The
Vikings is a historical drama that is now in its third season on the history
channel. Vikings is inspired by the sagas of Viking Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the
best-known mythological Norse heroes and notorious as the scourge of England and
France. It portrays Ragnar as a former farmer who rises to fame by successful
raids into England with the support of his family and fellow warriors: his
brother Rollo, his son Bjorn, and his wives—the shieldmaiden Lagertha and the
princess Aslaug.
The series production is visually stunning with many beautiful landscapes from
Ireland and Western Norway. Places such as Luggala, the Poulaphouca Reservoir
and the Wicklow Mountains. Costumes are just splendid showing period dress of our
favorite Warriors and Warrior Princesses. Tattoos were a big part of the Viking
experience, so you will see plenty of them including Norse and Celtic art
throughout the series. Expect to see Viking villages, Viking long ships as well
as some of most intriguing shots from far away mountains to up close and
personal displaying these warrior peoples in all of their might. Acting is
terrific and you might find yourself hooked on this series after the first show!
The Viking theme song that plays before each show is a memorizing enchanting
song by Fever Ray - If I had a Heart. You can listen to it on
YouTube
if you can't get enough from the series!
One aspect of the show that is really fascinating is how the Viking woman play a
pivotal role in the Viking society. They were more treated like equals than
their medieval counterparts - even going to battle with the men on the raiding
campaigns. Each warrior woman is dressed in their exotic Viking clothes with
jewelry, hair pieces, tattoos and flowing blond air that would make any man
proud to have a Lagertha in their lives. Ok men, start exploring your
significant others Viking past and see if they will die their hair blonde!
In the current third season, the Vikings are invading Wessex England through a
combination of brute force and negotiations with the King of Wessex. And so
starts the invasion of England that will eventually lead to a new race of
peoples called the Anglo-Saxons. Future seasons may feature characters such as
Alfred the Great, Leif Ericson, and Ivar the Boneless, as well as travels to
Iceland, Russia, France, and across the Atlantic. Past seasons include some
controversial subjects that may not be suitable for younger children, such as
human sacrifice (which the Vikings were involved with) and graphic display of a
medieval torture called the "Blood Eagle."
So if you want to watch the Vikings you can catch them on the History Channel,
but for those that have snapped the cable line and gone completely internet
there are a few options available. Hulu has the full series available using
their huluplus service (only $7.99 a month) and you get to see the new shows the
day after the original show airs on the History Channel. Amazon.com has seasons
1 and 2 available with their prime membership, but if you want to see the latest
season you are going to have to lay down $16.95 to buy a season pass. Certainly
worth it to get your fix of Viking craic! 5 Stars from Celtic Radio. This is a
series not to be missed!
