Let's go a viking

[bjornwilde]

 Just finished the first season of Vikings and I have to say I love it. It feels well researched (I'm no expert though) but what I really like about it is that it feels like an honest look at the culture, it doesn't vilify or glorify it. I love that the Christian priest they capture doesn't magically turn them all to Christianity and that he honestly seems curious about their beliefs without mocking or laughing at them when he hears them.

I do find myself snickering when they are drinking from horns, though as the bottom points are always up which if I am remembering correctly from SCA and Asatru blots, can create an air pocket which will splash whatever you are drinking in your face. It is safer to drink with the point aimed down at the ground not at the air.

Not so sure I like that finale though. It seemed rather out of the blue given the rest of the season.

Comments

[yakalskovich]

Perhaps I should watch it after all! It has Urq's PB as somebody called Erik (what else?!) with a big bushy beard.

[bjornwilde]

Oh wow, I hadn't recognized him until you mentioned it! I can't say for sure about the historical accuracy but it really does feel like an honest look at the culture and the characters are pretty good as well. The cinematography does get a little dramatic at times but overall is very nice.

ETA: Looks like some things are off with the accuracy.

[yakalskovich]

I'd still watch it; after all, I know about the Germanic and Norse thing 'democracy', and about their amends-centred judicial system. If you wanted to have somebody killed legally, you had to challenge them to holmgang...

I must stop letting Inner!Teja ramble on about it.-

[bjornwilde]

Heheh, I must warn you of how poor a ruler the first Earl is then. Poor Teja will sprain an eye rolling them.

I do wish they would have shown the folks sailing off for glory actually trading a bit but I guess that doesn't make for fun TV. Still I was impressed that the weapons were practical and not oversized axes as seen in most movies.

[yakalskovich]

Sprain an eye rolling them at how the Thing doesn't simply accuse and oust the man, I guess...

Do they at least name-drop Ulfberth swords?

[bjornwilde]

I didn't catch it but I do remember them comparing their steel to what the folks in Northumbria had, though I swear I remember them calling it iron not steel.

[yakalskovich]

I hope they didn't get that wrong, too! That might be a dealbreaker. Their swords were very important, and of quite superior quality.-

[bjornwilde]

OK, I just realized I think I misunderstood the question. They did had swords but never named them, hence my bad answer. In general, everyone had one on their backs in battle. It seemed in general to be a secondary or backup weapon, most reaching for the axe first. I know there were some who were using a sword first.

The scene I mentioned before with them comparing their steel with the Saxon's? I'm afraid it will make you wince then as the character, Rollo (Ragnar's brother), says, "Look, their iron is stronger than ours." And then uses one of the Saxon swords to cut through a sapling tree with one blow.

[yakalskovich]

Ulberht is a maker/brand name. It was probably the first brand name in human history that attracted brand name piracy -- there are some fake Ulberth swords on archaeological record.

[bjornwilde]

Ah. Well they did use those swords but never mentioned the name I am afraid. Too bad they didn't spend a minute in a blacksmith's forge and name drop.

There was one blacksmith who made the anchor for Ragnar's ship but I don't remember if he was named. He was also killed by the bad Earl for helping Ragnar which I thought was stupid as a blacksmith is a pretty skilled person to just casually kill.

[yakalskovich]

Exactly! Also, blacksmiths were thought to have numinous powers. Nobody would kill such a valuable resource with potentially dangerous powers just casually.

**nitpicks without having even seen the thing**

[bjornwilde]

I thought so! I knew blacksmiths were considered sacred and magical in Ireland and in Slavic folklore but wasn't sure about Norse so didn't want to speculate.

I do love all the costumes though as they do a great job of making the Saxons look different from the Norse and the Norse different from the Swedes.

There is also a human sacrifice at the end of the season which they handle well. They are very clear that the sacrifices must be willing and there is no horror or torture involved. It was very poignant and a little sad but noble as it was clear they thought they were helping their people.

[yakalskovich]

Yes, definitely. Sort of willing. I think there were drugs involved, so if you volunteered you had sort-of help at not backing down again.

Like this sacrifice tree from the Norse myth museum I went to in Iceland: