10 Reasons to get excited about the third season of Vikings

vikings-season

Michael Hirst has created something extraordinary with period drama Vikings, bringing a human aspect to the Scandinavians usually perceived as being only barbaric marauders wearing horned helmets. Vikings stars Australia’s Travis Fimmel and Alyssa Sutherland, with Season 3 to air on SBS ONE commencing 19th March. Here is what we are looking forward to in the upcoming season.

Travis Fimmel as Ragnar Lothbrok

Fimmel has captivated viewers with his riveting portrayal of Ragnar Lothbrok. A farmer with a contemplative demeanour and cheeky countenance, Ragnar unwillingly became Earl, and then King, to protect his own and explore new lands. How will he cope with his royal title, and will family woes continue to plague him?

Alyssa Sutherland as Aslaug

Anyone who has re-watched Season 2 has inadvertently found a new appreciation for Sutherland’s portrayal of the prophetic princess. Her screen time with Fimmel is fascinating to watch, and while we may not have approved of her character in the show, we cannot deny she is doing a fine job.

The Raid on Paris

Get set for bigger, more epic battles. In Season 3 we will witness the raid on 9th century Paris in which Ragnar will attack the city with one hundred ships and three thousands warriors.

Kevin Durand as the Wanderer

Following impressive roles by Gabriel Byrne and Donal Logue fans can now look forward to seeing Canadian badass Kevin Durand in the series, who will join the cast in Season 3 as the mysterious “Wanderer.”

Bjorn Ironside

Last season Ragnar bestowed upon his eldest son the title of “Bjorn Ironside.” With no time jump in Season 3, it will be interesting to see how the character of Bjorn, played by Alexander Ludwig, develops into this legendary warrior.

Strong Female Characters

A wonderful thing about Vikings is that the focus is on the female characters as much as the men. Lagertha, Aslaug and Siggy have suffered insecurities, infidelity, abuse and great loss but have shown extraordinary courage to survive and secure their statuses, bringing us many stirring as well as kick-ass moments from the ladies.

Unforgettable Television Moments

In Season 1 there was the poignant human sacrifice at Uppsala, and who can forget that enthralling and equally horrifying “Blood Eagle” episode from Season 2? Season 3 is sure to offer more outstanding television that we have come to expect from the show.

Gustaf Skarsgård as Floki

Floki is the most unique and unpredictable character and a viewer favourite. You just don’t know what is going on in that (crazy?) mind of his, and with that iconic guyliner and creepy giggle, fans are eagerly waiting to get their Floki on once more.

Who Will Pay the Ultimate Price?

Hirst has stated that a lot of Season 3 will be centered around the price one must pay for attaining power. With promotional artwork for the new season depicting a reflective Ragnar holding Athelstan’s crucifix, one has to wonder who will make it to the end of the season, and who won’t.

More Stories From the Prose and Poetic Eddas

Fans of the show with an interest in Norse mythology will have appreciated the storytelling about the viking religion that has been beautifully intertwined in the script, such as the stories about the great ash tree Yggdrasil and Ragnarok.

Vikings will screen in Australia on SBS One from 19th March.
Seasons 1 and 2 are available on DVD and Blu-Ray now.
In the US, the series will kick off on Feb. 19, at 10 p.m. on the History Channel.

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