This causes conflict among Ragnar’s supporters, in particular with Floki, who is very committed to the Viking gods and sees the threat posed by Christianity. But that does not mean that his story lacks historic meaning. He was taken back to Scandinavia by Ragnar Lothbrok as a slave, and quickly became an indispensable member of Ragnar’s household, not least because of his knowledge of England, the land that Ragnar had his eyes on. Every time she manages to commit to a TV show without getting bored, an angel gets its wings. The Athelstan that we see on Vikings, played by George Blagden, is an English monk at Lindisfarne in Northumbria. He is actually known for successfully battling against the Vikings. Vikings is no stranger to violence, but what happened to Athelstan this week was almost too painful to watch. He is taken as a prison by the Vikings when they raided the monastery in 793. Athelstan’s entire life since Vikings began has been defined by confusion. Trading thralls was an important part of the Viking economy. Floki receives a sign that "blood must be spilled", and kills Athelstan while he is praying. Vikings has seen a lot of characters come and go, most of them meeting their fates in violent ways, and one of the most heartbreaking deaths was that of Athelstan (George Blagden) – but why was he killed off? Blagden explained that Hirst was very passionate "about not overextending character arcs," and so he felt it was the moment for Athelstan. In Vikings on Amazon Prime, Athelstan (played by George Blagden) was killed by Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård) in season three of Vikings. In an interview with EW in 2015, George Blagden opened up about Athelstan’s death, sharing how he was told that his character was going to die. She is an Audiovisual Communication graduate that wanted to be a filmmaker, but life had other plans (and it turned out great). On the show, Athelstan claims to have learned the tongue as a missionary, and this is possible. He was also an extremely pious man, translating the Bible into English and supporting the growth and development of monasteries. Athelwulf sets off the rescue Queen Kwenthrith, who is being held captive with her son in Mercia. When the Vikings raided, they had no problem raiding churches, monasteries, and other religious places that the Christian community considered sacred and untouchable. One of Vikings’ earliest antagonists, Jarl Borg … The go-to source for comic book and superhero movie fans. Olafur: Norseman of Kattegat with a lustful attraction to Siggy. So, at the end of season three Floki murders Athelstan. We talked to Vikings writer/showrunner Michael Hirst about what led to Athelstan’s death and what it means for Ragnar’s future. Athelstan became a fan favorite thanks to his relationship with Ragnar and his family, especially his daughter Gyda. I hope you enjoyed the video, please leave a 'like' if you did, and please subscribe. The afterlife is getting a little too crowded for Vikings fans. Athelstan retook the city, bringing all of England under English control, his own. Cause of death: Blood-eagled by Ragnar. But this is not before Athelstan returns to England for a short period of time to work in the service of King Ecbert of Wessex, translating Roman texts that the king has found. Named for an important English king, there were Christian monks that would have experienced many of the things that we see Athelstan encounter on screen. A woman asks to see Athelstan’s crucifixion wounds, then kisses them in apparent piety. Spoilers through Season 3 of 'Vikings' follow. It was great. Vikings (TV Series 2013–2020) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Over the course of three seasons, the two had become very close friends, something Michael Hirst hadn't anticipated as he elaborated on the relationship in a recent interview with Zap2It. Unlike Ragnar and his sons, this Athelstan does not appear in the sagas, so he is a character that has been invented for the show. Whether someone like Athelstan would have had such a privileged place among the Vikings is questionable, as is the question of whether he would have been able to gain the trust of an English king like Ecbert having spent so long with the Vikings. Adrienne Tyler is a features writer for Screen Rant. Kauko: A viking and part of Ragnars expedition crew to England. Ragnar's friend Floki had long distrusted Athelstan, (correctly) believing that he was lying about having given up his Christianity. It helped save the Vikings … He had been the kind of guy Ragnar could talk to about his performance insecurities knowing he wouldn’t be laughed at not to mention he could guide the Vikings through wealthy territories just ripe for some loot and plunder. Created by Michael Hirst, Vikings initially followed legendary Norse figure Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) and his Viking brothers on their many journeys, from the beginning of the Viking era onward. Athelstan (George Blagden) was killed by Floki in season three of Vikings. They would expect him to attend ceremonies, but that’s it. The Vikings quickly retook control of York that same year and held it until 954. But is the character that we see in the Vikings series real? Unhappy with this change in power, the York Vikings and the Scots combined forces to invade England in 937. Athelstan then turned his attention to York, which had been occupied by the Vikings since it was conquered by Ivar the Boneless in 866, as we see on the show. His story highlights important themes from the Viking period. A one-stop shop for all things video games. Far from being the father of Alfred, Athelstan was actually his grandson, the son of King Edward the Elder and his wife Ecgwynn. Unfortunately, Athelstan died just two years later in 939 at the age of 45. Athlestan was a young Christian monk taken as a slave by Ragnar and his Viking brothers from Lindisfarne monastery, very early on in the series’ first season. Wigea: Knight under King Aelle tasked with defeating Ragnar on the shores. Are you disappointed that he is not a real historic figure named in the sagas? Ragnar, heartbroken by Athelstan's death, carries his body up the side of the mountain for burial, and asks Athelstan … Rollo reveals that Athelstan no longer wears his arm band. Athelstan then turned his eyes on Scotland, invading their territory and forcing their King Constantine II to pledge allegiance to him. He was the son of King Edward the Elder and his first wife, Ecgwynn. Adrienne is very into films and she enjoys a bit of everything: from superhero films, to heartbreaking dramas, to low-budget horror films. Guillermo del Toro said “hi” to her once. Vikings has said goodbye to a lot of characters, and one of the most heartbreaking deaths was that of Athelstan. Vikings: 3-10-2013 “Wrath of the Northmen” All manner of other mystical and mythical talk is traded among the Vikings. But also Caps and Leafs), or wondering what life would have been like had Pushing Daisies, Firefly, and Limitless not been cancelled. Modern historians regard him as the first King of England and one of the greatest Anglo-Saxon kings. Still, showing up after news had broken that he had died made many of the Rus believe he was a ghost come back from the dead. Athelstan, understanding that Floki is about to kill him, calmly accepts his death, saying: "Lord, receive my soul" An enraged Floki then hits him in the head with his axe, killing him instantly. It is thought that the more than 30 skeletons found during an excavation in Oxford in 2008 belong to this massacre. It was very common for the Vikings to take men and women captured on their raids home to Scandinavia to work as slaves, called thralls. But why was he killed? One of the most popular characters on the History Channel’s Vikings is undoubtedly the monk Athelstan, who finds himself torn between the Viking and Christian worlds, and his loyalty to his own people and his friendship with Ragnar Lothbrok. https://www.historyhit.com/death-athelstan-first-king-england For this, he asks Jesus Christ himself to help him. Vikings has seen a lot of characters come and go, most of them meeting their fates in violent ways, and one of the most heartbreaking deaths was that of Athelstan (George Blagden) – but why was he killed off? The catalyst within the series for Athelstan’s death was that Floki had a vision of blood coming out of wood and took it as a sign that "blood must be spilt." When Sweyn succeeded to power following the death of his father, he then went on to destroy Christian churches in England when he invaded there. This resulted in the St Brice’s Day massacre on Friday 13 November 1002, when King Athelred ordered the execution of all the Danes living in England. Thursday night's episode of Vikings, "Born Again," brought even more shocking death and brutality to an already deadly season.. Athelstan… In season 3’s episode "Born Again," Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård) approaches Athelstan while he is praying. This dislike was only intensified after Ragnar allowed himself to be baptized. However, a … Some have … Although Athelstan was killed off in Vikings season 3, he never really left the show. Prior to Screen Rant, she wrote for Pop Wrapped, 4 Your Excitement (4YE), and D20Crit, where she was also a regular guest at Netfreaks podcast. Ends Soon, This is default text for notification bar. He was succeeded by his half-brother, Edmund. The Athelstan that we see on Vikings, played by George Blagden, is an English monk at Lindisfarne in Northumbria. Since the late 8th century, invading Vikings from Scandinavia had been pushing southwards and encroaching into Anglo-Saxon territory. Judith replies that she wants to be a painter and Ecbert says he will find her … The former monk-turned-Viking warrior was captured by the Anglo-Saxons and, in … Even main characters are not safe, as Ragnar Lothbrok himself dies around halfway through, and he is arguably the main character of the entire series! Vikings is a historical drama television series written and created by Michael Hirst for the television channel History.Filmed in Ireland, it premiered on 3 March 2013 in Canada. He was a man of God, but God abandoned him; his life was saved by a pagan who became a King. He forces Athelstan to stay and watch proclaiming, “It is only death!” What a great insight, once again, into how the Viking culture views death. However, Athelstan also has the advantage that he can share that information with Ragnar because he speaks the Viking tongue. It is also known that Christianity caused conflict in communities as followers of the Norse religion and new Christian religion battled between themselves. The Athelstan of Vikings (Spoiler Alert!) Breakfast food is life and coffee is what makes the world go round. It doesn't go exactly as expected but Athelstan … Athelstan is guided through the funeral traditions by Bjorn who seems at first amused by the priest’s discomfort with the sacrifice of the slave girl but then angry with him for wanting to leave. He also teaches the people around him about Christian ideas, and Ragnar becomes particularly interested in them. Athelstan is dead and in Heaven but still trying to keep Ragnar safe. Nevertheless, many of the monks were killed, or taken back to Viking territory as slaves. However, it was probably not Ragnar that conducted the raid, as it is a little bit early for him. But while Vikings celebrates and offers a realistic vision of the Viking world, its entertainment not a documentary, so you can only expect so much. Related: Why Sigurd Was Killed Off In Season 4. Athelstan succeeded to the throne of Mercia upon the death of his father in 924, with Wessex going to his brother Elfweard. The short answer to that question is no. He is taken as a prison by the Vikings when they raided the monastery in 793. Vikings has seen many fascinating characters come and go during its five-season run. Click the button below to start this article in quick view. Your email address will not be published. Unfortunately, many of them are no longer on the show. Nevertheless, the people of Wessex did not seem keen on Athelstan, and it took him several months to have himself named king of Wessex as well. Tostig: A viking veteran whose only wish is to die in battle, so that he may sup in the halls of Valhalla. Ultimately, when Athelstan died, Ragnar delivered one of the most powerful moments on the series as he hauled the body of his dead friend to the top of … He bids a cold farewell to an indifferent Judith. Next: What To Expect From The Vikings Sequel Show. As well as appearing in characters' visions and dreams, he … READ MORE Vikings season 6 trailer: Did the Rus Vikings invade Scandinavia? It was a heartbreaking moment for Vikings fans for many reasons: Athelstan was a favorite and so was Floki, and viewers had grown fond of the friendship between Ragnar and Athelstan. But Elfweard died just three weeks after his father, leaving the kingship of Wessex vacant. Vikings: 10 Dead Characters Who Deserved More. Your email address will not be published. While it was not the very first Viking raid on English soil, it is often considered the start of the Viking age in England as it hit the heart of the Northumbrian nation in a sacred space. He also focused on converting nearby Swedish communities, again with generally little success. All the latest gaming news, game reviews and trailers. Æthelstan or Athelstan was King of the Anglo-Saxons from 924 to 927 and King of the English from 927 to 939 when he died. © 2021 Norse and Viking Mythology [Best Blog] – vkngjewelry | Theme: Discovery Offer : 15% Off With “B15” Code. But, aside from the name and general piety, and a connection between Athelstan and King Alfred, it is hard to see much of the Athelstan character that we see on Vikings in this English monarch. Athelstan's mentor. There are stories of free Vikings dying to protect their thralls. [Image via A&E Network] Athelstan For many Vikings fans, season 3 was a heartbreaking one with the death of Athelstan (George Blagden), the monk Ragnar took prisoner back in season 1. "Vänligheten är ett språk som de döva kan höra och de blinda kan se". Many things took place in Vikings Season 2 Episode 4 - but, let's be honest, Athelstan's crucifixion was definitely the biggest surprise of the night.. … But he was able to create the first Christian chapel in Denmark, in Hebedy, in 860. So, the reaction of Floki and other characters to the Christian influence of Athelstan also rings true. Athelstan lives with the Vikings and is introduced to their way of life. The actor then revealed that the most tragic part of his character’s death was the fact that Athelstan would never meet his child, Alfred. Or are you happy that he embodies a person that could have lived in Viking times and reflects the type of experience that person may have had? He had never married and had no sons, so he was succeeded by his brother Edmund. So, the show is inaccurate when it shows the Vikings pressuring Athelstan to believe in the Norse gods. Missionaries were active in Scandinavia from the 8th century, though conversions were few until the 10th century. We know that the missionary Willibrord was active in Denmark from 710, where he was treated respectfully but found few converts. The Viking raid on the Lindisfarne monastery is a real historical event from 793. He can see the value in their ways and beliefs, and so becomes torn between his commitment to his Christian faith and his desire to fully become part of his new community. He is considered the first king of all England, something Ecbert aspires to be in the show, and one of its most important. It was also quite common for Vikings to emancipate their thralls, as we see Ragnar do with Athelstan on the show, demanding loyalty in return, which had to be maintained for at least two generations. Sadly, Athelstan was killed by Floki in season 3 – but why did Hirst decide to kill off such a beloved character? It is not difficult to see why Athelstan would have been a prized slave for a man like Ragnar, as he had intimate knowledge of the territory that Ragnar planned to raid. ... For a series that is only six seasons long, Vikings has an incredibly high kill-count when it comes to its characters. Most of the biggest deaths in Vikings have happened under this mentality, which is good as Hirst knows when a character has given its all and, as Blagden says in the interview, doesn’t try to make them “exist past the point where it needs to.” Athelstan’s death was very dramatic, but it did serve a purpose in the story and helped maintain him as a fan favorite by not overextending his stay. Meanwhile, King Ecbert approaches his daughter-in-law: “I want you to be free”, he tells her. As well as being the king that forged England into a single country, Athelstan is considered to have been an excellent administrator, centralizing government functions and leaving behind many legal texts. Headed up by King Athelstan of Wessex, the Anglo Saxon fiefdoms at this time were merely an alliance and not yet united under a single King. Athelstan’s death really changed the Viking story. Now, Vikings is in its sixth and final season, which will see Ragnar’s sons Bjorn Ironside (Alexander Ludwig) and Ivar the Boneless (Alex Høgh Andersen) pitted against one another for the future of Norway. When King Harald Bluetooth of Denmark converted to Christianity, he was opposed by his son Sweyn Forkbeard, who despite being baptized with his father opposed the spread of Christianity.
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