The untold legendary world of the fiercest warriors of all time, the Norseman, is coming alive in History Channel’s upcoming drama, ‘Vikings.’ The historical action drama, which is the first scripted mini-series on the cable channel, was created and written by Michael Hirst. ‘Vikings’ stars Travis Fimmel, Gabriel Byrne, Jessalyn Gilsig, Gustaf Skarsgard, Clive Standen, Katheryn Winnick and George Blagden. ‘Vikings’ is set to premiere on Sunday, March 3 at 10pm.
‘Vikings,’ which is an international Irish-Canadian co-production that’s being co-produced by World 1000 and Take 5 Productions, was executive produced by Hirst. While History Channel will broadcast the series in the United States, MGM Television will distribute ‘Vikings’ internationally.
Hirst’s historical drama portrays the world of the Dark Age raiders, traders and explorers through the eyes of Viking society. ‘Vikings’ follows the adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok, played by Fimmel, a curios man who’s always looking to break through barriers and discover new worlds to conquer. Ragnar is deeply frustrated by the unadventurous policies of his local chieftain, Earl Haraldson, portrayed by Byrne. Earl continues to send his vikings raiders east every summer, to the Baltic states and Russia, whose populations are as materially poor as themselves.
‘Vikings’ will show Ragna’s ambitions to discover civilizations across the great ocean to the west, as well as his conflicts along the way. With the help of his friend Floki, played by Skarsgard, the two build a new generation of boats, which are faster, sleeker and more beautifully crafted than anything else on the sea. The drama will also follow how the Vikings, the last pagans, worshiped ancient gods like Odin, Thor, Freya and Loki. Ragnar claims to be a direct descendant of Ondin, who, besides being the god of warriors slain in battle, is also the god of curiosity.
Winnick portrays Lagertha, a fierce shield maiden and Ragnar’s wife; Jessalyn Gilsig plays Siggy, Earl Haraldson’s beautiful wife; Blagden portrays Athelstan, a young, innocent Christian monk captured by Ragnar on his first raid on England; and Standen as Rollo, Ragnar’s impulsive, wild, care-free brother.
Watch a promo trailer for ‘Vikings’ below.
Written by: Karen Benardello
