Vikings (2012 TV series)
Vikings is a historical drama television series created and written by Michael Hirst for the History channel. It premiered on March 3, 2013, in Canada, and concluded on December 30, 2020, after six seasons.
Synopsis:
The series is inspired by the sagas of Viking Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the best-known legendary Norse heroes and notorious as the scourge of England and France. It portrays Ragnar as a farmer who rises to fame by successful raids into England, and eventually becomes a Scandinavian king, with the support of his family and fellow warriors. The later seasons follow the fortunes of his sons, including Bjorn Ironside, Ivar the Boneless, Ubbe, and Hvitserk, as they explore and conquer new lands.
Production:
The series was filmed primarily in Ireland. It aimed for historical accuracy but also incorporated elements of Norse mythology and legend. Michael Hirst drew inspiration from historical accounts, such as the Gesta Danorum and the Sagas of Ragnar Lothbrok.
Cast:
The main cast throughout the series included:
- Travis Fimmel as Ragnar Lothbrok
- Katheryn Winnick as Lagertha
- Clive Standen as Rollo
- Jessalyn Gilsig as Siggy Haraldson
- Gustaf Skarsgård as Floki
- George Blagden as Athelstan
- Alexander Ludwig as Bjorn Ironside
- Alex Høgh Andersen as Ivar the Boneless
- Jordan Patrick Smith as Ubbe
- Marco Ilsø as Hvitserk
Reception:
Vikings received generally positive reviews for its acting, writing, production values, and historical re-imaginings. Some historians have noted inaccuracies and liberties taken for dramatic purposes. The series was praised for bringing Norse history and culture to a wider audience.
Spin-off:
A sequel series, Vikings: Valhalla, premiered on Netflix in 2022, set a century after the events of Vikings.