From Vikings to Ragnarok: Shows and films that’ll pique your interest in Norse mythology

What is Norse Mythology and why are we so obsessed with it? Piqued your interest? Read on for the top 10 shows in the genre!,

What is Norse Mythology and why are we so obsessed with it?

Norse Mythology is the body of myths of the North Germanic population stemming from Norse paganism. It continued to be popular even after the Christianisation of Scandinavia and remained relevant as the Scandinavian folklore of today. Whether it is Chris Hemsworth’s Thor or the Lightning wielding Magne from Ragnarok, we as an audience can’t seem to get enough of Norse Myths. There is more to Scandinavian folklore than just Thor, though. There are numerous gods and innumerable goddesses and even more brave men and women that are reiterated throughout pop culture.

Interestingly, the Norse mythology, preserved in such ancient Icelandic texts as the Poetic Edda, the Prose Edda, and other sagas, was little known outside Scandinavia until the 19th century. But with the advent of the publication of Norse myths and legends beyond references to the Norse gods and heroes, it spread into European literary culture, especially in Scandinavia, Germany, and Britain. In the later 20th century, references to Norse mythology became common in science fiction and fantasy literature, role-playing games, and eventually other cultural products such as Japanese animation.

Here are 6 modern-day retellings of Norse legends with their historical significance, that we can’t get enough of:-

1. Vikings

A historical fantasy drama of the likes of Game of Thrones, Vikings, written by Michael Hirst premiered in Canada in 2013. Filmed in Ireland, the series is currently keeping fans busy speculating on its sequel Vikings: Valhalla which is to release on Netflix. The show is inspired by the tales of Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking who is one of the best-known legendary Norse heroes and notorious as the scourge of Anglo-Saxon England and West Francia. The show portrays Ragnar as a farmer who rises to fame by raiding England and eventually becomes a Scandinavian king with the support of his family and fellow warriors. In the later seasons, the series follows the fortunes of his sons and their adventures in England, Scandinavia, Kievan Rus', the Mediterranean, and North America.

2. The Last Kingdom

The Last Kingdom is a British fiction TV show based on Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories series of books. It debuted in 2015 on BBC America, BBC Two, and later in 2018 on Netflix. The story follows the events of the rule of Alfred the Great and his beneficiaries and various men called Uhtred who governed from Bamburgh Castle, most notably Uhtred the Bold. Individuals known as "Danes" who came from numerous spots in and around Denmark, including Southern Sweden and Norway are also documented.

3. Norsemen

Norsemen is a Norwegian comedy television series about a group of Vikings living in the village of Norheim around the year 790. It originally premiered in Norway under the name Vikingane (Vikings) on NRK1 in October 2016. It is produced for NRK by Viafilm. Norsemen takes place in 790s Norway, with various characters taking leading roles as the series develops. The story covers the life of Vikings in the village of Norheim, with day-to-day happenings and strife of varying comedic degrees. As the series progresses, disputes with neighboring villages, including a rival tribe led by the ruthless Jarl Varg and the efforts of a Roman slave, Rufus, to modernize Norheim's culture, result in ongoing conflicts.

4. Ragnarok

Ragnarok is a Norwegian-language fantasy drama inspired by Norse folklore from Netflix that debuted on 31 January 2020. The show takes place in the imaginary Norwegian town of Edda in Hordaland, Western Norway, which is tormented by environmental change and the water contamination brought about by the manufacturing plants possessed by the Jutul family, the fifth-richest family in Norway. The Jutuls are in reality four Jötnar acting like a family in Edda. They are tested by Magne, a young kid who is amazed to discover that he is the exemplification of Thor and thus starts the battle against those that are obliterating the planet.

5. The Ritual

The Ritual is a 2017 British horror film by David Bruckner, written by Joe Barton, and featuring Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier, and Sam Troughton. The film is based on the 2011 novel of the same name by Adam Nevill. The Ritual took a portion of the creepier parts of the Nuckelavee, joined them with Odin and the Jōtunn, and in a real sense incorporated them into the body of an enormous moose/elk to create the movie monster. What came about is a standout film beast, a genuinely horrendous combination of legend and a bad dream.

6. Myths and Monsters

This documentary series takes us to the mythic landscapes of Europe to explore some of the most enduring legends produced by European culture. The English screenwriter William Simpson was employed by 3DD Productions after somebody from the production team took off. He was told to compose a narrative about storytelling and he chose to get inspired by his natural surroundings. “It was one of the more remote, wild bits of the United Kingdom,” says Simpson and in the midst of the downpour, wind, rocks, they were motivated to find out about stories around there. They figured this would make a truly cool series.

These shows and films ought to satiate your hunger and curiosity for Norse Mythology. What are you waiting for? Get binging!

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