"Vikings" stars Travis Fimmel as Ragnar Lothbrok, Katheryn Winnick as Lagertha and Clive Standen as Rollo would not have grown big with the History series had creator and writer Michael Hirst listened to early feedback on his plans. Yet Michael Hirst plodded on and now at "Vikings Season 4" midseason Ragnar Lothbrok enjoys success.
Is Michael Hirst right in saying that the popularity of the "Vikings" series and of Ragnar Lothbrok may be a sign of the times? This thought occurred to Michael Hirst when the "Vikings" series and the journey of Ragnar Lothbrok became a successful discussion of religion.
Remember the good old days? #Vikings pic.twitter.com/wQtUcdtFX4
— Vikings on HISTORY (@HistoryVikings) July 12, 2016
History Extra cites Michael Hirst in reporting that the contrast between the Norse religion and Christianity was a surprising draw for "Vikings." Even now, at "Vikings Season 4" Ragnar Lothbrok exhibits conflict between his Norse religion and his desire to delve into Christianity.
In previous seasons of "Vikings," one of the most compelling relationships in the life of Ragnar Lothbrok had been his unexpected spiritual friendship with the monk Athelstan (George Blagden). The slow shift of Ragnar Lothbrok from being the strongest defender of the Norse religion to one who seemed to embrace Christianity created numerous conflicts in the "Vikings" series.
Gustaf's pleased with the audience member who thinks that Floki is some kind of God #Vikings #SDCC pic.twitter.com/rAYj6WsJ6s — Vikings on HISTORY (@HistoryVikings) July 23, 2016
Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) eventually murdered Athelstan in "Vikings Season 3" to "save" the soul of Ragnar Lothbrok. Bjorn Ironside (Alexander Ludwig) also saw this change in Ragnar Lothbrok as an unsettling paradigm shift.
Channel the #Vikings & snag this exclusive Lagertha t-shirt that supports a great cause! https://t.co/4Mxy5SNLRT pic.twitter.com/VJQ2QqySaT — Vikings on HISTORY (@HistoryVikings) July 20, 2016
"I always assumed people would respond most to the visceral elements of the show - the battles, fights and physicality but what I've discovered is that it's "Vikings'" religious and spiritual aspects - the clash of religious ideas - that really fascinates people," Michael Hirst stated. "I'm deeply grateful for that response and I wonder whether it's a sign of the times."
When Ragnar Lothbrok returns with "Vikings Season 4" midseason premiere, a reckoning with Wessex king, Ecbert (Linus Roache) is top in the order of business. Parent Herald reports that a meeting between Ragnar Lothbrok and Atheltan's son, Alfred, in "Vikings Season 4" will then be inevitable.
Would Ragnar Lothbrok and Alfred (The Great) exhibit a spiritual connection when they meet in "Vikings Season 4?" History is expected to air the "Vikings Season 4" midseason premiere by September at the earliest.
Do you agree that the success of the "Vikings" series is truly a sign of the times? Where do you think "Vikings Season 4" will take Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons?
