Fact or Fiction 5 Things From Vikings That Were True (& 5 That Were Embellished)

Fact or Fiction: 5 Things From Vikings That Were True (& 5 That Were Embellished)

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Vikings was undoubtedly inspired by real events and people. But how much of the show was historically accurate and how much was embellished?

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Fact or Fiction 5 Things From Vikings That Were True (& 5 That Were Embellished)

This breathtaking series has stirred a curiosity in audiences about the real nature of the Vikings who reined during the 8th and 9th centuries. Viewers have questioned what is authentic about the show and what is a fabrication of truth for dramatic effect.

The series was written by Michael Hirst, an English screenwriter, for the History Channel, and it seems much background work went into the narrative and characters, as well as the costumes, to set a foundation of truth in place. There are some fictional twists, however, which viewers should be aware of.

10 Facts: Braids And Apparel

Fact or Fiction 5 Things From Vikings That Were True (& 5 That Were Embellished)

It is probably to fans’ relief that the apparel worn by the Vikings in the show is based on historic research of the actual Vikings. While fans might be disappointed not to see the horned helmets they believed Vikings should wear on the show, and to find out these were in fact fabrications of history, they will be pleased to know the enticing braids of the characters in the series are historically accurate.

History and hair designer for the show, Dee Corcoran, said the series’ crew used reference pictures to put the costumes for the characters together.

9 Fiction: Ragnar Lothbrok

Fact or Fiction 5 Things From Vikings That Were True (& 5 That Were Embellished)

As much as fans love Ragnar Lothbrok, the stealthy character has no basis in verified history. Ragnar Lothbrok is based on a legend of a Viking who carved a place in Viking tradition with stories of his influence and power.

However, there is no evidence suggesting he ever existed! Still, since the legend left such an impression on Viking history, the producers thought to include him. Still, fact or fiction, Ragnar is an imperative part of the series.

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8 Fact: Ragnar’s Sons

Fact or Fiction 5 Things From Vikings That Were True (& 5 That Were Embellished)

The character of Ragnar might not be historically verifiable, however, the characters of his sons have all been based on actual historic figures. Bjorn Ironside, for example, was a Swedish Viking chief. Ubbe and Ivor The Boneless went on to great conquests in England.

Both Sigur and Bjorn became part of royal lineage, with Bjorn becoming part of the Swedish royal dynasty and Sigurd, the King of Denmark. While the show connects these all with Ragnar, through a fictional plot strategy, the reality is that the men depicted by Ragnar’s sons did exist and were instrumental in shaping history as we know it.

7 Fiction: Hello There, ‘Viking’!

Fact or Fiction 5 Things From Vikings That Were True (& 5 That Were Embellished)

Contrary to what the show depicts, the Vikings never actually referred to each other as ‘Viking’. In reality, the people from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway spoke a language called Old Norse, and while being ethnically distinct, had no word like ‘Viking’ to identify each other.

According to records, the people whom the Vikings invaded referred to them as Danes, Norsemen, Northmen, or Nords. The word Viking only became popular much later, in the romantic era (19th century).

6 Fact: Horned Helmets… Or Lack Thereof

Fact or Fiction 5 Things From Vikings That Were True (& 5 That Were Embellished)

Many viewers will find themselves wondering why the characters in Vikings don’t don Asterix and Obelix-style helmets. However, the directors’ decision to leave these out is based on research. The impressive horned helmets of Viking legend were not based on historic fact.

The only authentic Viking helmet ever found had no horns. It seems this tradition of depicting Vikings with horned headgear came from paintings from the 19th century, which was inspired by writers of Greek and Roman heritage. Horned helmets were worn by Norse and Germanic priests, however, but this was for ceremonial purposes and not for battle.

5 Fiction: Execution Methods

Fact or Fiction 5 Things From Vikings That Were True (& 5 That Were Embellished)

The series contains many dramatic additions, and while drawing intrigue to the Viking regime, has also had elements added for entertainment value. The crucifixion of Norsemen by 9th-century Wessex bishops, as shown in series 2 and 4 of Vikings, is without historic evidence.

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There is no evidence suggesting crucifixions happened at the hands of Christians. This is also true of the blood-eagling sacrificial method, depicted as a pagan execution method in the show – which is another dramatic addition to the plot.

4 Fact: Women’s Rights

Fact or Fiction 5 Things From Vikings That Were True (& 5 That Were Embellished)

Viewers might wonder whether the women in the Vikings fleet are fabrications of history. Surely women of the day were not permitted to partake in battle? While it was unlikely a woman warrior of the ranking of Lagertha existed in history, Viking women were actually quite liberal in terms of women’s rights.

The Viking women had more freedom than other women of their era. They were, for example, permitted to inherit property, ask for a divorce, and even reclaim their dowries if their marriages ended.

3 Fiction: Brothers

Fact or Fiction 5 Things From Vikings That Were True (& 5 That Were Embellished)

A fictionalized element of the series is the depicted brotherhood between Ragnar and Rollo. Rollo is based on an actual historic figure, but he had no relation to Ragnar. In fact, it is uncertain whether he was a Viking at all.

Historic records indicate that the real Rollo married the daughter of King Charles The Simple of France, after forging an alliance with him. Had he had any links with the Vikings, he would have done everything to hide his background, to be better accepted by his new Anglo-Saxon contemporaries.

2 Fact: Bloodthirsty Attitude

Fact or Fiction 5 Things From Vikings That Were True (& 5 That Were Embellished)

The warrior attitude displayed by the Vikings in the series is accurate. This means that the Vikings really did believe that there was honor in dying on the battlefield.

The Viking power battles, and culture-held view that those who are stronger have a right to dominate those who are weaker, is also an authentic detail of the show.

1 Fiction: The Missionary Ansgar

Fact or Fiction 5 Things From Vikings That Were True (& 5 That Were Embellished)

The Missionary Ansgar was not the failure who was shown in the series. In Vikings, the queen Aslaug gives him a test, which he fails. He is subsequently executed. In reality, Ansgar (801-865), lived a long and successful life, with a successful ministry that swayed many Vikings.

Link Source : https://screenrant.com/vikings-accurate-embellished-things/

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