History Channel’s Vikings Does Not Disappoint
Episode six of Vikings had the feel of a Game of Thrones episode more than the usual Vikings. A few elements have led me to this conclusion. Indeed, there is still a great deal of history covered in the episode, specifically in the tale of Athelstan and his relationship with Ecbert, but the developments in the pot were the most compelling aspect of this episode even for a historian. In Kattegat, the deep character development and twists in the plot set the scene for a complicated and strange series of events reminiscent of George R. R. Martin’s fascinating yet disturbing creativity. This short review will present some plot spoilers. To view the episode online first, click here.
First, Jarl Borg’s fascination with his wife’s skull, and his unbelievably disturbing interaction with it, point to a man whose sanity has left him in the wake of a broken ego. To make his young wife carry the skull for him demonstrates his lack of apathy for anyone else’s feelings. Second, Siggy’s power play backfired terribly to the point where her choices put her in an unusual situation. Horik on his end is a perverted egomaniac, but we all already knew. Yet, it still surprises and shocks that Horik forces Siggy to initiate an intimate act with his son only to watch from the comfort of his bench. These details are fit for a Game of Thrones episode, but they fit in well with Vikings insofar as the character development and plot have made for a darkly captivating story.
Finally, the detail that sticks in my mind is the Blood Eagle. I admit, I am somewhat infuriated that the show has thrown in yet another element found in my novel; I suppose our research comes from the same bodies of work. In terms of good show making, the Blood Eagle will not disappoint. For those of you who did not understand entirely what it entails, allow me to introduce it to you through the narrative of my novel:
“Light shone through the cracks of the poorly constructed shack, partly illuminating the interior. Horror overcame Kenna. Upon waking she saw a sight beyond horrific — so disturbing that even the brave princess averted her eyes. Kenna look up again, extremely disturbed by the sight of a man nailed to the opposite wall. The man’s body faced away from Kenna, his hands pronated against the wall with nails driven into them. His bare back left exposed, the man’s ribs had been removed from behind, and his lungs pulled through the gap like wings, reddened with various shades of blood. Thus the name, Blood Eagle, signified giving a man wings like an eagle using his own lungs. As Kenna studied the sight in disgust, she heard a calling from across the farm.”
In all, episode six was intriguing, entertaining, and certainly worth viewing more than once.
