The Lingering Viking Spirit
Reflections on Characters from the Series Vikings
I recently finished watching the series Vikings on Netflix and I was quite intrigued by the unique intersections shown in the evolution of faiths. The Vikings believed in nature and lived closer to it. Yet a primal instinct of exploration, born out of curiosity in the key protagonist Ragnar Lothbrok, brings about a revolution in the community.
Farmers, savages, and worshippers of nature eventually become some of the greatest explorers known to mankind, exploring through the sea. While the epic on Netflix is based on fiction and there may be changes in the storyline, the character evolution is beautiful.
Ragnar Lothbrok
Ragnar Lothbrok can be considered an archetype within all of us. That curiosity, desire for power, and yet deep love for his people drive him to travel the world.
A firm believer in his faith and in his gods, his belief is tested during his journey when he meets Athelstan, the priest, within whom he finds an unexpected ally. While his faith in his own gods remains strong, he becomes intrigued by the love that Athelstan has for his God and his faith. That love transcends belief at the level of ego.
Their friendship evolves beautifully. Athelstan begins questioning his own faith and starts looking at the world through Ragnar’s lens and through the lens of the Vikings, discovering the beauty in the simplicity of worshipping nature.
Athelstan’s death kills a part of Ragnar. The part that believed and the part that remained curious. With his belief system shaken, his quest for conquest and power still continues.
Immortal, fierce warrior, fierce lover, and a just ruler, Ragnar remains partially broken by the death of Athelstan and the shattering of his belief system. Along his journey he leaves a strong legacy for his sons to follow and recognizes the potential in Ivar to lead the Vikings.
Lagertha
Lagertha represents strength and femininity. She embodies the roles of mother, warrior, lover, queen, and earl. A complete and powerful woman.
While Ragnar travels in pursuit of his curiosity, she allows him the liberty of his choices. Yet she feels deeply disrespected when Ragnar brings home another wife and refuses to accept the presence of another woman in his life.
She decides to leave Kattegat, giving Bjorn the choice to stay or come with her. She chooses dignity over title. Although Ragnar had offered that she could remain queen, respect meant more to her than power.
With her head held high, she creates a life and an empire of her own away from Ragnar. Later she joins Ragnar in his wars, not as his shadow but as his equal.
She travels far and wide as a fierce shield maiden, inspiring women to fight and live with courage.
Ivar the Boneless
Ivar the Boneless, the youngest son of Ragnar Lothbrok, is born with a congenital disorder. Ragnar abandons him after birth, believing it would reduce his suffering and also unable to accept that he could father a weaker son.
Yet Ivar grows into one of the most complex and powerful characters in the series.
The paralysis of his lower limbs becomes the very thing that shapes his strength. He develops unmatched upper body power along with remarkable intelligence and strategic thinking.
While his brothers may appear stronger as warriors, Ivar wins through cleverness, cunning, and strategy. Ragnar eventually recognizes in him the potential to become a true leader of the Vikings.
At times the audience feels hatred for him, and at other times deep sympathy. His weakness becomes his strength.
His thirst for power and his understanding of conflict make him realize that comfort is only a pause before another battle. He ultimately dies on the battlefield like a Viking, reaching Valhalla.
Floki
Floki begins as a craftsman whose skill in building boats is noticed by Ragnar. He worships Ragnar and believes deeply in his vision, accompanying him on many voyages as a loyal companion.
However, his jealousy toward Athelstan and his devotion to the Norse gods create inner conflict. He eventually kills Athelstan, though even he may never fully understand whether the act was driven by jealousy, faith, or hatred toward Christianity.
Floki remains deeply spiritual, constantly searching for the will of the gods.
After the death of Helga he loses his purpose and sets out alone on a boat without instruments, surrendering himself entirely to the gods. His journey leads him to a new land which he believes to be the land of the gods.
Yet conflict among settlers and the discovery of a Christian cross in a cave shakes his belief once again. Eventually he retreats into solitude and is later seen living peacefully among indigenous people, away from war and ambition, simply existing with nature.
Torvi
Torvi begins as a weak woman under the control of her husband, staying with him because she already has a child.
Her life changes when Bjorn Ironside enters it. Through this relationship she evolves into a fierce shield maiden and follows the strength and leadership of Lagertha.
Later she parts ways with Bjorn when their love fades and eventually forms a deep connection with Ubbe, Bjorn’s brother. She transforms into a devoted mother, warrior, traveler, and confident woman.
Her journey teaches that relationships are not about right or wrong. They are experiences that help us grow and understand ourselves. People become mirrors that reflect who we truly are.
The girl who once lived in silence ultimately chooses independence and exploration.
Bjorn Ironside
Bjorn Ironside is the son of Ragnar and Lagertha, one of the most powerful couples in the Viking world.
Although he parts ways with Ragnar early in life and chooses to stay with his mother to protect her, he always knows that his destiny is connected to his father.
He trains under Lagertha, journeys into the wilderness, and returns stronger after killing a bear with his bare hands.
Bjorn becomes a fearless explorer who carries Ragnar’s legacy further than Ragnar himself imagined. He builds his own alliances and becomes a true leader.
People do not follow titles. People follow courage and strength of character.
Bjorn ultimately dies a glorious death on the battlefield, choosing to become a symbol of strength for his army even in a losing battle.
Reflections on the Viking Spirit
The series portrays different belief systems and powerful human emotions. It celebrates the thirst for exploration and the acceptance of death as a natural part of life.
For the Vikings, life was lived according to fate written by the gods. Their duty was to live courageously and follow that path.
The idea of Valhalla, where warriors join the gods after death, reflects a belief that we are all part of something greater and eventually return to it.
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