England, about a century after Ragnar’s epic journey (Vikings). The Danes settled several villages, in agreement with the King of England. Cohabitation works, but the king changes his mind and has all the Vikings slaughtered during a festival. Prince Harald Sigurdsson, whose boat had left London just before the massacre, vows to return for revenge.
A year later, a punitive expedition is mounted, led by King Canute. But his army is split into two rival factions: the Christians and the Vikings who have retained their original beliefs. A great orator and exceptional warrior, Harald succeeded in preserving unity. He recruits another intelligent and daring warrior, Leif Erikson, a greenlander. Harald falls in love with his sister, the intrepid Freydis.
Twilight of the gods
Only a century after the political conversion of a few Viking lords in England, Christianity spread to all Viking kingdoms: Sweden, Norway, Denmark… And the Christian Vikings are ready to eradicate their pagan brethren. Soon, all that remained was a pocket of resistance fighters, led by Freydis. But the battle for the ancient faith is doomed. Faced with the Vikings, and under their threat, England had finally unified. It remains so, but unity is fragile and the King of England must be strong. Strong like a Viking, that is.
This spin-off keeps the focus on combat and journeys into unknown lands. But it also adds more historical context, particularly in England. The plot is gripping and fast-paced. The only regret is the implausible proportion of actors who are as handsome as supermodels. The trio Harald, Leif and Freydis for instance, and many others. Yet the script is good and the characters well written. Beauty need not have been the sole criterion for casting.
The story revolves around duality: religious, of course, and between the English and the Vikings. This is reflected in many of the character duos, whether rivals or lovers: Emma and Godwin, Olaf and Haakon, but also Emma and Canute, or the beautiful brotherly friendship between Leif and Harald.
Just as successful as its parent series, or “The Last Kingdom”, Vikings Valhalla is well worth seeing.
3 seasons, 24 episodes (55 mn), 2022-2024, on Netflix
WITH :
- VIKINGS : Sam Corlett as Leif Erikson, Leo Suter as Harald Sigurdsson, Frida Gustavsson as Freydís Eiríksdóttir, Bradley Freegard as King Canute the Great, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Jarl Olaf Haraldsson, Pollyanna McIntosh as Queen Ælfgifu, Caroline Henderson as Jarl Estrid Haakon, Lujza Richter as Liv, Christopher Rygh as Agnarr, Henessi Schmidt as Princess Gytha, Søren Pilmark as King Sweyn Forkbeard
- SAXONS : Laura Berlin as Queen Emma, David Oakes as Earl Godwin, Louis Davison as Prince / King Edmund II, Gavin Drea as Eadric Streona, Maria Guiver as Ælfwynn
- OTHERS : Marcin Dorociński as Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Hayat Kamille as Mariam, Taylor James as Batu, Kayode Akinyemi as Kaysan, Steven Brand as Lord Vitomir, Sofya Lebedeva as Eleana / Empress Zoe