Great Odin’s Raven! Vikings Season Finale Sneak Peak
“All Change” – Sunday, April 28 at 10 p.m. on HISTORY
At the behest of King Horik, Ragnar assembles a small party to travel to Gotaland (modern day Sweden) to resolve a land dispute with the area’s leader, Jarl Borg. Ragnar’s renown precedes him and Jarl Borg is intrigued – has he found a new ally or is Ragnar just a puppet of the king? Meanwhile in Kattegat, with a plague taking its toll on the village, the people look to Lagertha to help appease the gods. Directed by: Ken Girotti. Written by: Michael Hirst.
Vikings is the newest historical drama from writer/producer Micheal Hirst (Tudors, Elizabeth, Camelot-which was AWESOME, btw) and producer Mark Burnett.
Before you turn your nose up I just want to be clear; this is not some over stylized, blood gushing, Scandinavian version of Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Vikings is gritty, brutal, and realistic much in the way of Game of Thrones. And, like Game of Thrones, has subtle supernatural elements that really keep you hooked.
Synopsis
The HISTORY® original series Vikings transports us to the brutal and mysterious world of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), 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 (Gabriel Byrne), 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 (Gustaf Skarsgard) 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 (Katheryn Winnick), a respected warrior in her own right. It is the tale of Ragnar’s brother Rollo (Clive Standen), a fierce fighter who simmers with jealously; of Earl Haraldson’s wife Siggy (Jessalyn Gilsig), a dutiful beauty who may be less than loyal; and of the monk Athelstan (George Blagden), 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. Vikings was created and written by Michael Hirst (Elizabeth, The Tudors).
Most of us stereotype vikings as being big, dumb, raging barbarians when really, the opposite is true. The Norsemen were a sophisticated, democratic society steeped in mythology and religious superstition. They were traders and merchants, farmers and fisherman. The women and men stood side by side as equals in their community as well as on the battlefield.
As a woman, I’m pleased to see the females portrayed as powerful, intelligent, well-rounded individuals with their own goals and ambitions. At a time when most of the world oppressed women, the Vikings were leaps and bounds ahead of their time.
But, even as a multifaceted civilization, harsh environments made Viking life extremely difficult, forcing them to seek resources elsewhere. Their insatiable desire to explore new lands, establish trade routes, and expand their territory changed Europe forever.
Cast & Characters:
Ragnar Lothbrok / Travis Fimmel
A young Viking warrior and farmer, Ranger believes he is destined for greatness. Frustrated by the restrictive policies of his local cheiftain, Earl Haraldson, he is convinced that great riches lie to the west and resolves to sail across the ocean to find them. Ragnar identifies with the god Odin, who traded his eye for knowledge, and is endlessly curious about what lies beyond his homeland. He lives with his wife Lagertha, a respected warrior in her own right, and their two young children.
Earl Haraldson / Gabriel Byrne
This local cheiftain’s past as a great warrior has earned him his important position. Unwilling to risk losing his valuable ships by sending his raiders west, he becomes embroiled in a struggle for power and glory with the ambitious Ragnar. The Earl and his wife, Siggy have one daughter, and are heart-broken by the loss of their two sons.
Lagertha / Kathryn Winnick
Ragnar’s devoted wife is a powerful and well-known shield-maiden who has often battled alongside her husband and other Viking fighters. Determined to help Ragnar succeed in his ambitions, she has earned her husband’s respect and admiration, and the two share a great love story.
Siggy / Jessalyn Gilsig
Earl Haraldson’s beautiful, enigmatic wife is much admired and performs her duties impeccably. She recognized that her husband has a worth opponent in Ragnar and encourages the earl’s efforts to best him. Siggy is fiercely protective of her daughter, Thyri, who is nearing marrying age. When it comes to her husband, however, Siggy may be less than loyal.
Rollo/Clive Standen
A fearsome warrior with a wild, impulsive streak, Rollo has begun to grow jealous of his increasingly prominent brother Ragnar. Though Ragnar has promised Rollo they will always be equals, tensions constantly threaten their relationship.
Floki / Gustaf Skarsgard
A boat builder and incorrigible trickster, Floki is Ragnar’s closest friend. Committed to helping Ragnar sail west, he secretly designs and builds a new generation of Viking longboats.
Athelstan / George Blagden
This young Christian monk finds himself in an unfamiliar world after Vikings raid his monastery. Athelstan is brought to live in Viking society and struggles to maintain his beliefs in an environment very different from his own across the sea.
Bjorn / Nathan O’tool
At 12, the first-born son of Ragnar and Lagertha has just come of age in Viking society. The rite of passage occurred when Earl Haraldson presents him with a ring at the gathering know as the Thing. Bjorn yearns to be a warrior like his father but, his youth and inexperience hold him back.
Wanna get caught up on the entire series? Interested in learning more about Viking culture? Visit HISTORY to access full episodes, exclusive, interactive content, and behind the scenes video.
