The lives of the fearsome Vikings are brought to life on screen in a new series, giving “the scourge of Europe” human faces
“Vikings” follows the colossal adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok (played by Travis Fimmel of “The Beast” fame), a man who is always looking to break through barriers and to discover new worlds to conquer.
With the help of his jester friend, Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard of The Way Back), they build a new generation of boats – faster, sleeker and more beautifully-crafted than anything else on the sea.
A Different World & Culture
The series will also delve into how the Vikings worshipped ancient Norse gods such as Odin, Thor, Freya and Loki. Ragnar claims to be a direct descendant of Odin.
While “Vikings” is filled with conflict, warfare and bloodshed, it is a family saga at heart. A young farmer and family man, Ragnar is deeply frustrated by the unadventurous policies of his local chieftain, Earl Haraldson (Gabriel Byrne), who continues to send his Viking raiders East every summer to the Baltic states and Russia, whose populations are as poor as themselves.
Notable Portrayals
Also starring in the series are Katheryn Winnick (of “Bones”) as Lagertha, a fierce shield maiden and Ragnar’s wife; Jessalyn Gilsig (of “Glee” and “Heroes”) as Siggy, Earl Haraldson’s wife; George Blagden (of Les Miserables and Wrath of the Titans) as Athelstan, a young Christian monk captured by Ragnar on his first raid on England; and Clive Standen (of “Camelot”) as Rollo, Ragnar’s impulsive and carefree brother.
This revolutionary series is created and written by Michael Hirst, one of the premier historical storytellers in the industry, known for the Academy Award-winning Elizabeth, and the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated series “The Tudors”.
Premiere & Highlights
The first episode, “Rites of Passage”, premiered on Sep 29. The story begins in 8th Century Scandinavia.
Ragnar, a warrior and a farmer, has secretly been working on a project that will turn the Viking world on its head. But, first, Ragnar must convince the leader of his community, the powerful Earl Haraldson.
Episode 5, “Raid”, premieres this Sunday, Oct 27, at 10pm. A seer reads Earl Haraldson’s future and tells him that Ragnar searches for his death. With Ragnar’s home and farm burnt, he must choose the path that will lead him to his freedom.
A new episode of Vikings premieres every Sun, 10pm, & a repeat from Episode 1 begins 26 Oct, 5pm, or 27 Oct, 11am, on History, StarHub TV Ch 401, and History HD, StarHub TV Ch 455.
Interesting Facts
• “Vikings” portrays the world of these Dark Age raiders, traders and explorers through the eyes of Viking society.
• The production team designed two 56-foot-long Viking ships, which were built in the Czech Republic, and commissioned custom furniture from India, where open-air markets provided many of the series’ props, including metal goblets and other everyday items with designs that approximated those used by the actual Vikings.
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