Apologies for the inactivity on the blog over the last fortnight. It has been one filled with great happiness and excitement, only to be dashed with heartbreak soon after.
One of our sheep gave birth to, not one, but two little lambies. She had laboured them on her own in the early hours of the morning. Unassisted as we weren't expecting any possible arrivals until late May at the earliest. Unfortunately, nature can be a cruel thing. Due to her inexperience and nervous disposition she trampled her newborn before we had a chance to step in and hand rear the little ones. Something, I'm told, is a regular occurrence with sheep. But it's hard to deal with all the same. Even though they were only about for a few short hours, I'd grown quite attached to the little guys.
The themes of attachment and death loom large throughout the entire series of Vikings. Michael Hirst's writing stays true to the historical reputation of a hardened, pagan society while still adding depth to his characters by illustrating how they deal with the strength of their own convictions. The societal norm vs. their human experience.
The title quote is but one great example of this. A tough, young Viking boy, Björn(played brilliantly by Nathan O'Toole), utters the detached, matter-of-fact statement to Athelstan(George Blagden) as they watch a slave girl who has chosen to go to the afterlife with her dead master. Capturing perfectly the moment the priest struggles to come to terms with the harsh realities of a new society that is so foreign to his fundamental beliefs. But it is not so different after all. Religion tells us life is precious but the son of God himself gave his life for the betterment of others. A fate Athelstan has to accept for himself in Season 3.
We constantly see Rollo's(Clive Standen) attachment to his brother, Ragnar(Travis Fimmel), swing like a pendulum between loyalty to his kin and his own ruthless ambition.
Ragnar's own attachment to his family is rather complex. His endless forgiveness of the many betrayals of his brother vs. the growing spite towards his then wife, Lagertha(Katheryn Winnick), for her inability to carry anymore of his sons. His heartbreak at the death of his daughter Geida vs. his readiness to abandon his infant son, Ivar, in the wild for certain death due to his disfigurement. And the most pivotal storyline of all, Ragnar's attachment to Athelstan. From slave and master, to educator and scholar, to mutual respect as friends and equals.
The theme of death is dealt with on many levels. The glory of death, to valiantly earn your seat at the Great Hall of Valhalla through courageous acts on the battlefield and your own heroic death at the hands of your enemies. How respect between enemies can be earned in one's final moments. Cast your mind back to Season 2's Blood Eagle. When Ragnar, as executioner, looks Jarl Borg(Thorbjørn Harr) straight in the eye with the utmost respect for his acceptance of his fate and places his hand back in the hold before finishing the ritual. Not to forget the moment in Season 1 Episode 8, "Sacrifice," when Leif(Diarmaid Murtagh) volunteers his own life in place of Athelstan's at Uppsala. Earning himself a noble death by giving his life for the continued good fortune and prosperity of his people.
But not all death is noble and deserving of respect. No love was lost taking the life of King Horik(Donal Logue) in the season finale of Season 2 Episode 10, "The Lord's Prayer." No honour or respect could be earned in his final moments after his complete betrayal and disrespect of the Earl.
...That got a little deep and meaningful! Sorry folks, not my usual subject matter or lighthearted look on things. I will be back with something more upbeat and ridiculous next time.
#LikeAViking
Title Quote: Season 1 Episode 6 "Burial Of The Dead"
