Vikings: Valhalla and the History it's Building
Hey there, Vikings fans! If you've binged your way through "Vikings" on Netflix, you probably already know that it spawned a cool spinoff - Vikings: Valhalla. The great news is: there's a lot to love in both series! Although the Valhalla storylines take place well after the events of Vikings, there's still so much connecting the two shows. The main cast of "Vikings" might be absent from this spin-off, but there are still tons of cool, little connections between the two!
It's like, we have this whole crazy universe - think battles, historical figures (maybe a little fictionalized) - and Vikings is one part of the big Viking story. Vikings: Valhalla keeps that history going strong!
Vikings: Valhalla and the "Vikings" Legends
Ragnar Lothbrok, who started off the Viking mayhem in "Vikings", was a true force to be reckoned with. The man led that legendary Lindisfarne raid and sailed the seas to the furthest lands (it's why his sons, Bjorn Ironside and Ivar the Boneless, also became so famous). In Valhalla, Ragnar is a living legend, an inspiration to many Vikings and, even, a figure that English royals warn against, like those people who just want to take over all the goods from other kingdoms.
Vikings: Valhalla goes on to mention these important Viking figures because they’re all such big deals, especially to the main characters who see themselves following the paths set down by these famous figures. They really take the time to go back to the legendary stories! Plus, Valhalla does a pretty decent job of bringing these characters’ storylines together to make this history all the more intriguing, like a big puzzle being put back together with the addition of this spin-off.
Remembering Lagertha - A Hero for the Ages
Lagertha - a legend. She was a wife to Ragnar Lothbrok, but she went on to become Queen! The woman was fearless! She battled side by side with Viking warriors and her shield-sisters, inspiring those coming up behind her, which we see in Vikings: Valhalla. If you watched "Vikings" then you’re already thinking about the epic, yet somewhat sad, moment when Lagertha was tragically killed by her own brother!
"Vikings: Valhalla" definitely goes out of its way to ensure Lagertha's story continues. Even though the time period jumps a hundred years, the series proves that her name and everything she did is remembered by Vikings all over. Especially by Freydís Eiríksdóttir! One of the key characters who becomes the show's fearless shieldmaiden, making sure that legacy lives on strong. She proves that the history set down in Vikings still inspires those living in Valhalla’s time.
Vikings and Valhalla: Connections Between the Two
It makes sense if you can’t picture “Vikings” without Kattegat, the main Viking settlement in “Vikings”, which remains a key location in “Vikings: Valhalla”. In "Vikings" Kattegat became the center for trading, planning, and executing attacks against other kingdoms. It became super important when you considered the historical events that happened in Vikings - it even led to Canute’s decision to go on the hunt for some major land grab!
Kattegat also played a big role in “Vikings: Valhalla" because, remember the new characters and new story? They’re all tangled up with those places. Olaf took over the whole place and decided to start a crazy new adventure of his own. And the whole power struggle that leads to the big confrontation between Olaf and Canute makes it even more relevant for the storyline of “Vikings: Valhalla”!
Vikings: Valhalla Keeps Us Connected
Both shows really lean in to the concept of belief and religion - especially when you consider the conflicts between pagans and Christians in Valhalla. When we met Freydís Eiríksdóttir in Valhalla, we were intrigued by her trip to a temple in the town of Uppsala! This temple is the holy spot of the Norse pagan beliefs! It is something very central to both stories!
This town was a place of gathering for Vikings to pray and offer up sacrifices. And it became a super-charged location after being torn down by the Christians! “Vikings: Valhalla" does a nice job of showing how both the Christians and the pagans still make use of the legends. So even when these places are destroyed, the memories are powerful.
When The Dead Are Not So Dead - The Seer’s Second Coming!
Okay, here’s the thing: a whole bunch of characters in "Vikings" were left alive or kinda "semi-alive," especially that enigmatic Seer (The Seer - that’s the best name for a seer ever) who was so well-respected, no one even knows his real name! Even after getting stabbed by Ivar (which happens in “Vikings” Season 5), it was still unclear if he’d actually pass over. You know those seers – they always have a knack for hanging around even in a world full of Vikings and battles.
He is back with some serious visioning to guide Freydís Eiríksdóttir and Jarl Kåre, a mysterious seer who might still be around! This is how Vikings is really connected to “Vikings: Valhalla.” This mystical aspect, this supernatural quality is really how they connected the series!
Roll With the Vikings!
You know Rollo - a great warrior in "Vikings," who actually decided to become a powerful ruler in Normandy and led the invasion of Britain. His lineage is pretty significant, because Rollo was super instrumental in creating Normandy. But, since Rollo didn't pop up in the last season of "Vikings," you’re probably wondering how we're getting connected to this historical figure through "Vikings: Valhalla", right?
Remember Queen Emma of Normandy? Yeah, she’s a big part of “Vikings: Valhalla". It turns out she's directly connected to Rollo’s bloodline. This is how we're connected through that ancient line and all those Viking battles, showing that everything was all part of one big saga.
Erik The Red - The Connection? Or Not
It seems that “Vikings: Valhalla” has gone a bit rogue, because they had to reintroduce Erik The Red to their series! If you’re thinking "hold up, I thought we saw Erik in ‘Vikings’," then you’re right! We actually do see him, but for a completely different storyline.
The original Erik Thorvaldsson character was a former mercenary who became an outlaw and a powerful figure at the end of “Vikings.” It’s unclear if the show decided to change the lore of “Vikings,” because this Erik is also mentioned as the father of Leif and Freydís. He may be a “Vikings” character, but they are from two totally different time periods and, honestly, the way they've brought in the Erik The Red characters might make you say, "Huh, so, who is he?".
Vikings and Valhalla - What To Do
"Vikings: Valhalla" is a powerful spinoff that does a really cool job of taking everything from “Vikings” and bringing those storylines into a completely new generation of Viking warriors.
It gives us a glimpse into that fascinating time, when paganism and Christianity collided and we get all of this historical information about who's who – with a twist, a touch of adventure, a lot of violence, a dose of politics, and lots of intrigue.
Vikings: Valhalla's Continued Success
The show has just gotten renewed for a third season and even has some great behind-the-scenes teasers about new events and what to expect! I think there is a lot of story left to explore - and I’m definitely intrigued to see what other surprises are in store.
There's no doubt that the writers for both series had some real fun with history, bringing some interesting characters and some crazy stories to life! You can definitely expect a lot more from Vikings and "Vikings: Valhalla," which could easily turn into a long, long saga!
