible for their voyages, is a quirky and deeply religious character. His belief in the Norse gods often puts him at odds with others, but his loyalty to Ragnar never wavers.

Other Significant Characters

The series boasts a wide range of characters, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story. Notable mentions include Aslaug, Ragnar's second wife, Ivar the Boneless, one of Ragnar's sons known for his ruthless tactics, and King Ecbert, a cunning and ambitious ruler of Wessex.

Historical Background

The series is set during the Viking Age, a period that spans from the late 8th century to the early 11th century. While the show takes some liberties with historical events, it remains grounded in real historical figures and occurrences. The creators aimed to blend historical accuracy with entertainment, bringing to life the myths and legends of the Norse people.

Credit: The Hollywood Reporter

Season 1

The first season of "Vikings" marked the beginning of Ragnar Lothbrok's legendary journey. This Irish-Canadian co-production was developed by Octagon Films and Take 5 Productions, with Michael Hirst, Morgan O'Sullivan, and others serving as executive producers. With a budget of $40 million, the series began filming in July 2013 at Ashford Studios in Ireland, a location chosen for its stunning scenery and tax benefits. Notable scenes featuring longships were filmed at Luggala and the Poulaphouca Reservoir in the Wicklow Mountains, with 70% of the season shot outdoors.

Additional background footage was captured in western Norway, enhancing the show's authentic feel. Directors Johan Renck, Ciarán Donnelly, and Ken Girotti each helmed three episodes, supported by a talented production team, including cinematographer John Bartley, costume designer Joan Bergin, and composer Trevor Morris. The Crux Vocal Ensemble, led by Paul McGough, provided the haunting choral music that became a signature of the series.

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Season 2

The second season of "Vikings" premiered on February 27, 2014, on History in Canada, concluding on May 1, 2014, with ten thrilling episodes. This season continues to follow the legendary Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok as he navigates new challenges and rivalries. As Ragnar’s power grows, he ascends from Earl to King, solidifying his place as a formidable leader among his people. The season also expands on the Vikings' raids, pushing further into England, where they encounter new foes and, for the first time, are offered land for settlement. Ragnar’s journey is marked by intense battles, strategic alliances, and the internal conflicts that come with leadership. This season sets the stage for Ragnar’s increasing influence and the beginning of his legacy, while also delving into the exploits of his sons, who will later play crucial roles in the saga.

Season 3

In the third season of "Vikings," Morgan O'Sullivan, Sheila Hockin, Sherry Marsh, Alan Gasmer, James Flynn, John Weber, and Michael Hirst continued their roles as executive producers. The season was produced by Steve Wakefield and Keith Thompson, with Bill Goddard and Séamus McInerney serving as co-producers. A talented production team brought the season to life, including casting directors Frank and Nuala Moiselle, costume designer Joan Bergin, and visual effects supervisors Julian Parry and Dominic Remane. The intense and dynamic action scenes were crafted by stunt designers Franklin Henson and Richard Ryan. Trevor Morris returned as the composer, while Mark Geraghty took on the role of production designer. Editing was handled by Aaron Marshall and Tad Seaborn, alternating episodes. Cinematographer PJ Dillon captured the season's striking visuals. Notably, Norwegian music group Wardruna provided much of the series' atmospheric background music, with founder Einar Selvik appearing as a shaman in the show.

Credit: Screen Rant

 

Season 4

Before the third season even aired, Michael Hirst had already announced plans for the fourth season of "Vikings." Production for this season began in April 2015 in Ireland, particularly around the Dublin and Wicklow areas, with additional location shoots featuring actor Alexander Ludwig taking place in Canada. The fourth season saw the introduction of new cast members, including Finnish actors Peter Franzén and Jasper Pääkkönen, and Canadian actress Dianne Doan. Franzén took on the role of King Harald Finehair, a potential rival to Ragnar, while Pääkkönen portrayed Halfdan the Black, Harald's brother. Doan played Yidu, a Chinese character who becomes significant in the first half of the season. Additionally, former Toronto Blue Jays player Josh Donaldson, a fan of the show, made a guest appearance as "Hoskuld." This season continued to expand the series' world and introduced new complexities and rivalries that further enriched the narrative.

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Season 5

As "Vikings" was renewed for its fifth season, it was announced that Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers would join the cast as Heahmund, a "warrior bishop." Series creator Michael Hirst explained that Heahmund was inspired by historical warrior bishops, who were deeply religious yet fierce on the battlefield. WWE wrestler Adam Copeland also joined the cast as Kjetill Flatnose, a bold warrior chosen by Floki to lead an expedition to Iceland to establish a colony. Irish actor Darren Cahill portrayed Æthelred of Wessex, while Nigerian actor Stanley Aguzie secured a small role. The season featured Kieran O'Reilly, an Irish actor and musician who played "White Hair," and Danish actor Erik Madsen as King Hemmig, after his role as a Viking on "The Last Kingdom." Filming for Season 5 took place in Iceland and Morocco, with Morocco standing in for Sicily and Egypt, adding new and exotic locations to the series' expansive narrative.

Season 6

In the sixth season of "Vikings," Russian actor Danila Kozlovsky joined the cast as Oleg the Wise, a 10th-century Varangian ruler of the Rus' people. This season also saw Katheryn Winnick, who plays Lagertha, stepping behind the camera to direct an episode, showcasing her multifaceted talents. The show's music continued to feature strong Nordic folk influences, with contributions from Scandinavian artists such as Wardruna and Danheim, enhancing the series' authentic and atmospheric sound. The sixth season further expanded the narrative with new characters and dynamics, deepening the complex world of Viking history and legend.

Vikings Reviews

When I finally tuned into "Vikings," a show I had missed in 2013, I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't expect to get hooked, but I did, and I'm glad I did. "Vikings" isn't just a compelling historical series; it features some of the most powerful moments and rich characterizations on television.

The series follows Ragnar Lothbrok, a farmer who rises to become a great Viking leader. Although familiarity with Viking culture isn't essential, knowing a bit helps appreciate the depth of the show. Far from being just about raids, "Vikings" is rich with political intrigue, religious customs, and cultural themes that spark ongoing discussions.

The show's strength lies in its detailed character portrayals. From authentic costumes and weapons to the nuanced portrayal of Ragnar by Travis Fimmel, every detail contributes to a gripping narrative. The Viking religion, with its pagan rites and gods, is portrayed with fascinating depth, offering a stark contrast to the Christian world.

Noteworthy performances include Gabriel Byrne as Earl Haraldson, Katheryn Winnick as Lagertha, and Gustaf Skarsgård as Floki. The realistic filming style and strong character development make "Vikings" a standout series. Despite some editing quirks, the show’s immersive experience and compelling storylines make it highly binge-worthy. If you can handle its intense scenes, "Vikings" offers a richly rewarding watch.

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Vikings OTT

The "Vikings" series became available for streaming on Netflix starting March 30, 2024, offering all six seasons and a total of 89 episodes. Fans can now enjoy the entire saga of Ragnar Lothbrok and his legendary exploits on this popular platform. While the first part of Season 6 was previously broadcast on The History Channel, the second part was available on Prime Video. Netflix's inclusion of "Vikings" provides a comprehensive viewing experience for new and returning viewers, allowing them to dive deep into the epic world of the Norse warriors. With all episodes now accessible on Netflix, it's the perfect opportunity to binge-watch the entire series or revisit favorite episodes.