RG 18

English W170
Representations of Vikings

Reading Guide: Vikings, episodes 1-2 (Rites of Passage, Wrath of the Northmen)
1. The History Channel advertises Vikings as a gritty, realistic drama based in the history of the Viking Age.
Yet the very first scene in the series incorporates elements (or at least suggestions) of supernatural powers
at work behind the characters actions. Based on these first two episodes, how does this show define
realism? What are the key features of this show that make it realistic? What elements of the show are less
realistic, and why are they included? How do they fit into the shows definition of realism?
Based on the first two episodes, this show defines realism as incorporated with many supernatural
instances from Norse mythology, which was a heavy influence on everyday life during the Viking age. The
key features of the show that make it realistic include the accuracy of its setting, and the portrayal of the
characters behavior which is what we expect form the typical Viking due to historical evidence. Elements
of the show such as Ragnars occasional sightings of Odin are less realistic, but are included to show the
importance these fictional figures have on their society. They fit into the shows definition of realism by
fitting into the religious beliefs of the characters and impacting their decisions and values.
2. How is Lagertha presented as a character? Rewatch the scene where we first meet her. What does the
shows introduction emphasize about her, and how does it do so? How does Lagertha compare to the other
female characters (including, potentially, minor characters or extras)? What does this portrayal say about
modern realism in conceptions of women?
Lagertha is presented as a woman who is very independent, strong, and seasoned veteran as a shield
maiden. The shows introduction shows her bravery and emphasizes her impressive battling abilities as she
fights off two men who are trying to take advantage of her. She appears much more capable of defending
herself compared to other females in the show and this portrayal says conceptions of women are not
normally expected to meet the standards of Lagertha, and are likely more timid and fragile than Lagertha.
3. Wrath of the Northmen includes multiple scenes from the perspective of Athelstan, the monk from
Lindisfarne Abbey. How does this change of perspective, viewing the Vikings from the POV of their
victims, portray them differently? Why does the show use this perspective? What does it do for the show
and the episode? What questions does it raise?
It creates some sympathy for the innocent monks and also shows how heavily they rely on their faith to
protect them. The show uses this perspective to capture the ruthless and misunderstanding nature of
cultures outside of their environment. It seems to almost question whether or not the Vikings are a true
group of protagonists and if what they stand for is truly the morally right set of beliefs.
4. Choose one scene from these two episodes that stood out to you in some way. Describe the scene, and
then identify what made it significant or interesting and how the scene produces that effect through visual
tools.
The scene where Lagertha easily scares away the two men by using weapons around her to swiftly defend
herself against the two men who were likely planning to rape her. What made it interesting to me visually is
the how the two men were portrayed as antagonists by their deranged, dirty appearance. This connotation
definitely represents Lagertha as the innocent protagonist who heroically defends herself against these
crooks, drawing attention to the weapons she uses, such as the iron in the fire and the common knife she
resourcefully fends off with.