"Yes, Ragnar Lodbrok, I am afraid. But not for me. I am afraid for my boat..."

So with this being a horrible day(weatherwise), I spent some time working on a slightly off topic blog only to log on and realise my last blog saved as a draft instead of publishing. So here it is, a bit late but better than never ;)

A couple of weeks ago for my birthday, I convinced my motley crew of friends to take the day off and enjoy Ireland in a way most tourists never experience it...on a blissfully sunny day! Seriously, the 1st of October was a day nicer than any day during the summer this year. Being the birthday "shield maiden", I got to decide our activities for the day and despite a bit of initial hesitation the day didn't disappoint.
Road trips are the modern day equivalent of a Viking voyage. Think about it! You gather together your merry band of friends to go to pastures new(think Ragnar Season 1 talking the boys into heading Wesht) to see what can be seen, to hear what is to be heard and for whatever other mischief can be had along the way. Mind you, not so much about the pillaging these days though!
With all onboard, we headed for Blessington, Co. Wicklow. The drive alone with it's amazing views(or to quote one Mr. Clive Standen, "stunning vistas") was worth the trip. No wonder they chose Wicklow as their main location for shooting the series.
These road trips/expeditions also serve as a bit of a team building/trust exercise where one learns new things about their group of friends. For instance, when your friend(ahem, Peter) tells you he has a fear of open water, he means it in a general sense not just a swimming sense...So when you go ahead and book a boating excursion for the day and he willingly goes along with it, it serves as a measure of just how much your friends trust you despite their crippling fear. Poor Peter was so nervous he was literally clutching the sides of our vessel with a death grip until he got used to it. We also learned that while Darren is a good skipper(and a little too fond of being called Captain), when it comes to rowing, his dreams of Olympic Gold won't be realised as he'll never be making our National Team. And Tara's just a good sport in general as you'll see below. Also, she's quite the Kate Winslet impersonator as it turns out. There may have been a few Titanic moments that may also have included a rendition of My Heart Will Go On that the guys may never forgive us for...but that's a different blog altogether.

Before you go right ahead and view the vlog, here's a couple of things to note:
*Unfortunately due to some colourful language used by one of our crew(ahem, Tara and Darren), this video is unsuitable for viewers under 16.
*The challenges of taking on the role of director, producer, narrator, improvisational script writer, prop manager, location scout, talent manager, casting director, animal handler, stunt coordinator, director of photography, camera woman and co-star may have lead to a lack of visual finesse(aka a considerable amount of time with the camera pointed at a bridge that at no point throughout Season 1 to 3 features in Vikings in any way, shape or form, despite the amazing landscape around us that was far more picturesque).
*No dragons, sheep or fish were harmed during filming.
* I'd also like to take a moment to pay tribute to a vital member of our team that sadly didn't make it back to shore with us, Mappie. Last seen drifting downward to the bottom of Blessington Lake Siggy/Jessalyn Gilsig-stylee(ahem, Tara....this also may or may not have been the cause for the aforementioned My Heart Will Go On outburst), despite a heroic effort to save it that Darren reckons came close to me falling face first into the lake. Lies! I just do my own stunts. I had the situation well in hand.

  

This is the last picture of Mappie taken roughly an hour before it's watery demise. Happier times. R.I.P Mappie

* Lastly, I'd like to thank the good people of Blessington Boat Hire. They are great to deal with and very friendly. I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for something a little bit different to do on a sunny day. It's a great way to see the area at your own leisure or if you like a spot of fishing. There's also loads of little sandy areas to pull in, hop out and have a little picnic.

  

#LikeAViking

Title Quote: Season 1 Episode 2 Wrath of the Northmen

Floki to Ragnar

"You're too late! You missed the boat..."

Speaking of boats, for my birthday we went for a little road trip to one of the locations where they shoot Vikings! It just so happened to be the nicest day of the year and perfect for a spot of long boating...kinda!
There's a full video to follow but I thought I'd tease it with a little blooper from our first take...it'll make sense of a lunge Tara does in the full video :)

Title Quote: Season 1 Episode 3 Dispossessed

Ragnar to Knut

"I say yes. I will fight with you..."

Now that things have settled down after an epic weekend(yes, I know we are on the cusp of another weekend but that is how hectic my week has been since getting back to modern civilisation), I finally have a moment to update you all.

I had the utmost pleasure of spending my weekend in Grove Gardens, Meath helping out at the Big Viking Picnic in aid of Aoibheann's Pink Tie. If you attended, that was me ushering you into our lovely car parking field(with Tara on the hill doing her best Braveheart impressions to catch your attention as to where to locate your vehicle). I'm delighted to say the event was a resounding success with over €20,000 raised so far and further funds to be collected through items donated to the Picnic that will be auctioned off online.

It takes special people to come up with the concept of such an event(as a standalone festival this was always going to be a lot of fun) but, with such kindness and generosity of spirit to partner with a children's cancer charity as a nonprofit, it gives you a sense of the goodness in the people who organised such a

day. And you need look no further than main organisers, Natasha White and Marta Jadach. It was an honour to work along side you both and even more so now to call you friends. What they achieved with this festival is beyond impressive. It took a Herculean effort to bring such an idea to fruition let alone pull it off with no major hiccups. And they thought of EVERYTHING!

Around every corner, and in each nook and cranny, there was something to draw your attention. Whether it was the intricate crafts for sale or the sword fighting demonstrations hidden away by the Viking settlement, to the presence of Kíla, the imposing but friendly Irish Wolfhound. And that's not even mentioning the wealth of talent that graced the stage or field(very nearly became an accidental extra in one group's performance of Michael Jackson's Thriller such was their stealth at flash mobbing) or the worryingly realistic SFX wounds being inflicted upon willing attendees. If a refreshing beverage was what you were after to quench your battle earned thirst, Ragnar's Inn was the place to be to pull up a straw bale and sip a Brú craft beer or cider before heading back out to the masses for a record breaking shield wall around the real star of the weekend...the Ardglass Vikings longboat, Skiðblaðnir. Everything on display or on offer helped set the atmosphere for the weekend with everyone getting into the spirit of things(thank you to the kind lady who brought us water in the car park. You'll never know how much we appreciated it!). The effort that everyone went to putting together their outfits and shields. Entire families in matching costumes. It really was an amazing spectacle and the culmination of months of planning and fine tuning.

I also had the honour of meeting charity founder, Jimmy Norman, whose tireless efforts to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer in his daughter's name are as remarkable as they are heartwarming. I've seen first hand how much support he offers to families going through such hard times. The calming and welcoming effect he has when talking to kids and adults alike. This man and this charity are making a real difference in a time when budgets and support are being cut all around. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. I'm proud to say I support the work they do and would encourage anyone else to support them in whatever way they can. Little things are often the big things and it all makes a difference.
Though initially attending as a member of the press(sorta), I'm happy myself and fellow Viking Tara involved ourselves as volunteers, mucking in wherever help was needed. To see the reaction of the festival goers to the set up, entertainment and trade vendors was better than any question I could have asked Vikings actors Travis Fimmel and Alexander Ludwig who attended the event. Even better than that was getting to spend time with some of the kids and their families who have been battling this illness so bravely. Hearing their experiences and how Jimmy through Aoibheann's Pink Tie has helped them, I got a sense of just how big an impact this fundraiser was going to have on so many people. What struck me the most was the hope and happiness of those we spoke to. It really was an unforgettable experience in every way.
And then two Vikings showed up in the hospitality area reserved for the children and families of St. John's Ward Crumlin. Little smiles appeared on tiny faces as they got to spend a bit of time and have a chat with charity ambassador, Travis, and his co star, Alexander. In that time, you got a sense of the men that these much loved actors are. Moments after having my picture taken with Alexander he was thanking everyone within range personally for showing up and supporting the cause. Both took the time to speak with those gathered and ask the correct spelling of names before putting Sharpie to shield or poster(or cleavage in one case! Just to clarify, NOT MINE.). Later, out in the main event area, they both took their time trying to ensure everyone got their little moment with them whether it was a picture or something signed or both. Upon being gifted with a pendant specially designed by Gall Gael Crafts for the Big Viking Picnic, Travis refused to accept it as a gift and instead paid for it. And in another moment of trying to spend as much time with those who had waited to meet them(filming ran late that day and so they were a bit behind arriving to the festival) they both ignored the requests to stay on the main stage for photos and jumped straight into the gathered group of kids, warriors and shield maidens to get in the spirit of things and pose for any event photos that were to be taken.
And then all too soon it was over. We all would have done it all over again the next morning if we could have. The armor(newfound respect for the cast and extras moving around in those things for long hours on set...I've done my practise. I'm waiting for that call!), the camping(in fairness we practically had a three bed semidetached house for the two of us compared to some of the other two man tent setups), the camp site sessions with the Ardglass Vikings(Grandpa Pad's Homebrew Sloe Gin until all hours of the morning) and the countless laps of the festival site helping out and taking it all in. Same again next year? ;)

#LikeAViking #BigVikingPicnic #AoibheannsPinkTie #FightLikeAChild

Title Quote: Season 1 Episode 9 All Change
Rollo to Jarl Borg

"Sometimes the gods put things like this in front of us as some kind of test..."

It's been a busy few weeks for this particular Viking-in-training! There's been a birth(a new little Maori Leprechaun niece who has already stolen hearts), an illness(seriously, whatever was in that Barrow River water I accidentally swallowed at Christmas has completely compromised my immune system...I never get sick), paid a visit to a young ginger gentleman by the name of Ed Shearan who rocked our national GAA stadium like no one else with just his voice, a guitar and a loop pedal and a few extra shifts of overtime that I was unexpectedly called in to cover. Nonetheless, I have been busy with my Viking activities but I haven't had the time to keep you all updated with my transition...to Viking, that is(no Caitlyn Jenner style makeovers here)! So I'm back and I'm sorry for not being more active on the blog over the last couple of weeks. Let's get on with it, shall we?
In preparation for the Big Viking Picnic later this month(more on that later), I've been getting my wood work on and honing my carpentry skills #LikeAViking. Because everybody knows, Vikings were good with wood. Now, I'm not going to lie, I didn't go down the authentic Floki route by going out into the wilds of the Irish countryside tapping trees and "seeing" the planks that would be suitable for building my very own Viking shield worthy of any shield wall. (Well I did but even my closest of friends thought I was bonkers and doubted my ability of actually cutting down a tree. And then there was the consideration of wood wastage...never waste good wood!)Nope, I frequented my local mill in search of the finest 1/2 inch thick plywood money could buy. Marched on in there like I've been a carpenter for years and knew exactly what I was looking for. Checked each piece that they showed me for faults like a pro...just as the YouTube video instructed me to.
I was very optimistic of going all lone wolf, strong, independent shieldmaiden about making my shield all by myself. That was right up until dad suggested he oversee the project and told me to go get the jigsaw...he saw fit to step in and take the lead on the carpentry side of things when I returned with one of my nephew's 120 piece Disney puzzles and not a saw. I think he was also alarmed at the fact I'd fallen over carrying said jigsaw box and managed to sustain quite a significant cardboard cut(not even a saw blade in sight at this point and already injured #VikingInjuryNo2). On the basis of my penchant for high fives and the likelihood of me lobbing off a finger(high four doesn't exactly have the same ring to it), I reluctantly/happily agreed to the help. I felt it was important to note the aid of my dad in the making of this shield before anyone thought the masculine, hairy arms in the photos are mine. So whilst much of the cutting out/utilisation of sharp, electrical equipment was outsourced, I got fully involved with the sanding and staining process. I also assumed the role of Principle Photographer for this phase of the shield making by Happy Viking Carpentry Ltd(yup, we gave ourselves a snazzy moniker as all self respecting duos do).
The next phase will be attaching the canvas and steel boss at the front, as well as some creative artwork. But I'll post about that when we have that part done.
Earlier I mentioned the Big Viking Picnic. If you aren't aware, it's a charity event for all the family in aid of children's cancer charity, Aoibheann's Pink Tie. It's being held in Grove Gardens, Fordstown, Co Meath on Saturday, 29th August. It boasts a great selection of entertainment for all the family including live music, Viking settlements and longship, authentic skilled crafts, reenacters, SFX makeup, and charity ambassador, Travis Fimmel, making an appearance along with some of his other cast mates. I'm delighted to say I've been asked to come onboard to help out on the day and give my full support to this amazing event and charity initiative. Anyone looking for tickets should follow this link. They are also looking for anyone who would be interested in volunteering at the event. Please follow this link if you would be interested. Hope to see some of you there! And fear not my American readers, it has just been announced that you will be getting a sister event being held in the USA. I'll post details when I hear more. #FightLikeAChild

Til next time :)
#LikeAViking

Title Quote: Series 1 Episode 9 All Change
Ragnar to Björn

SEASON 4 TRAILER IS HERE!

It's here! It's here! Can't contain excitement! May have had a moment of incontinence as a result! ;)

#LikeAViking

"Our whole lives are just stories..."

WARNING: Should you continue to read the rest of this particular blog post, I cannot be held accountable if you can never view "Vikings" in the same way again!

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!

FLOKI/RAFIKI

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.

RAGNAR/MUFASA

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!?!).

ATHELSTAN/ZAZU

The reserved, well travelled one. Adviser, friend and confidante to the King. Not best liked by the King's brother.

LAGERTHA/SARABI

Alpha female, mother and equal counterpart to her King. Not to mention the 'what's going on there?' relationship with her husband's brother!

PORUNN/NALA

The love interest of the righteous heir to the thrown but wants to prove she is more than an equal to her male counterparts.

THORSTEIN & ARNE/THIMONE & PUMBA

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

"Sometimes it is better not to know fate..."

You lucky, lucky people on the far side of the pond that separates Ireland from the USA! You all get to find out what happens in the Season 3 finale of Vikings. Most of us are wondering what will become of Ragnar Lodbrok tonight given that we know the great sagas and the multitude of endings that could befall the brilliant but flawed, reluctant king. But what will Michael Hirst decide is his fate? Season 4 or no more? I can already tell you that there is no willpower strong enough to keep me from reading all the glorious

spoilers on how the siege on Paris goes down and who we lose in the process.

In other news, has anyone else caught the clip of the cast talking about the battle scenes and how they prepare(or don't) for them? Just going to take a moment of appreciation for Moe Dunford(Aethelwulf) and his eloquent, honest, most Irish response given to a question ever. I won't ruin it for you! View for yourself and have a little giggle. I can only presume his response on Twitter, which included the hashtag #havinthecraic, was most definitely a pun intended.

Viking progress has been slow this week having taken a little breather from some of the intense Historical European Martial Arts(or for future references, HEMA) lessons. However, YouTube is a brilliant but dangerous source of endless amounts of sword tricking inspiration...I have a few bruises to prove it. If I get anyway good at some of the tricks I'll post a video...you might be waiting a while...some look pretty easy but I've been a little too close for comfort on more than one occasion to losing some fingers, an eyeball or my nose!

However, I have been making #LikeAViking and getting out into nature a bit more. This week's exploration took us to St. Mullins. A beautiful little part of Co. Carlow that not too many people are aware off. Perfect for a little R&R with the option of some hiking or kayaking on the river. It's one of my favourite places to visit. A little meander around the ruins of the church and stroll down to the little cafe by the river to take in the scenery. Next visit will definitely see us hopping in a kayak and taking in the scenery from the river.
#LikeAViking

Title quote: Season 1 Episode 9 All Change
Lagertha to Siggy
Fitting that a quote from the Season 1 finale should be the title on the blog for the Season 3 finale...the show has come such a long way already!

"If I had a voice I'd sing..."

Anyone who has watched an episode of Vikings will know the colossal part music plays in tying the whole show together. It's the cast member that doesn't get the credit. It ramps up the suspense and makes the tension in some scenes palpable. It sets the pulses of the audience racing as if you were running into battle with the shield maidens and warriors, and is the thumping heartbeat of every battle sequence. It sets the eerie, discordant tone for some of the more unsettling pagan ritual scenes(Season 1 Episode 8 Sacrifice and the human sacrifice of Leif at Uppsala, anyone?). Who can't recall the haunting but beautiful a Capella song that played through his final triumphant moments?!
The opening credits of the show are perfectly scored by Fever Ray's 'If I Had A Heart'. An ominous, atmospheric song that incites the Vikings lust for power, wealth and land, and invokes Ragnar's own insatiable hunger for knowledge and exploration in a single recitation: "This will never end coz I want more. More, give me more, give me more!"
Hats off to Michael Perlmutter and Trevor Morris for their musical contributions to the show.
As much as it is an element of the show, music is a huge part of my life. Since I can remember, I've been making noise and writing songs. The second I picked up a guitar there was no end to my capacity for making a cacophony.
What follows(if you choose to click on the video) is my cover of "If I Had A Heart" by Fever Ray.

VERY IMPORTANT WARNING/DISCLAIMER
1. If you press play, you do so at your own risk. I do not claim to be a good singer/guitarist, I merely enjoy both(aka, you will have no legal comeback if your ears start to bleed).
2. It's probably best to turn the volume down a bit and don't watch this in public...I do not want to be responsible for you getting concerned glances from strangers who think you are viewing questionable cat videos!
3. Yes, I know, the video quality is shocking. It was taken on a severely disfigured iPhone which should have been retired many moons ago(there's a new one in a box in bedroom but I'm kinda waiting to see how long it will hold up considering how mangled it has gotten).
4. Yes, I know, there are a multitude of things wrong with my guitar playing, phrasing and that little bit towards the end where I had to quickly take a breath(I forgot to take one at the correct time and if I hadn't gasped for air when I did I would probably have accidentally suffocated myself whilst trying to entertain you with a little musical number...that's showbiz for ya folks!).
5. No Vikings were actually harmed in the making of this video.
6. No infringement of copyright is intended by this video/blog.

#LikeAViking

"All things begin and end as stories..."

Fresh from a productive day of applying to be an extra on Season 4 of Vikings and haven written the blog to let you all know about the event, I was feeling a little braver than usual. Maybe it was the excitement of the day that was in it, maybe it was the buzz I was rocking from a serious dose of Vitamin D from the unusually good weather. Did I mention we had sunshine AND clear blue skies yesterday...in Ireland...in April??? I have the freshly embellished freckles to prove it if you don't believe me and tell tale tan lines on both sides of my face where my specs were positioned(tan lines...in April...in Ireland...have you ever heard the likes of it in your life!?!).

Whatever the reason for my increased sense of adventure, I went right ahead and tweeted some of the lovely cast of the show in a bid to maybe get them to retweet the link to my little blog. Not thinking too much more of it I got a nice little surprise when I opened my Twitter app only to see an influx of favourites and retweets. On closer inspection of my notifications I saw a message from one of the cast. Amy Bailey, Princess Kwenthrith herself, had not only shared the link to my blog but, being the absolute lady that she is, had taken the time to wish me luck with my little endeavour and hoped to maybe see me on set if I was deemed suitable to be a fuzzy blur in the background for the upcoming season! Judging by the number of views on my blog today, I owe her a serious "thank you" both for increased interest in the blog and the lovely sentiment of her message.

I'd like to take this opportunity to say "hello and welcome" to any of my newbie readers. Hope you enjoy my ramblings and misadventures :)

Sticking with social media, has anyone taken any notice of the trailers that have been released for each episode? The teaser ones with the brilliant sense of humour running through them? Hats off to the team behind these genius little clips. Came across the newest one for Season 3 Episode 8 today and may have audibly chuckled at the tagline, 'there will be no cake'. Maybe it's one of those things where you need a bit of context to appreciate the humour. Here, for your viewing pleasure, is that very clip. Enjoy and thanks for reading!

#LikeAViking

Title Quote: Vikings Season 1 Episode 2 Wrath Of The Northmen
Ragnar to his assembled crew

"I accept my fate..."

Twas a fine, soft morning for a roadtrip to Wicklow. For today was the day that my fate would be decided as to whether I'm Viking Extra material or not. Despite the early start, my fellow roadtripees were in good spirits as we hit the road and banter was at an all time high after some much needed caffeine! Not very Viking, I know. But we couldn't get our hands on a supply of meade at that hour and, these days being in charge of a mode of transportation whilst partaking in the consumption of alcoholic beverages is somewhat frowned apon! Like most Viking journeys there were some casualties along the way. So I'd like to take a moment to honour those we lost in transit. Namely a pigeon that didn't quite get out of the way in time and made all occupants of the vehicle scream in a very unwarrior-like fashion. And proving that the 6am start was just a little too much for some of us, Tara's usual indepth knowledge of the wildlife of Ireland was subpar as she mistook a cat for a badger. I would like to take another moment to pay respects to the cat(that was not our doing before you think we went on some sort of Viking inspired killing spree bloodbath on the way to the open casting call!!!).

Inspite of our early rise, we found ourselves at the end of a queue that had started from the night before. As one of the lovely staff members of the Grand Hotel informed us that some of the attendees for today had begun queuing after their dinner the previous night. Lucky to be blessed with a sunny day with clear blue skies, our wait was short lived in the sunshine as things kicked off on time. Spirits were high amongst the gathered masses and banter was top notch. I can say this happily, as it was Tara's singing and not mine that got a bit of a slagging. All in good fun though. One dude even went that little bit further to provide entertainment for those enjoying the spectacular views of the Grand Hotel's carpark...Tara was particularly impressed by a well trimmed bush(careful now...actual shrubbery) on the periphery of the grounds. He brought along his wooden flute(mind out of the gutter peoples, I am talking about the actual musical instrument...tut tut). Maybe it was the time of the morning, maybe it was self consciousness after some of the comments passed after Tara's outburst of singing, but not a single person was moved enough to dance. But I'd still like to thank you for the music...whoever you are!

Our teamwork and coordination as extras was tested early on when the car park started to empty and the many different queues were scattered with the movement of exiting cars...when you've been queuing for a couple of hours, things get tetchy when opportunistic folks try to use the confusion to their advantage and try to merge into a queue that would cut a few hours off their wait. Being laidback and, pretty much just happy to be there, we let some of the other people deal with sorting out of the queues.

Once inside, it all went pretty quickly. It was so well organised that no time was being wasted from the second you got into the holding room. Filled out the form(cheeky plug for the blog included but forgot to mention my epic bitchy resting face) and got my mug shot taken(Props to the Extras Coordinator for the sarcastic praise for our queuing ability...he's already a legend in our opinion).

So for now it is a waiting game. Hopefully I have enough skills to impress the powers-that-be to be granted the opportunity to be a fuzzy, out of focus, blur in the background of a scene or two.

#LikeAViking

Title Qoute: Season 1 Episode 5 Raid

Ragnar to Earl Haraldson

"Does it really mean that much to you, brother?"

Yes! Being an extra on Vikings would mean alot to me.

So it turns out quite alot of people have heard the saying, "Always be yourself. Unless you can be a Viking. Then always be a Viking!" That's if the queues in Temple Bar, Dublin over the last couple of days are anything to go by. Bearded men and long haired women(and possibly bearded women...I don't know, I'm sure Vikings is an equal opportunities employer) have been queuing for a chance to get on set of the History Channel's runaway success series, Vikings Season 4. The crowds that gathered to queue have garnered major media interest and even made front page news on many of the national papers here in Ireland. I personally cannot wait to go apply next Tuesday in Wicklow and hope that the Viking Gods look favourably on my application...

In the meantime, to get a feel for the Viking way of life, myself and a couple of friends took a trip down to the Wexford Heritage Park, Ferrycarrig. I remember going there years back and jumping on the Viking Longboat on the river and being fascinated by the carved mast head. Unfortunately this time around, due to the aging of the wood, the mast head is no longer there. But the boat still stands relatively in tact in a boat shed much like Floki's from the actual TV series...and therefore, perfect for a couple of snaps to get into the spirit of things. (That's Tara looking a little more Kate Winslet circa Titanic than Norsewoman, and me trying out some 'air rowing' for some authenticity!) It's a beautiful location looking out over the Slaney and you definitely feel like you've stepped back in time standing in the thatched dwellings that boast distinctive Scandinavian styles of cross timbering. As it turns out, the Park now does overnight stays where you get full use of the park, stay in some thatched accommodation, tend to livestock and dine and dress as they would have many moons ago. Definitely reckon it'd be a bit of craic for the summer months. Don't think I'd fancy it too much until the weather pics up a bit :)

And onto something that would definitely be a talking point on anyone's CV, swordfighting or historical european martial arts. Training came on leaps and bounds with the introduction of a new training partner. My sister turned out to be too worried about possible alterior motives and injuries so Tara, my fellow extra auditionee, has stepped forward to take her place. What began as a quick run through a few bits and pieces to get her up to speed turned into a four hour sparring session...in the rain...that's dedication! (A note on the training equipment: swords were ordered online from Fabri Armorum. Basic training swords with rounded edges weighing 1.9kg and 120cm in length. Once order was placed and confirmed, swords were delivered quite quickly from the Czech Republic) Never ones to miss out on a photo-op, we took the opportunity to recreate a Viking burial. Not so sure a picnic table was ever utilised in the burial ritual of Viking heroes but there was so little written or known about it that we kinda figured why not!?!

#LikeAViking

*Title Quote: Vikings Season 1 Episode 2 Wrath of the Northmen

Ragnar to Rollo

"I want to raid and fight. It is what I was born to do..."

So by now you've probably heard the great news, that Season 4 of Vikings is a go! And even more exciting news, that the has put out a call for 8,000 extras. Open casting days are but a few sleeps away. I, myself, will be attending on April 7th in Wicklow(hence, the title above...feeling all enthusiastic yet bricking at the same time). Shooting is commencing at the end of April. And if that didn't get you all excited, what with Season 3 not even finished airing yet, Clive Standen tweets out to stay tuned to "find out who will make it that far!" He certainly does have a knack for generating a sense of foreboding...who will make it? Who will not? Oh the anxious wait to see how it all pans out! Maybe there's a plot twist ahead. Everybody makes it...because it's set in Valhalla and they all rise again each night and feast together...and the show never ends...Or not! Just a theory.

production company

The whole point of this blog is about my little journey to becoming an extra on Vikings and now it is not even two weeks until my fate is decided. Have to admit, I got struck with a little pang of nerves when I read the press release on the Extras Facebook page. A nervous excitement really...all for the sake of being a fuzzy blur in the background. All the learning archery and swordfighting, and brushing up on rowing and horse riding. But I can't wait to go suss it out and hopefully make the cut. Sure what else would you be doing!?! Hopefully, it'll all be worth it.

In farming news, "Sheep Ragnar" has been deemed to have done the business with "Sheep Lagertha" and "Sheep Aslaug", and so, has been sent back to the farm. We now shall await the arrival of a few little lambie lambs just in time for spring.

In other kind-of-related-to-Vikings-kind-of-not-but-you'll-see-where-I'm-going-with-this news, George Blagden is on Irish shores once more! Whilst still playing a priest, he is shooting a movie called Blight. Sure to mess with your mind and provide you with a few sleepless nights, it is the tale of a girl's tortured soul by some sinister enemy and one priest's attempts to save her. Definitely worth checking out. They have quite an active twitter account, with regular #Ask sessions with various people involved. And George himself has tweeted responses. He quite humurously responded to my question about the fear of being typecast as a priest! Ah bless(no pun intended).

For now, #LikeAViking

Title Quote: Vikings Season 1 Episode 5: Raid
Rollo to Earl Haraldson

Raiding season is nearly upon us...

It is but a week until I begin raiding/holidaying in new lands. The expedition is being a little overshadowed by my injury. Still not able to walk right(or left for that matter!) which has majorly impeded on all my plans for training. However, with alot of down time on my hands(and unexpected time off work) there have been some other developments...

Meet Ragnar, Lagertha and Aslaug! (Also known to my nephew as Ram-one, Ewe-nice and Bahahaharbara...for a five year old, you have to admit that is some serious pun-age!! I have taught him well) Yes, that is right, I have made like my Viking ancestors and become a farmer. Well, kinda. There was the slight matter of a field with overgrowing grass. Rather than make like regular people and invest in a ride on lawn mower, we thought we'd get all agricultural and get these living, breathing, four legged, bleeting lawn mowers for the shear hell of it(get it? Shear? #SheepHumour). So far they've shown more interest in eating the hedges than the grass. I may reiterate the terms of their contracts and bring their attentions to their main job description. Otherwise, I'll have to bring them bahahahahack(too much sheep humour??). But everyone knows the Vikings were farmers, so now I feel a little more authentic with my herd...of three. Hopefully, that won't be for long and "sheep Ragnar" will do the business and we can welcome Bjorn, Ivar, Sigurd and Hvitserk.

With large amounts of time to fill, I can pretty much tell you everything you could possibly need to know about what constitutes a good training sword. Oh yes, I got all researchy about sword fighting and purchasing training swords and other equipment. Let's just say there is a parcel on the way from the Czech Republic as we speak that may or may not pass customs. There is another on the way from Wicklow with various bits of archery equipment. There may also have been an order put in with the saw mill up the road for wood required to make a shield...can't neglect my carpentry skills! At least there is plenty to get stuck into after raiding/holiday season!

In other news, to help with my recovery I have befriended a golf ball. This little thing is apparently aiding my recovery. It doesn't feel like it most of the time. In fact, it feels worse after rolling it under my foot for prolonged periods of time to help break up the scar tissue. But roll it I shall until I am better and can recommence my training! #LikeAViking

The Vikings Are Coming...

It is but a few short days until Season 3 of Vikings drops. And it is such a credit to the fans of this show that the History Channel are putting everything into creating engaging content for the shows following. Up first is the premiere installment of, what will hopefully be, a long series of video journals from Athelstan(George Blagden). Serves as both an insight into how the actors get inside the heads of their characters to convincingly portray them, as well as a handy little recap on everything leading up to the new season!

And if that doesn't get you all excited for new raiding and the escapades of our slightly cleaner than their stereotype warriors of the sea, for good measure, the people of the History Channel have spoiled us all rotten with a quick taster and behind the scenes look at what is in store in the next 10 episodes. Grab your drinking horn, fill it with meade, and enjoy this little teaser...
#LikeAViking
(If you're confused about where to view this video, the hashtag is the link...click it...click it! Or if you are one of those people who are motivated by mischief and act out the exact opposite of what you are instructed then DON'T CLICK THE LINK ON THE HASHTAG! A little bit of reverse psychology for you there :) )

Viking Injury #1 and Imminent Viking Rockstardom...

I think had I been around during the Viking Age I would have had the absolute craic with them! They seem to have been a fun, easy going peoples with all their singing, and dancing, and games, and story telling. Yes I know, that pretty much made them sound like Carebears or Smurfs when they are largely known for great acts of brutality(Blood Eagle, anyone?). But I'm talking about in their down time! When raiding and pillaging is done for the day and it's time to celebrate. Vikings are the sort of people most of us would like to hang around with. The ones that know how to have a good time. Get the party started. Kick back with a few jugs of meade and have a bit of a sing song.

Full of the Viking spirit of merriment, when I was offered the chance to lend my vocal talents to a friend who was recording some new material I got involved. As involved as Bjorn rowing a longboat across the seas to new lands in Northumbria...VERY!

Quite the enjoyable day being in Sonic Studios in Dublin. Worked with a sound engineer who has worked with the likes of Van Morrison, Tom Jones, Don Baker and Sinead O'Connor. The mixing desk in the studio was a restored one previously owned by Def Lepeord...fun fact! With that in mind, you can imagine the horror when we had just walked into the studio not even two minutes and one of the session musicians knocks over a travel mug full of water on this expensive piece of rock'n'roll history/equipment. All I can say is, thank all the Viking gods it wasn't me!!!!!! Guess he learned the hard way the most important rule of recording studios everywhere: NO LIQUIDS IN THE MIXING ROOM, ESPECIALLY ON THE MIXING DESK. After calling in an engineer to assess the damage, recording began after a fan, a heater and a hair dryer worked their magic for around an hour on the console. And to top it off, I can call myself a real session musician now because I got my very first per diem! Being paid = professional! I should have a clip of the track to share in the coming days. It's a bit of jazz funk for Valentine's...sounds weird but it works! The rough mix sounded pretty good when I was leaving so here's hoping the finished product will be awesome.

It also gave me a taste for recording. So there might be a few more projects in the pipeline that I can share with you in the near future. Oh, the suspense!

On a bad note(see how I kept the musical theme going there!?!), I have suffered a little setback. During some sprinting earlier, I have torn my Achilles' Tendon. Major ouchies! Unfortunately this means training has to cease for a little while. I'm hoping it's not too bad and can be back to it in a week or so. Worst case scenario, I've been told it could be six to 10 weeks...let's hope I heal as quickly as Rollo did in Season 2. Remember? When he looked like he could double as Two Face from Batman one minute, and was all Leonardo Di Caprio 'Man in the Iron Mask' post shave two seconds later?? That's the speedy recovery I'm hoping for! #LikeAViking

It's Only One Month Away...

Who said Vikings can't read?

Very excited to have taken delivery of a couple of books today. One in particular was recommended to fans of the show by the one and only, Clive Standen, himself. The Hammer and the Cross A New History of the Vikings by Robert fergusson shall be my main source of historical guidance on this little adventure. Looking forward to having a bit more insight into the entire Viking Age to put the show into some sort of perspective. If it weren't for the fact I have to go to work for the evening I'd be happily curled up on the couch with a large cuppa speed reading it from cover to cover...

However, I'm not going to lie, I'm eagerly anticipating the new series like everyone else so I might have, slightly, kinda, maybe, possibly checked out the index of the book seeking out the bits that relate to Ragnar Lodbrok and some of the other figures that are being depicted in the series...After seeing a clip on Youtube with the cast talking about the upcoming third season and that there is going to be a few deaths...I'm a little concerned that the new king of Sweden is going to meet his end in season 3 :( Let's hope the producers don't take any notice of Game Of Thrones and don't kill off half the cast just yet!

Also, in a bid to aid the training to become more badass Viking, a little less couch potato, I'll be trying to eat a bit more like our hairy northern friends. So I'm reading up on the Paleo plan which would be quite similiar to what the vikings would have eaten...no recipe yet for meade though! Bye bye enjoyable food and hello salad...And yes, i'm quite aware that no great story ever began with "this one time I had a salad..." but we'll see what happens.

Archery classes have not commenced yet but I've been looking into how I'm going to learn sword fighting with a complete lack of any sort of class or course in the area. I have come to the conclusion that I'll be taking an online tutorial course for the foreseeable future. Hopefully I'll be able to pick up the basics quite quickly and maybe take a weekend course over in England for stage and screen combat to help me a little more. Right now I'm looking into getting the right equipment and sourcing a training partner...who would have thought getting the equipment was the easy part? Turns out family members and friends are a little dubious about the whole idea. I'm actually shocked at the amount of times people have questioned the motive for learning the skills of the longsword as being merely a means of a legitimate excuse for any possible injuries/fatalities that may occur. And further still, there is concern that they themselves have too much aggression that might spill out in any high tension sparring...and yet i'm not deterred...

How hard can it be? Someone, somewhere, made a sword for the first time with no fancy training and just got on with it...simples! #LikeAViking

After the night when I wake up, I'll see what tomorrow brings...

Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one! Unfortunately, due to my Christmas morning dip in the River Barrow and having accidentally swallowed some of the river water(tasty...NOT!), I have been struck down by a case of THE BLACK LUNG. So while all of you lovely people are out celebrating like you successfully raided Lindisfarne, I'm stuck at home like Rollo left off the most recent raid on England! However, it does give me some time to let you know what is instore in the coming year. Silver lining and all that jazz.
First up in January, I'll be commencing Archery classes. You're not a Viking without some serious bow and arrow skillage. This should be fun for a number of reasons. Mostly because I'm about as coordinated as a baby giraffe trying to stand for the first time. Seriously, I trip over myself when I'm standing still. Probably should take out an insurance policy...just to be safe!
February brings me to foreign shores. My very first raid...awww. Not very Viking as I will be arriving by plane but plenty of outdoorsy, Viking things planned. On the agenda will be: setting up camp in a National Forrest Park by a lake, spear fishing, various types of boating activities(apparently I'll be rafting off a waterfall...not sure how I feel about that...well, I do. I'm just in denial), and there's been talk of boar hunting.
I'll be taking a few little trips around Ireland visiting places that have some significant links to Viking culture. Then there's the training. Trying to get into peak physical fitness to be able to convincingly perform everyday Viking chores like weilding axes, climbing ropes, etc. So I'm currently scoping out some form of bootcamp classes that can help me in this endeavour. Stuff like beating up a tyre with a lump hammer and other graceful, lady like activities...Why be a lady, when you could be a shieldmaiden!?!
Not to mention some hobbies I'll be brushing up on. Having rowed for years, I'll be taking a boat down to Blessington Lake where they actually shoot the series. You never know, I may end up captain of one of Floki's amazing creations yet. Then there's horse riding. Haven't been in the saddle for a few years but you got to be able to gallop around the place if you're to raid far and wide. Let's just hope it's like that saying about learning to cycle a bicycle...just with lots of hair and a mind of its own.
I'm also currently looking into taking some sword fighting lessons. Strangely enough, these aren't readily available. And, it's kind of weird when you have to Google search these things. Just in case my internet activities were being monitored for national security purposes, I've become very strict at putting "for film/tv" at the end of each search subject, just to be sure to be sure.
There'll also be some creative stuff. Thinking about booking a Viking themed photoshoot. So there'll be all manner of props and things to prepare.
And of course, when the time comes when they put out their call for extras for the new series, I'll be bringing you through that process with me. Hopefully I'll be successful and might be able to post a blog or two from the set...
So, hoping when you wake in the morning your head isn't too sore and everything you have wished for on the final night of 2014 comes to you in 2015.
Happy New Year #LikeAViking

And so it begins...

Well it actually began on Christmas Day with my first task of proving how Viking I can really be.
The thought process behind this entire blog is to "train" to become a Viking. A somewhat modern, coming of age series of tasks or skills that I'll undertake or learn in a bid to be fully capable of anything that might be expected or requested of me in a Viking extra capacity.
So first on the list was acclimatising to the temperatures and environment that they would have been used to. As they are/were seafaring people from way up North where their climate can only be described as "open plan icebox", I felt it was important to demonstrate that I am comfortable in such temperatures, and hopping in and out of water. This would be useful for invading territories. For example, ship sails in and Vikings disembark into frosty water and onto land to raid and plunder. Being a little princess about getting cold and wet would not fly with your fellow Vikings. That would probably lead to certain death...only the strong survive, etc.
So as the tradition now goes, people across the world come together on beaches and river banks on Christmas morning and partake in charity swims in freezing cold temperatures. Let's just say, mass doesn't seem so bad after all when faced with the River Barrow on a frosty morn in late Decemeber in Ireland!!!
You may have heard the cast and crew talk about the various challenges of shooting a show in Ireland. Predominatly, they will talk about the changeable weather conditions and, in particular, the cold. Well, they shoot in the summer and autumn months...that would have been a luxury to go swim anywhere in Ireland at that time(really only this year actually, with that unusually sizzling summer we enjoyed...good times!). I would challenge each and everyone of them to brave a river in Ireland on Christmas Day to prove their Viking-ness.
I can't even put into words how unbareably cold it was. A bath of ice cubes would have been warmer than the water myself and my other fellow brave souls endured. I could have done with a few of those snazzy bear furs they parade around in on the show to warm up after instead of my ridiculously summery beach towel(the hot whiskeys that were provided once we made land again did help greatly, to be fair). But let's not forget it was all for a good cause too. Much needed funds were raised for Crumlin Children's Hospital, Dublin. In the coming days I will hopefully be able to report on the amount that was raised and have a photo or two of the event...because you know, of course there was papparazzi!
Task one: Wet and wild(and not in a good way) Status: Completed successfully #LikeAViking