The Viking age has always been a subject of fascination. A major reason for this is the raids carried out by the Vikings from 8th to 11th centuries in multiple parts of Europe. Other than that, the Norsemen’s mastery in shipbuilding, their trade routes, the rights given to Viking women and, not so surprisingly, their good hygiene habits have captivated people all across the globe.
Two centuries later the decline of the Viking Age, the Icelandic Sagas were composed which bear the account of Ragnar and his sons, Harald Hardrada, and Leif Erriksson, along with his sister Freydis. These sagas inspired countless retellings—including two major Netflix shows: ‘Vikings’ and ‘Vikings: Valhalla.’
Both series boast gripping storylines, strong casting, and epic battles—but which one stays truer to history?
‘Vikings’ leans on myth, ‘Valhalla’ embraces history
‘Vikings’ (2013-2020) follows the story of Ragnar Lothbrok, a legendary Viking figure in the sagas who went from being a farmer to the king of the seas. His legacy is defined by the explorations, raids, and dominance over foreign shores.
But how accurate was Ragnar? Most historians agree Ragnar himself may never have existed as a single person. Instead, he likely represents a composite of several real Viking leaders. However, Ragnar’s sons—Bjorn Ironside and Ivar the Boneless—are historically attested in chronicles and sagas. The character of Lagertha, the shieldmaiden, also draws from legendary traditions rather than documented history.
‘Valhalla’ (2022-2024) is set about 100 years after Ragnar’s time. It grounds itself more directly in history, though it does take dramatic liberties. Its central trio—Leif Erikson, Freydis Eriksdottir, and Harald Hardrada—were all genuine historical figures.
Leif Erikson, was the first European to reach North America and established the settlement at Vinland (modern Newfoundland, Canada). According to the sagas, Leif discovered Vinland after being blown off-course on his way to Greenland. On the new land, he found plentiful of vines, grapes and maple trees. He is described as a strong and wise man of striking appearance. While Leif never returned to Vinland, his voyages inspired others, including his sister Freydis.
Freydis Eriksdottir was indeed a formidable figure. She pursued the glory of the Vinland journeys. According to the sagas, she sought permission from her brother to use the homes and stables there. She partnered with merchants to settle Vinland but betrayed them, orchestrating their deaths. She personally killed several women when her husband refused to. While the series portrays her as a symbolic “keeper of faith,” history suggests her role was far bloodier.
Harald Hardrada was the King of Norway from 1046 to 1066. His epithet Hardrada means severe or tyrannical in Old Norse. At just 15, he fought alongside his half-brother Olaf, fled to Kievan Rus after Olaf’s death and sought refuge at the court of Yaroslav the Wise. Later, he joined the elite Byzantine Varangian Guard, where he campaigned in Sicily and Bulgaria and rose to the prestigious rank of chief.
Harald returned to Norway rich and powerful and co-ruled with his nephew Magnus, but soon became sole king after Magnus’s death. Ambitious to expand his power, Harald claimed the English throne after King Edward’s death. His defeat and death at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066 marked not only his downfall but also the symbolic end of the Viking Age.
Other major figures in ‘Valhalla’—including St. Olaf, Sweyn Forkbeard, Cnut the Great, and Emma of Normandy—also played real roles in medieval history.
How accurate is ‘Vikings’?
‘Vikings’ has depicted some significant events of history. The raid on Lindisfarne Monastery in 793 A.D. is one of the first Viking attacks recorded. Monks were indeed poorly defended, and monasteries were rich targets for plunder. However, the character Athelstan, the monk Ragnar befriends, is fictional.
The show also incorporates other real events, such as Viking incursions into Wessex and the establishment of settlements in England. While the series often blends legend with fact, its portrayal of these raids reflects genuine historical fear across Europe.
How accurate is ‘Valhalla’?
Vikings: Valhalla takes creative liberties with history, particularly in portraying the relationship between its central trio—Leif Erikson, Freydis, and Harald Hardrada. In the series, they share a deep friendship, with Freydis and Harald even having a romantic relationship. Historically, there is no evidence that Harald ever met either sibling. Harald was only a child when Leif explored Vinland, and Freydis never crossed paths with him.
The show also suggests Harald had an affair with Empress Zoe of Byzantium; while Harald likely met Zoe during his service in the Varangian Guard, there is no proof of a romance. The part about her not being able to bear her husband children is true but they never asked Harald to father her child as shown in the series. Freydis was indeed a fierce Viking woman, but the role of “keeper of faith” shown in the series is exaggerated as her brother Leif, was the one who propagated Christianity in their homeland.
Both ‘Vikings’ and ‘Vikings: Valhalla’ are thrilling portrayals of Norse history, but they serve different audiences. If you love myth, legend, and saga-inspired storytelling, Vikings is unbeatable. If you prefer history-rich tales featuring real figures like Leif Erikson and Harald Hardrada, Valhalla offers a compelling continuation.
Either way, both shows capture the enduring spirit of the Viking Age—a time of fearless exploration, ambition, and legend-making.
Valhalla in Old Norse means ‘Hall of the Slain’, majestic hall in Asgard, ruled by Odin, where warriors who die bravely in battle are taken by the Valkyries. A befitting name for the series as it too marks the end of the Viking age in all its glory
“Which series captures the true spirit of the Vikings for you—Vikings with its legendary tales, or Valhalla with its history-rich adventures?”
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