Vikings: Valhalla

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Vikings: Valhalla
Vikings Valhalla logo.jpg
Also known asValhalla (recaps)
Genre
Created byJeb Stuart
Based onVikings
created by Michael Hirst
Starring
ComposerTrevor Morris
Country of origin
  • Canada
  • Ireland
  • United States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producers
  • Jeb Stuart
  • Morgan O'Sullivan
  • Michael Hirst
  • Sheila Hockin
  • Steve Stark
  • James Flynn
  • John Weber
  • Niels Arden Oplev
  • Sherry Marsh
  • Alan Gasmer
  • Paul Buccieri
Producers
  • Mark Murdoch
  • Cáit Collins
Running time44–59 minutes
Production companies
Release
Original networkNetflix
Original releaseFebruary 25, 2022 (2022-02-25) –
present (present)
Related
Vikings

Vikings: Valhalla, or simply Valhalla, is a historical drama streaming television series created by Jeb Stuart for Netflix. It is a sequel to History's Vikings, filmed in County Wicklow, Ireland. Set one hundred years after the events of Vikings, the series chronicles the beginning of the end of the Viking Age, marked by the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066. The 8-episode first season premiered on February 25, 2022. With a 24-episode order announced in November 2019, the series was officially renewed for a second and third season in March 2022. The second season premiered on January 12, 2023. The third season is set to premiere in 2024.

Premise[edit]

Vikings: Valhalla is set more than 100 years after the events of Vikings; in England, tensions between the descendants of the Vikings (Norse or "Danes") and native English reach a bloody breaking point. The Norse also clash amongst themselves over conflicting Christian and pagan beliefs.

The beginning of the series depicts the St. Brice's Day massacre in 1002 and intends to conclude with the end of the Viking Age, marked by the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066.[1]

Cast and characters[edit]

Main article: List of Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla characters

Main[edit]

Recurring[edit]

  • Lujza Richter as Liv (season 1; guest season 2)
  • Álfrún Laufeyjardóttir as Yrsa (season 1)
  • Edward Franklin as Skarde (season 1)
  • Gavan O'Connor-Duffy as Njal (season 1)
  • Christopher Rygh as Agnarr
  • Kenneth M. Christensen as Jarl Norí (season 1)
  • Pääru Oja as Arne Gormsson (season 1)
  • James Ballanger as Hallbjorn (seasons 1–2)
  • Louis Davison as Prince Edmund (season 1)
  • Gavin Drea as Eadric Streona (season 1)
  • Asbjørn Krogh Nissen as Jarl Kåre (season 1)
  • Pollyanna McIntosh as Queen Ælfgifu
  • Henessi Schmidt as Gytha (season 2; guest season 1)
  • Charlie O'Connor as Svein Knutsson (season 2; guest season 1)
  • Stanislav Callas as Jorundr Torvilsson (season 2)
  • Maria Guiver as Aelfwynn (season 2)
  • Emily Mcentire as Hrefna (season 2)
  • Aoibhinn McGinnity as Valgerda (season 2)
  • Bradley James as Lord Harekr (season 2)
  • Yngvild Støen Grotmol as Lady Gudrid (season 2)
  • Patrick Loftus as Kolr (season 2)
  • Hayat Kamille as Mariam (season 2)
  • Taylor James as Batu (season 2)
  • Kayode Akinyemi as Kaysan (season 2)
  • Sofya Lebedeva as Eleana (season 2)
  • Tolga Safer as Kurya (season 2)
  • Ailbe Cowley as Brigtoc (season 2)
  • Siobhán Callaghan as Cadlin (season 2)
  • Elaenor McLynn as Dorn (season 2)
  • Florian Munteanu as George Maniakes (season 3)[2]
  • Goran Višnjić as Erik the Red (season 3)[3]
  • Joakim Nätterqvist as Birkir (season 3)[4]

Guest[edit]

Episodes[edit]

SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
18February 25, 2022 (2022-02-25)
28January 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)

Season 1 (2022)[edit]

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
11"The Greenlanders"Niels Arden OplevJeb StuartFebruary 25, 2022 (2022-02-25)
In the Danelaw, a Viking settlement in England, it is Saint Brice's Day and Harald Sigurdsson leaves for Norway. Meanwhile, King Aethelred II, the ruler of England, orders all Danish settlers in England to be killed, including Harald's brother Sten Sigurdsson. King Canute, the ruler of Denmark, calls all Viking warriors to meet in Kattegat to form an army to exact revenge. Greenlanders Leif Erikson and Freydís Eiríksdóttir travel to Kattegat through a great storm, unaware of the massacre, as Freydís seeks revenge on the man who raped and scarred her years earlier. She soon discovers the man responsible, Gunnar Magnússon, a follower of Harald's older half-brother Olaf Haraldsson, a devout Christian, who doesn't trust the pagans. Leif later defends himself due to the reputation of his infamous father Erik the Red and Harald promises glory if Leif was to join him in England. Later that night, Freydís sneaks into the great hall where she kills Gunnar. Before an enraged Olaf can kill Freydís, Jarl Haakon, the ruler of Kattegat, stops him. Harald informs everyone that Gunnar's death was justified as Freydís reveals a cruciform scar on her back. Haakon states that she will render judgement in the morning.
22"Viking"Steve Saint LegerJeb StuartFebruary 25, 2022 (2022-02-25)
In Kattegat, Freydís suggests a trial by combat with Olaf but is denied. Instead, Harald has Leif join him in England to help exact revenge on the Saxons. Freydís bids farewell to Leif before he and the majority of the Greenlanders leave Kattegat with the Viking army. Haakon sends Freydís to Uppsala, so that she may seek her destiny. During the journey to England, Jarl Gorm, one of the Viking leaders, and his son Arne Gormsson grow distrustful of Leif. Gorm later attacks him, killing the Greenlander Birger, which results in Leif killing Gorm just as they arrive on England's shores. In England, Aethelred and his advisor Godwin discuss the Viking's plans for an invasion as Aethelred's health deteriorates. The Queen of England Emma of Normandy later visits her husband, now bedridden, who warns her that London needs to be defended. Emma sends her step-son and heir to the throne of England, Prince Edmund, to seek help from the Ealdorman of Mercia, Eadric Streona. Edmund is successful in convincing Streona to supply Mercian soldiers but on his return to London, bells toll, signalling Aethelred's death.
33"The Marshes"Steve Saint LegerVanessa AlexanderFebruary 25, 2022 (2022-02-25)
The Viking army sack Kent, where they learn that Aethelred has died so they now set their sights on his son. The army later makes camp near London, as Harald and Leif lead a scouting party into the nearby marshes. They are soon ambushed by Mercian soldiers and are forced to retreat, whilst the Greenlander Ulf is killed, and Leif is left behind. Harald later returns and saves Leif before they make their way onto London's bridge, where they discover that it has a drawbridge in its centre. In London, Edmund practices his fighting skills whilst Godwin teaches him that he must be more ruthless to win a real battle. Edmund successfully gets the full support of the other Ealdorman who wish to move forward his coronation and Edmund is officially crowned King of England. In Sweden, Freydís and several other pilgrims are attacked by a Berserker who kills the Greenlander Toke and seriously wounds Yrsa. Freydís kills the attacker and brings Yrsa to a healer before continuing her journey to Uppsala. Later, the Christian zealot Jarl Kåre finds the body of the Berserker and begins to follow a blood trail left by Yrsa.
44"The Bridge"Steve Saint LegerDeclan CroghanFebruary 25, 2022 (2022-02-25)
The Viking leaders discuss their impending assault on London by using the bridge to their advantage and drawing out King Edmund. Meanwhile, Edmund discusses his plans for the defence of London with Streona, who will outflank the Vikings and trap them on the bridge. Whilst impressed by the King's strategy, Streona states that the Mercians will suffer heavy losses, but Edmund promises him that Mercia will have all the glory. As the Viking army arrives outside London, Canute taunts Edmund into charging into battle alongside his soldiers, against the advice of Emma and Godwin. Vikings and Saxons fight until Canute leads the Saxons into an ambush on the far side of the bridge. Meanwhile, Harald, Leif and several others successfully weaken the bridge, attach ropes to the supports, and use Olaf's longboats to pull it down. Emma soon notices this and commands Saxon archers to kill the saboteurs, who manage to kill the Greenlanders Skarde and Njal. Godwin informs Edmund of the bridge's impending collapse, but Edmund fails to cross in time and is trapped as the Viking army defeats the Saxons. Streona arrives to witness the Saxon defeat and decides to abandon Edmund.
55"Miracle"Hannah QuinnEoin McNameeFebruary 25, 2022 (2022-02-25)
The Viking army successfully conquers London, taking Emma and the other nobles captive. Harald attempts to exact his revenge by executing Edmund but is stopped by Canute. He later promises to make Harald the King of Norway and reveals that Olaf has a secret son, Magnus Olafsson. Leif discovers that Liv had survived the battle. He mourns the deaths of his fellow Greenlanders, giving them a Viking funeral, but has a crisis of faith. During a celebratory feast, Canute awards his warriors the spoils of war and releases Leif from his sister's debt, calling him a hero. Canute then executes Streona for breaking his oath to Edmund and claims that he will become the first Danish King of England. He also takes a liking to Emma and successfully rescues her children who had been taken captive by Olaf. In Uppsala, Freydís takes part in a pagan ceremony that provides a glimpse into her past. During a vision, she is visited by The Seer who gives her a cryptic warning to stop looking into the past and to move forward. Kåre arrives at the healer's hut seeking vengeance and kills Yrsa. Freydís then awakens from her vision and leaves Uppsala.
66"The Last Daughter of Uppsala"Hannah QuinnVanessa AlexanderFebruary 25, 2022 (2022-02-25)
Freydís reaches the healer's hut and confronts Kåre who tells her to warn Haakon that he is coming for them. Freydís later trains in Kattegat to become a shieldmaiden with Altöra, Haakon's second-in-command. Haakon recounts her own vision of The Seer and claims that Freydís is the "Last Daughter of Uppsala". Meanwhile, Kåre reaches Uppsala and receives his own mysterious vision from The Seer. Olaf leaves England with his forces and heads to Denmark whilst Harald and Leif return to Kattegat. In Denmark, Olaf asks Canute's Mercian wife, Queen Ælfgifu, for her support in becoming the ruler of Norway. Harald's forces soon arrive in Kattegat, with Freydís, Leif, and Liv reuniting, now the only remaining Greenlanders. Freydís later beats Altöra in single combat and officially becomes a shieldmaiden, pledging herself to protect Kattegat. In London, Canute makes Godwin and Emma his advisors, with the latter informing him that the Ealdorman are close to rebellion. Canute reveals to the captive Ealdorman that he will restore their titles in return for their loyalty. Canute and Emma later become romantically involved but Canute becomes concerned after receiving a letter from Denmark.
77"Choices"David FrazeeDeclan CroghanFebruary 25, 2022 (2022-02-25)
Kåre sends the corpses of the priests of Uppsala to Kattegat as a warning. Harald, Leif, and Freydís head to Uppsala and witness the aftermath of Kåre's massacre with the survivors claiming that Kåre's God ordered him to destroy all pagans. Olaf meets with Kåre and forges an alliance to take Kattegat in an effort to unite Norway. Harald learns of this, and his forces help Haakon prepare for Olaf and Kåre's arrival. In London, Edmund discovers that Canute has left to fight the Wends in Denmark, but not before secretly marrying Emma. Canute's father, King Sweyn Forkbeard, arrives to rule in his place with Forkbeard's granddaughter Gytha serving as Emma's new lady-in-waiting. Edmund and Forkbeard are confronted by Sigeferth, the Ealdorman of Wessex, who is later killed by Forkbeard after insulting him, and Godwin is made the first Jarl of Wessex. Angered by Forkbeard's presence, Edmund attempts to form a resistance, but Godwin betrays him by setting a trap and stabs him in the heart, leaving Canute as the sole King of England. Ælfgifu arrives in London, bringing with her Canute's fleet, and threatens Forkbeard that she will order it to aid Olaf and his conquest.
88"The End of the Beginning"David FrazeeEoin McNameeFebruary 25, 2022 (2022-02-25)
To prevent Ælfgifu from sending Canute's fleet to Olaf, Forkbeard banishes Emma to Normandy. Ælfgifu and Godwin then travel to Mercia and convince the Mercians to give Forkbeard their support. However, in Ælfgifu's absence, Forkbeard locates Canute's fleet and Emma retakes the throne of England. In Norway, Harald meets with Olaf and chooses to side with him. However, he secretly tells Leif Olaf's attack plan, allowing Kattegat to better prepare. The Battle for Kattegat begins, as Kåre's forces attack the city walls. Haakon is hit with a volley of arrows and succumbs to her wounds whilst Altöra and Arne are killed by Kåre's followers. Obsessed with killing Freydís, Kåre hunts her down to the great hall but she beheads him. Olaf's plan is revealed to be a ruse in order to split Kattegat's forces. As Olaf's forces arrive in Kattegat, Olaf mortally wounds Liv and she dies in Leif's arms. Harald is wounded during the battle, but Freydís comes to his aide. Olaf claims victory, but Forkbeard arrives with Canute's fleet and Olaf's forces quickly abandon Kattegat. Forkbeard's grandson Harald Harefoot discovers several of Kåre's followers slaughtered and an enraged Leif covered in blood.

Season 2 (2023)[edit]

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
91"The Web of Fate"Ciaran DonnellyJeb StuartJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
Following the Battle for Kattegat, Forkbeard's forces are victorious and Olaf and his surviving men are captured. Leif hunts for Olaf with the hope of exacting revenge for the death of Liv and whilst in Kattegat, meets Jorundr Torvilsson, a mysterious stranger. To prevent his own execution, Olaf strikes a deal with Forkbeard that keeps his now captured son, Magnus, alive in exchange for Olaf helping Canute's eldest son, Svein Knutsson, rule as King of Norway. Forkbeard's forces then depart from Kattegat. In London, Godwin grows concerned regarding Emma's safety due to Canute's continued absence and successfully prevents an assassination attempt. Meanwhile, Freydís and Harald are in hiding and learn that many pagans now revere Freydís whilst Jomsvikings are taking them to Jomsborg for safety. They soon reunite with Leif who had tracked down bounty hunters sent to kill Harald. Jorundr, having followed Leif, reveals that he's a Jomsviking and agrees to help them escape. They successfully evade Olaf's forces and are rescued by Jorundr's longships and Freydís secretly reveals to Leif that she is pregnant with Harald's child. Harald and Leif then depart, hoping to get aid from Harald's uncle in Novgorod whilst Freydís sails for Jomsborg.
102"Towers of Faith"Ciaran DonnellyDeclan CroghanJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
In Norway, Olaf hunts down escaping pagans and has Svein kill one of them. Upon returning to Kattegat, Olaf meets with Ælfgifu who grows concerned for her son Svein's safety. In London, Godwin tortures the captured assassin, but he is later killed to prevent Godwin from knowing who's behind the conspiracy to kill Emma. In Jomsborg, Freydís arrives and meets its rulers, Lord Harekr and Lady Gudrid, who hope to turn Jomsborg into a "new Uppsala" with Freydís as their gyðja. In Novgorod, Leif and Harald arrive and meet with Harald's uncle, Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise, and Lord Vitomir. However, Yaroslav refuses to aid Harald so he can continue trading with Canute's empire whilst the trade route to Constantinople is blocked by the Pechenegs. Leif meets Mariam, an Astrolabe maker, and has hallucinations of Liv. Hoping to buy an army with gold, Harald fights against the African warrior Kaysan, but despite Harald's victory, he and his partner Batu flee with the winnings. Vitomir agrees to pay Harald to escort precious cargo past the Pechenegs. In an attempt to hallucinate Liv again, Leif takes opium but after nearly falling to his death, he collapses.
113"Pieces of the Gods"Monika MitchellVanessa AlexanderJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
Leif awakens in Mariam's lodgings, having been rescued from the cold, and discovers that she is terminally ill. Harald meets with Gestr, a slaver, and agrees to protect his boat on the journey to Constantinople but must first find a crew. He recruits the warrior Kaysan, con man Batu and the blind Pecheneg Kurya who can guide them along the Dnieper river. Leif invites Miriam to join them whilst Vitomir and his supposed servant Eleana join the crew carrying a precious silver chest. Together, the crew leave Novgorod on a sled but shortly after beginning their journey, one of Gestr's slaves dies from the cold. In London, Emma discovers that Aelfwynn, one of her ladies-in-waiting and Godwin's lover, is the sister of the assassin and that Godwin has proposed marriage. In Jomsborg, many of the pagan refugees whose ancestors aren't from Jomsborg are forced into labour as Harekr goes raiding, leaving his nephew Jorundr in charge. Hrefna, a young girl who idolises Freydís, is tricked by Jorundr to journey alone to a nearby boneyard to prove her worth. Freydís finds Hrefna injured and defends her from a wild boar, before returning her home.
124"The Thaw"Monika MitchellEoin McNameeJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
In Kievan Rus', the crew continue their journey along a frozen river until it breaks and the sled becomes trapped. Whilst the sled is eventually freed, the ice dam that kept the river frozen has since thawed. The crew are forced to release the boat from the sled but both Eleana and Vitomir fall through the ice. Only Eleana can be saved in time as Vitomir drowns and Eleana is revealed to be his daughter. In Kattegat, Olaf receives word that Harald has met with their uncle in Novgorod and plans to travel there with Svein. In London, Emma imprisons Aelfwynn and she is tortured by Canute's huscarl Agnarr for information about her brother and Godwin. Aelfwynn reveals that Godwin wishes for his future children to rule England as she succumbs to her wounds. Emma informs Godwin of Aelfwynn's death and Gytha confides in him. In Jomsborg, Gudrid chastises Jorundr for mixing with the pagan refugees as she becomes suspicious of the now heavily pregnant Freydís. Harekr returns from raiding and angered by Freydís' actions, sends his Jomsvikings to massacre the refugees, believing that the people of Jomsborg are superior to them and imprisons both Jorundr and Freydís.
135"Birth and Rebirth"Jan MatthysNiall QueenanJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
On the Dnieper river, the boat's rudder breaks, forcing the crew to stop. Leif and Harald travel to nearby ruins and smith a new rudder as Leif tells him about Freydís' pregnancy. A lone Varangian, Baggi, discovers the grounded boat and recognises Kurya as the disgraced brother of the Pecheneg Khan before departing. A paranoid Gestr is then overthrown by the crew. Baggi later returns with several others, and they fight with the crew. As Leif and Harald return, Baggi and his men are killed and Gestr is stabbed to death by his slaves. In London, Emma prays for forgiveness for having caused Aelfwynn's death as Godwin and Gytha mourn her. Agnarr informs Emma that Godwin paid a large sum of money to a man known as "The Bear" days before her attempted assassination. Imprisoned in Jomsborg, Freydís gives birth to a son, who she names Harald. Harekr soon steals the child and claims him as his own which angers the neglected Jorundr. Harekr then tells Jorundr to kill Freydís in order to regain his trust. However, Jorundr helps rescue baby Harald and fakes Freydís' death before fleeing Jomsborg. Harekr soon intercepts them and Freydís flees alone.
146"Leap of Faith"Jan MatthysNiall QueenanJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
In Sussex, Emma and Agnarr search for "The Bear" and discover that he's Godwin's guardian but had recently been killed, although they find Godwin's father's ring. Canute returns to London and doubtful that Godwin is behind the assassination attempt, he betroths his niece Gytha to him. In Novgorod, Olaf meets with Yaroslav, promising to stop the Jomsvikings from raiding the Baltic trade routes. In Jomsborg, Hrefna helps an ill Freydís recover. Jorundr is put on trial, and after Harekr frames him for Freydís' death, the elders of Jomsborg decide to have his right hand removed before being exiled. Freydís later challenges Harekr, who easily defeats her, but the Jomsvikings rise up and stone him to death, allowing Freydís to be reunited with her son. On the Dnieper river, after reaching a large waterfall, only Harald wants to press on. Leif becomes romantically involved with Miriam who plans to eventually ingest poison to end her suffering as her illness has worsened. Eleana tells Harald that Vitomir was bringing the precious cargo to Constantinople to stop raids on their home in Chude. Harald then removes all the cargo and the mast from the ship and together the crew head over the waterfall.
157"Pecheneg"Emer ConroyVanessa AlexanderJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
Having landed downstream of the waterfall, the crew is scattered. A group of Pechenegs find the grounded boat and capture Harald. The rest of the crew reunite but Leif leads half of them to rescue Harald whilst Cadlin, one of the former slaves, didn't survive the fall. Harald is brought before Tyrach, a Pecheneg leader, who tortures him until Leif arrives with Kurya and Tyrach sends word to Kurya's brother, the Khan. Before Leif and Harald can be killed, Eleana and the former slaves Brigtoc and Dorn free them. Leif kills Tyrach, but the group are forced to flee when the Khan's forces arrive. They reach the boat and return it to the water as Kurya confronts his brother and kills him with Miriam's poison. Before Kurya can be dismembered by the Khan's now vengeful men, Leif mercy kills him. In Novgorod, Olaf leaves to search for Jomsborg after his ambitions are renewed when he's blessed by the local Bishop. In Jomsborg, Freydís brings the Jomsvikings and pagan refugees together, allowing them to worship in the previously restricted temple, whilst Gudrid regrets allowing Jorundr's exile. Alone and dying at sea, Jorundr is discovered and rescued by Olaf.
168"The Reckoning"Emer ConroyDeclan CroghanJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)
Olaf's forces arrive in Pomerania, and Olaf tells Jorundr about his father, convincing him to reveal Jomsborg's location. Olaf then meets with Freydís whilst Gudrid gives Jorundr a secret message. Jorundr then leads Hallbjorn, Olaf's second-in-command, to an ambush at Jomsborg's sentinel and they kill each other. Olaf's forces enter Jomsborg and Freydís leads them into a trap, burning them all alive. An enraged Olaf fights with Freydís until she impales him with a spear, killing him, leaving Svein as the sole survivor. Freydís later brings Svein to Kattegat in exchange for peace with Ælfgifu. In London, despite Emma's protests, Godwin and Gytha are married, making their future children in line for the English throne. Emma gifts Gytha Godwin's father's ring to torment Godwin as a reminder of his father's shameful past as a disgraced Sussex nobleman. On the Dnieper river, Mariam's condition forces the crew to stop. Alone with Leif, she gifts him the key to her home in Constantinople before succumbing to her illness. The Byzantine Emperor, Romanos, travels to meet the crew, revealing Eleana as his betrothed and Harald gains his favor. Their journey now complete, the crew finally reach Constantinople.

Production[edit]

Development[edit]

On January 4, 2019, alongside the announcement that Vikings would end after its sixth season, it was announced that Michael Hirst and MGM Television were developing a spin-off series with writer Jeb Stuart.[5] On November 19, 2019, it was announced that this series, titled Vikings: Valhalla, would take place a century after the end of the original series and would be released on Netflix.[6] The 24-episode series was made by MGM Television, and filmed primarily in Ireland, working from the same Ashford Studios in County Wicklow. The series focuses "on the adventures of Leif Erikson, Freydis, Harald Hardrada and the Norman king William the Conqueror".[7]

On March 9, 2022, the series was officially renewed for a second and third season.[8] On November 21, 2022, it was announced that the second season would premiere on January 12, 2023.[9] The third season is set to premiere in 2024.[10]

Casting[edit]

On November 28, 2020, it was reported by one news outlet that they believe Danish actor Kenneth Christensen, Icelandic actor Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Swedish actress Frida Gustavsson, and David Oakes had been cast in the series.[11] Frida Gustavsson was later revealed to have been cast as Freydís Eiríksdóttir, while Jóhannes Haukur had been cast as Olaf "the Holy" through erroneously earlier reports stated that he had been cast as Harald Hardrada, a part given to Leo Suter. Caroline Henderson was cast as the current ruler of Kattegat Jarl Haakon, a character based on Canute the Great's vassal ruler Haakon Ericsson. Bradley Freegard was cast as Canute the Great and Pollyanna McIntosh as his wife Ælfgifu. Sam Corlett was cast as Leif Eriksson.[12]

Other actors include German actress Yvonne Mai has been cast as Merin, and Bill Murphy has been cast as Ödger. Irish actors Alan Devine has been cast as the Ealdorman of Kent and Gavin O'Connor will portray the Ealdorman of East Anglia. Devine and Bosco Hogan have previously appeared in Vikings as Ealdorman Eadric in the second season and Abbot of Lindisfarne in the fifth season, respectively.[11] Jack Mullarkey has been cast as a character named Toke.[13] Joakim Nätterqvist will portray Birkir,[14][15] and Ethan Dillon[16] was cast as Vestian.[17][18]

New cast members for the second season include: Bradley James as Harekr, Hayat Kamille as Mariam, Marcin Dorocinski as Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Sofya Lebedeva as Eleana[19] and Nikolai Kinski as Emperor Romanos[20]

Writers[edit]

Showrunner Jeb Stuart's writing team includes Vanessa Alexander, Declan Croghan and Eoin McNamee.[21] The first episode was directed by Niels Arden Oplev.[22]

Filming[edit]

Vikings: Valhalla started filming in early October 2020 at Ashford Studios, Wicklow, where previous Vikings was filmed. Shooting was suspended due to a number of positive COVID-19 tests, only to resume after a few days. At the time a number of cast and crew were reported to have tested positive; however, it emerged that the production had received a number of false positive tests.[23][24] Filming was planned to resume at Ashford Studios in Ireland beginning in August 2021.[25]

Production on the second season wrapped in November 2021.[26] Directors include the BAFTA-winning Danish director Niels Arden Oplev, Steve Saint Leger who directed several episodes of Vikings[11] and Hannah Quinn.[21]

Production on the third season began in May 2022 and wrapped in October 2022.[27]

Music[edit]

The musical score for the first season was composed by the Trevor Morris. Amalie Bruun of Myrkur provided the kulning vocals for the opening credits.[28] The series also made heavy use of music from the album The Word as Power by Lustmord, which was also featured in Season 6 of Vikings.[citation needed]

Reception[edit]

Critical response[edit]

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 90% approval rating for the first season, based on 29 reviews, with an average rating of 7.0/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "Reveling in the glory of straightforward adventure storytelling, Valhalla is a bloody-good dramatization of Leif Eriksson's conquests."[29] Metacritic gave it a weighted average score of 70 out of 100 based on reviews from 13 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[30]

The second season has a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 7 reviews, with an average rating of 7.7/10.[29]

Accolades[edit]

The series was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal Episode at the 21st Visual Effects Society Awards.[31]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Netflix's Vikings: Valhalla teaser previews the bloody battles to come". July 16, 2021.
  2. ^ "'Vikings: Valhalla': Florian Munteanu Joins Cast Of Netflix Series". Deadline Hollywood. May 5, 2022. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  3. ^ "Goran Visnjic Joins 'Vikings: Valhalla' For Season 3 Of Netflix Series". Deadline Hollywood. June 6, 2022. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  4. ^ "'Vikings: Valhalla' Season 2: Trailer, Release Date, Plot, New Characters, and Everything We Know So Far". Collider. December 17, 2022. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  5. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (January 4, 2019). "'Vikings' To End After Season 6, Followup Series In Works At History From Michael Hirst & MGM Television". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 9, 2019. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
  6. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (November 19, 2019). "'Vikings: Valhalla': Netflix Orders 'Vikings' Sequel Series From Michael Hirst, Jeb Stuart & MGM TV". Deadline. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  7. ^ "On-demand giant commissions new version of TV saga made in Ashford Studios". Irish Times. November 19, 2019. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved January 7, 2020.
  8. ^ Nemetz, Dave (March 9, 2022). "Vikings: Valhalla Officially Renewed for Seasons 2 and 3 at Netflix". TVLine. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
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External links[edit]

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