Going to level with you. This post has absolutely zero per cent got to do with anything regarding my 'training' to become an extra on History's Vikings. No, this is by far my most random post and a little out there, but bare with me, it will provide a giggle or two when you realise it's quite accurate. Confused yet?
Back in the day, the Sagas and legends of the Vikings were passed along by skalds and their poetry. Preserving(and possibly taking serious artistic license) the heroes and villains, Kings and warriors, and rights and wrongs of their society and history. And by word of mouth at that! Nothing was written down. Entire accounts of people and events were dependent on how much a skaldic poet was being paid, how creative he/she was and how much they liked you(and probably how much mead had been consumed too...to be fair). They were the Michael Hirst's and Walt Disney's of their day...without the multimillion budgets, animation/CGI skills, crew of hundreds and leading men and ladies to bring it all to life...but you get the picture.
These dudes and dudettes were inspired by the living history around them. Either f'row on the battle field taking in all the action, or front and centre on stage providing light entertainment for the gathered masses. Recounting the valiant blow by blow heroic victory of his or her employer, or ridiculing the dismal or nonexistent display of gallantry by the losing force. Their job was to be inspired!
Eventually a record of these tales was kept. Thank you Mr Snorri Sturluson. And it is that, along with other accounts, that inspired Michael Hirst to bring to life the Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok and his many sons...
Sitting in on a rainy day watching Disney movies with my little nephew I couldnt help but notice a couple of storyline/theme parallels with my favourite TV show of all time. Maybe it was the lack of fresh air from sitting in out of the rain in the middle of the day. Maybe it was the lack of vitamin D from having the curtains closed pretending we're in the cinema. Maybe it was the third cup of coffee I'd consumed in two hours in a vein attempt to keep up with the energy levels of a six year old, whose energy stores would only be comparable to that of an energiser bunny who main lines skittles and Red Bull all day. But whatever it was, my mind had gone to an altered state of realisation. Michael Hirst is undeniably inspired by the greatest saga of all time...
THE LION KING!
The eccentric, spiritual one, with a penchant for face paint and a bit of a tree fetish!
ROLLO/SCAR
A serious case of fraternal jealousy going on, and a hunger for recognition and power that leads him to stoop to drastic measures to achieve his ambitions.
Intelligent and just. Family is the most important thing to him, even his selfish brother. Revered by all. Will go to great lengths to protect his family and kin.
BJÖRN/SIMBA
Impatient to prove himself as a worthy ruler. Foolish in the face of adversity and 'Just cannot wait to be king'(Be honest, you sang that last bit, didn't you!?!).
The reserved, well travelled one. Adviser, friend and confidante to the King. Not best liked by the King's brother.
Alpha female, mother and equal counterpart to her King. Not to mention the 'what's going on there?' relationship with her husband's brother!
The love interest of the righteous heir to the thrown but wants to prove she is more than an equal to her male counterparts.
Good time boys extolling their own unique perspective of the ways of the world to a young impressionable future leader. Not the most well adjusted of individuals but charming and carefree in their own way(Hakuna Matata!).
I did warn you! I told you it was a bit out there. But good luck watching Vikings in the future without your subconscious flitting back and forth between the comparisons!
In other news, I did tell some friends I'd give them a mention for their Twitter account. So give some love to the ladies of TeamStanden. Your one stop shop for all things relating to Clive Standen. He seems to be a bit of a fan of the account himself judging by the retweets! #Standenites
#LikeAViking
TITLE QUOTE: Season 1 Episoode 7 A King's Ransom
Lagertha to husband and wife seeking council about their child
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