List of Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla characters explained

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, concluding on December 30, 2020.[1] A standalone sequel series, , written and created by Jeb Stuart for Netflix, premiered on February 25, 2022, concluding on July 11, 2024.[2]

Vikings is inspired by the sagas of Viking Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the best-known legendary Norse heroes and notorious as the scourge of England and France, while Vikings: Valhalla, set 100 years later, chronicles the beginning of the end of the Viking Age and the adventures of Leif Erikson, his sister Freydís Eiríksdóttir and Harald Sigurdsson. The broad historical narrative of both series are based on real events, with some of the principal characters representing real figures from history and/or legend.

Vikings portrays Ragnar as a former farmer who rises to fame by successful raids into England, and eventually becomes king, with the support of his family and fellow warriors: his brother Rollo, his son Björn Ironside, and his wives—the shieldmaiden Lagertha and the princess Aslaug. Vikings: Valhalla portrays Leif and Freydís as immigrants from Greenland to Norway, who are respectively pulled into the Viking campaign to conquer Great Britain and the growing religious divide between Christians and Pagans. The Seer (portrayed by John Kavanagh) is the only character to appear in both series, having appeared in at least one episode of every season.

Main characters

The following is a list of series regulars who have appeared in one or more of the six seasons of Vikings or the three seasons of Vikings: Valhalla. The characters are listed in the order they were first credited.

Cast table

= Main cast (credited)

= Recurring cast (3+)

= Guest cast (1-2)

CharacterActorVikingsValhalla
123456123
Part 1Part 2Part 1Part 2Part 1Part 2
Ragnar LothbrokTravis Fimmelcolspan="7"
LagerthaKatheryn Winnickcolspan="4"
RolloClive Standencolspan="5"
SiggyJessalyn Gilsigcolspan="9"
FlokiGustaf Skarsgårdcolspan="3"
Earl HaraldsonGabriel Byrnecolspan="11"
AthelstanGeorge Blagdencolspan="6"
King HorikDonal Loguecolspan="10"
AslaugAlyssa Sutherlandcolspan="7"
King EcbertLinus Roachecolspan="5"
Björn IronsideAlexander Ludwigcolspan="3"
colspan="7"
KalfBen Robsoncolspan="8"
HarbardKevin Durandcolspan="8"
CharlesLothaire Bluteaucolspan="8"
The SeerJohn Kavanaghcolspan="3"
Harald FinehairPeter Franzéncolspan="3"
Halfdan the BlackJasper Pääkkönencolspan="3"
Ivar the BonelessAlex Høgh Andersencolspan="3"
HvitserkMarco Ilsøcolspan="3"
Sigurd Snake-in-the-EyeDavid Lindströmcolspan="6"
UbbeJordan Patrick Smithcolspan="3"
AethelwulfMoe Dunfordcolspan="6"
Bishop HeahmundJonathan Rhys Meyerscolspan="5"
Oleg the ProphetDanila Kozlovskycolspan="3"
ErikEric Johnsoncolspan="3"
TorviGeorgia Hirstcolspan="3"
GunnhildRagga Ragnarscolspan="3"
OthereRay Stevensoncolspan="3"
Leif EriksonSam Corlettcolspan="3"
Freydís EiríksdóttirFrida Gustavssoncolspan="3"
Harald SigurdssonLeo Sutercolspan="3"
King Canute the GreatBradley Freegardcolspan="3"
Jarl Olaf HaraldssonJóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson
Jarl Estrid HaakonCaroline Hendersoncolspan="2"
Queen EmmaLaura Berlincolspan="3"
Earl GodwinDavid Oakes
Cast notes

Vikings

Ragnar Lothbrok

See main article: Ragnar Lothbrok (Vikings).

Originally a farmer, Viking Ragnar Lothbrok claims to be descended from the god Odin. He becomes Earl of Kattegat after he challenges and kills the ruthless Earl Haraldson. He is also a feared warrior, becomes a raider of undiscovered lands, and, eventually, King of Denmark. Despite his reputation for ruthlessness and brutality, he is a curious man eager to learn about other cultures. Based on the semi-legendary Ragnar Lodbrok.

Lagertha

Lagertha is Ragnar's first wife and a shieldmaiden. Following her separation from Ragnar, Lagertha rises to become Earl of Hedeby in her own right, going by the name Earl Ingstad. Following the deaths of Ragnar and Aslaug, she becomes Queen of Kattegat. Based on the legendary Lagertha.

Rollo

Ragnar's brother. A ruthless and skilled warrior, but his life in his brother's shadow makes Rollo's feelings towards Ragnar change from love and admiration to hateful jealousy. Eventually, he defects to the Franks and is made Duke of Normandy. Based on the historical Rollo.

Siggy

Earl Haraldson's wife, and later the lover of Rollo. She possesses a strategic mind and an urge to regain her power and influence, but grows to care for Ragnar and his family. She drowns while attempting to save Ragnar's children from a similar fate as her own.

Floki

A gifted but eccentric shipbuilder and friend of Ragnar. His ships create a revolution in shipwright techniques. He considers himself descended from the trickster god Loki. Loosely based on the historical Hrafna-Flóki Vilgerðarson.[3]

Earl Haraldson

Ragnar's predecessor as Earl of Kattegat and husband of Siggy. He grows to resent Ragnar's ambitions to raid the West, and sees Ragnar's growing popularity as a threat. He is killed by Ragnar during personal combat.

Athelstan

An Anglo-Saxon monk from the monastery of Lindisfarne in Northumbria. Captured by Ragnar on his first raid, Athelstan is constantly torn between the customs of Christian England and the pagan ways of Scandinavia. Athelstan becomes a confidant of King Ecbert after he is captured by his army.

King Horik of Denmark

A powerful king in Denmark who ends up being overthrown by Ragnar. Based on the historical Horik I.

Aslaug

Ragnar's second wife, claiming to be the daughter of the shieldmaiden and valkyrie Brynhildr and the dragonslayer Sigurd. When Ragnar becomes King of Kattegat, she becomes its queen. She is killed and usurped by a vengeful Lagertha. Based on the legendary Aslaug.

King Ecbert of Wessex

Ruler of the most powerful kingdom in England. He dreams of becoming Bretwalda and becomes an unlikely friend of Ragnar. Based on the historical Egbert of Wessex.

Björn Ironside

Ragnar and Lagertha's son, given his epithet by his father after his first battle with the Saxons. Based on the historical Björn Ironside.

Kalf

A prominent and ambitious Hedeby villager who later betrays Lagertha and takes her earldom.

Harbard

A charismatic wanderer and storyteller who visits Kattegat.

Emperor Charles of West Francia

Ruler in Paris, he witnesses Ragnar's attack on the city and later employs Rollo as a defender against Viking raids. Charles is a composite character drawing from the historical Charles the Bald (grandson of Charlemagne who first defended Paris from the Vikings), Charles the Fat (who commanded Odo) and Charles the Simple (who encountered Rollo, and may have had a daughter Gisela).

The Seer

Seiðr of Kattegat. A 200-year-old blind being who often provides mysterious predictions to the characters. He is murdered by Ivar after refusing to recognise Ivar as a god and predicting Ivar's fall. In Valhalla, the Seer returns as a spirit guide, who appears to Freydís Eiríksdóttir and Jarl Gorm throughout their lives.

King Harald Finehair

The ambitious king of Vestfold, who seeks to become king of all Norway and marry Ellisif. He allies with Ragnar during his second raid on Paris. He then conquers his neighbours' lands. He joins the Great Heathen Army and battles Aella and Aethelwulf. He fails to conquer Kattegat. He discovers Ellisif is married, and murders her husband, and then kidnaps and marries Astrid. She is killed in battle and he vows vengeance on Lagertha. He sails with Bjorn to retake Kattegat, but their fleet is damaged by a storm. Harald saves Bjorn's life but takes a serious battle wound. Olaf rescues Harald, but occupies Vestfold. Harald's men beg Bjorn for help, and Bjorn repays his debt. When Olaf tries to have Bjorn elected as over-king of Norway, Harald defeats Bjorn in the election, but Harald's men fail to kill Bjorn. Olaf refuses to recognise Harald, so Harald has him put away and sends warriors to secure his borders.

Based on the historical Harald Fairhair.

Halfdan the Black

Harald's violent younger brother. He hates Christians and tries to kill as many as possible. He grows tired of living in his brother's shadow and of Harald's war with other Norsemen, and joins Bjorn's expedition to the Mediterranean. They form a close friendship which leads Halfdan to join Lagertha's side when Ivar and Harald declare war. Faced by Harald in battle, he is killed. A composite character of the historical Hastein and historical Halfdan the Black, the father of Harald Fairhair.

Ivar the Boneless

Ragnar and Aslaug's fourth and most violent son. A birth defect has rendered his legs useless and left him impotent. Ivar is more unstable than his brothers, sadistic and seemingly narcissistic. While publicly boastful, he is insecure and feels unloved except by his mother Aslaug. When Lagertha kills Aslaug, Ivar vows vengeance and with the help of Harald and Rollo makes himself king of Kattegat. He is married to his former slave Freydis, who manipulates him. Based on the historical Ivar the Boneless.

Hvitserk

Ragnar and Aslaug's second son. He enjoys battle and adventure and sides with his younger brother Ivar when Ivar and Ubbe fall out. As Ivar's megalomania increases and Ivar becomes more abusive of him, Hvitserk starts to question his decision. A composite of the semi-historical or legendary Hvitserk, the historical Halfdan Ragnarsson and the historical warlord Guthrum.

Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye

Ragnar and Aslaug's third son. Killed by his brother Ivar after years of bullying. Based on the historical Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye.

Ubbe

Ragnar and Aslaug's first son. He is the most responsible of Aslaug's sons, and does not initially take part in raiding, preferring to stay and protect Kattegat. When his mother is killed, he wants revenge. However, as his previously warm relationship with Ivar turns hostile, he sides with Lagertha. When Lagertha is driven into exile in England, Ubbe becomes Alfred's advisor and converts to Christianity. Based on the historical Ubba.

Aethelwulf

Son of King Ecbert. He is married to Princess Judith, with whom he has a son, Prince Aethelred. He dies by asphyxiation after being stung by a bee. Based on the historical Aethelwulf.

Bishop Heahmund

A very religious warrior priest.[4] Heahmund leads an army in resistance against the Norse presence in York, becoming a principal ally to Aethelwulf. He is eventually captured by Ivar who admires his skill as a warrior. Heahmund fights for Ivar against Lagertha, but is captured in the initial battle. Having become smitten by Lagertha, he seduces her and switches to her side. On his suggestion, Lagertha and her followers seek refuge in England. Through Heahmund's influence the Northmen are given sanctuary in return for fighting against other Viking raiders. When Harald Finehair attempts to raid Wessex, Heahmund fights in the frontline. In the battle he is wounded by arrows and killed by Gunnhild. Broadly inspired by the historical Heahmund.

Oleg the Prophet

The Varangian (east European Viking) ruler of Kiev, called "the Prophet". He is the protector of the heir to the Rus kingdom, Igor and brother in law of Igor's father Rurik. Oleg is sadistic and uses his status as Igor's protector as a pretext for consolidating control over the kingdom. He has successfully sacked Constantinople, but is critical of Rurik's eastward expansion. Oleg wants to conquer Scandinavia which he claims is the property of the Rus. Oleg takes in Ivar, thinking him useful for his plan to invade Scandinavia. Oleg forms an uneasy friendship with Ivar after revealing that he murdered his wife after discovering her infidelity. Ivar's similar experience with Freydis brings them closer. The character is based on the semi-historical Oleg the Prophet.

Erik

An outlaw who helps Bjorn and later Harald. He later becomes the King of Kattegat in Harald's absence alongside Queen Ingrid but she has him killed.

Torvi

Wife of Jarl Borg, then the wife of Erlendur, later the wife of Bjorn and eventually, the wife of Ubbe. Initially a timid girl, she rises to become a shieldmaiden under Lagertha.

Gunnhild

Jarl Olavsonn's wife. Harald becomes enamored with her, but after Olavsonn's death, she marries Bjorn instead. As his wife, she becomes queen of Kattegat. She is based on the quasi-historical Gunnhild.

Othere

A wanderer living in Iceland. His real name is Athelstan and he was a monk in England. During his travels as a missionary, he took the identity of the dying wanderer Othere and moved to Iceland. He then sailed west and glimpsed the Golden Land. Ubbe asks him to sail again with him to find the new land.

Vikings: Valhalla

Leif Erikson

Originally an explorer from Greenland, Leif was the son of Erik the Red, the founder of the first Norse settlement in Greenland, and Thjodhild of Iceland. Based on the legendary Leif Erikson.[6]

Freydís Eiríksdóttir

Freydís is the daughter of Erik the Red,[8] and the sister of Leif Erikson. She is portrayed as a masculine, strong-willed woman who would defy the odds of her society.

Harald Sigurdsson

Great-grandson of Harald Fairhair[10] and the younger brother of Olaf Haraldson, Harald was ambitious and sought to become king of all Norway someday. He allies with Canute during his raid on England. Based on the historical Harald Hardrada.

King Canute the Great

King Canute is the powerful King of Denmark and Norway. Based on the historical Cnut.

Jarl Olaf Haraldsson

Older brother of Harald, son of Harald Grenske and great grandson of Harald Fairhair. Olaf dreams of becoming King of Norway, usurping Danish rule, and rooting out paganism. Based on the historical Olaf II of Norway.

Jarl Estrid Haakon

Haakon was the Jarl of Kattegat, as a vassal under King Canute. Her husband was killed by Christians. Her grandmother was an African noblewoman Haakon's grandfather had met in Alexandria. She was killed during the attack by Jarl Kåre. Based on the historical Haakon Ericsson.

Queen Emma

A descendant of Rollo, who became the English queen through her marriages to the Anglo-Saxon king Æthelred the Unready and later King Canute. Based on the historical Emma of Normandy.

Earl Godwin

Godwin, the son of a disgraced ealdorman, became one of the most trusted advisors of King Æthelred the Unready of England by delivering him something none of his peers could: the truth. Following Aethelred's death, he serves as an advisor to young King Edmund until the Vikings overrun London following which he becomes an advisor to King Canute. Based on historical Godwin, Earl of Wessex.

Recurring characters

The following is a list of recurring characters, listed in the order that they first appeared on the show.

Cast table

= Main cast (credited)

= Recurring cast (3+)

= Guest cast (1-2)

CharacterActorVikingsValhalla
123456123
Part 1Part 2Part 1Part 2Part 1Part 2
SveinDavid Pearsecolspan="11"
GydaRuby O'Learycolspan="7"
ErikVladimir Kulichcolspan="11"
LeifDiarmaid Murtaghcolspan="11"
ArneTadhg Murphycolspan="10"
TorsteinJefferson Hallcolspan="9"
King AelleIvan Kayecolspan="7"
ThyriElinor Crawleycolspan="9"
HelgaMaude Hirstcolspan="7"
ElisefCarrie Crowleycolspan="10"
RafartaDonna Dentcolspan="5"
Queen EalhswithCathy Whitecolspan="7"
Jarl BorgThorbjørn Harrcolspan="10"
ErlendurEdvin Endrecolspan="8"
Earl SigvardMorten Suurballecolspan="10"
Bishop EdmundPhilip O'Sullivancolspan="7"
ThorunnGaia Weisscolspan="9"
JudithJennie Jacquescolspan="5"
EinarSteve Wallcolspan="8"
KwenthrithAmy Baileycolspan="8"
AngrbodaRosalie Connertycolspan="8"
BurgredAaron Monaghancolspan="9"
Earl SiegfriedGreg Orviscolspan="9"
SinricFrankie McCaffertycolspan="6"
AlfredFerdia Walsh-Peelocolspan="3"
OdoOwen Roecolspan="8"
GislaMorgane Polanskicolspan="7"
RolandHuw Parmentercolspan="8"
ThereseKaren Hassancolspan="8"
AethelredDarren Cahillcolspan="5"
GuthrumBen Roecolspan="6"
MagnusDean Ridgecolspan="5"
YiduDianne Doancolspan="8"
PrudentiusSeán Ó Meallaighcolspan="8"
WaerferthDes Carneycolspan="8"
AstridJosefin Asplundcolspan="6"
MargretheIda Marie Nielsencolspan="5"
HaliRyan Hensoncolspan="4"
AsaElodie Currycolspan="3"
TanaruzSinead Gormallycolspan="7"
Lord CyneheardMalcolm Douglascolspan="5"
Lord CuthredJonathan Delaney Tynancolspan="5"
White HairKieran O'Reillycolspan="4"
KassiaKarima McAdamscolspan="6"
Kjetill FlatnoseAdam Copelandcolspan="3"
EyvindKris Holden-Riedcolspan="5"
AudLeah McNamaracolspan="5"
Helgi the LeanJack McEvoycolspan="5"
ThorunnMei Bignallcolspan="5"
IngvildKelly Campbellcolspan="3"
BulJames Crazecolspan="6"
AsbjornElijah Rowencolspan="5"
ThorgrimRob Malonecolspan="6"
FrodiScott Grahamcolspan="3"
JorunnTallulah Belle Earleycolspan="5"
SvaseAnthony Brophycolspan="6"
SnaefridDagny Backer Johnsencolspan="6"
Queen FreydisAlicia Agnesoncolspan="5"
Princess Katiacolspan="3"
ElsewithRóisín Murphycolspan="3"
ThoraEve Connollycolspan="4"
Lady EthelfledAnn Skellycolspan="5"
King Olaf the StoutSteven Berkoffcolspan="3"
AmmaKristy Dawn Dinsmorecolspan="3"
IngridLucy Martincolspan="3"
GanbaatarAndrei Claudecolspan="3"
Prince DirLenn Kudrjawizkicolspan="3"
Prince IgorOran Glynn O'Donovancolspan="3"
AnnaSerena Kennedycolspan="4"
Isabelle Connollycolspan="3"
King HakonMishaël Lopes Cardozocolspan="3"
GudridNoella Brennancolspan="3"
NaadIan Lloyd Andersoncolspan="3"
PeminuitWesley Frenchcolspan="3"
We'jituPhillip Lewitskicolspan="3"
LivLujza Richter
YrsaÁlfrún Laufeyjardóttircolspan="2"
SkardeEdward Franklincolspan="2"
NjalGavan O'Connor-Duffycolspan="2"
AgnarrChristopher Ryghcolspan="3"
Jarl NoríKenneth M. Christensen
Arne GormssonPääru Ojacolspan="2"
HallbjornJames Ballanger
Prince / King Edmund IILouis Davisoncolspan="2"
Eadric StreonaGavin Dreacolspan="2"
Cyneheard, Earl of KentAlan Devine
Wulfhere, Earl of SussexMark Hubermancolspan="2"
Oswick, Earl of East AngliaGavin O'Connor
Leofric, Earl of NorthumbriaMartin Philipscolspan="2"
Jarl KåreAsbjørn Krogh Nissencolspan="2"
Queen ÆlfgifuPollyanna McIntoshcolspan="3"
King Sweyn ForkbeardSøren Pilmarkcolspan="3"
Princess GythaHenessi Schmidtcolspan="2"
Prince / King Svein KnutssonCharlie O'Connor
Jakob Femerling Andersen
Jorundr TorvilssonStanislav Callas
ÆlfwynnMaria Guiver
HrefnaEmily Mcentire
Amalia Holm
ValgerdaAoibhinn McGinnitycolspan="2"
Lord HárekrBradley James
Lady GudridYngvild Støen Grotmol
KolrPatrick Loftus
Grand Prince Yaroslav the WiseMarcin Dorociński
MariamHayat Kamille
BatuTaylor Jamescolspan="2"
KaysanKayode Akinyemicolspan="2"
Lord VitomirSteven Brand
Eleana / Empress ZoeSofya Lebedevacolspan="2"
KuryaTolga Safer
GestrEigil Hedegaard
BrigtocAilbe Cowley
CadlínSiobhán Callaghan
DornElaenor McLynncolspan="2"
Prince Harold HarefootRuben Lawless
Pyry Kähkönen
Magnus OlafssonStefán Haukur Jóhannesson
Set Sjöstrand
Emperor Romanos IIINikolai Kinski
General Georgios ManiakesFlorian Munteanu
StígrLeander Vyvey
Harald HaraldssonLuke Harmon
Bishop GrimketelHoratio James
DunstanPeter Claffey
Queen KatlaKate Bratchyna
Prince EdwardCal O'Driscoll
Prince AlfredHenry Proctor
Prince HarthacanuteHuey O'Meara
Erik the RedGoran Višnjić
HildeCarrie Crowley
Cast notes

Vikings

Svein

A loyal henchman of Earl Haraldson. He is killed by Rollo, after Earl Haraldson's death.

Gyda

Daughter of Ragnar and Lagertha. She dies in a plague. Loosely based on Ragnar's unnamed daughters.

Erik

Elderly Viking and one of Ragnar's warriors. He has a wife, Elisef, and a son, Leif. He is an early supporter of Ragnar and is murdered by earl Haraldson.

Leif

One of Ragnar's warriors and son of Erik and Elisef. He offers himself as a sacrifice at Uppsala.

Arne

One of Ragnar's warriors; an archer with an eye patch. He is killed in battle by Rollo.

Torstein

One of Ragnar's warriors and closest friends. He makes a suicidal attack on the Mercians after having contracted gangrene and amputation of his arm prevents fail to stop the spread.

Elisef

Wife of Erik and the mother of Leif.

King Aelle of Northumbria

Ruler of one of England's ancient kingdoms and the first to be attacked by Ragnar. Father of Princess Judith, Aethelwulf's wife, and grandfather of Princes Aethelred and Alfred. Based on the historical King Ælla of Northumbria. He killed Ragnar by throwing him into a pit of snakes and was executed by Bjorn as retribution for Ragnar's death.

Thyri

Daughter of Earl Haraldson and Siggy. She, along with Gyda, dies in a plague.

Helga

Floki's long-suffering lover and wife. Murdered by her own adopted daughter who shortly after committed suicide.

Rafarta

A woman of Kattegat and Eyvind's wife. She joins Floki's expedition to set up a colony. Her brother was killed by Kjetill's father Erik Tryggvason prior to the events of the series. She is killed by Kjetill.

Queen Ealhswith of Northumbria

Wife of King Aelle and the mother of Princess Judith.

Jarl Borg

A powerful warlord of an earldom in Götaland. He has a wife, Torvi, and a son, Guthrum. He was killed by Ragnar with the Blood Eagle, for having attacked his people and his family.[12] [13]

Prince Erlendur

King Horik's first son. He is cruel and spiteful. After the death of his father, he seeks vengeance against Ragnar and his family. He ends up marrying Torvi and conspires with Kalf to ruin Ragnar. He is killed by Torvi herself after frequently threatening Torvi's son Guthrum. Loosely based on the historical Horik II

Earl Sigvard

Lagertha's second husband and Earl of Hedeby. He is killed by Lagertha after multiple incidents of abuse.[14]

Bishop Edmund

An influential advisor at the court of King Ecbert. He is murdered by Hvitserk when the Great Heathen Army sacks Ecbert's villa. A composite character of the historical Eadmund of Winchester and the historical Edmund of East Anglia

Porunn

Bjorn's love interest and later first wife. Shortly after the birth of their daughter Siggy she leaves Bjorn.[15]

Einar

A scheming troublemaker, and ally of Earl Sigvard of Hedeby. He later betrays Sigvard and helps Lagertha gain power in Hedeby. When Lagertha rejects his advances, he helps Kalf gain power in Hedeby. In the end, he is injured by Kalf and killed by Lagertha.

Judith

Daughter of King Aelle and Queen Ealhswith of Northumbria and the wife of Aethelwulf. She has a legitimate son with Aethelwulf, Aethelred, and an illegitimate one with Athelstan, Alfred. Based on the historical Judith of Flanders.

Kwenthrith

Contender to the throne of Mercia and later its Queen. She has a brother, Prince Burgred, and a putative illegitimate son with Ragnar, Magnus. She is stabbed by Judith after threatening to kill Ecbert. Based on the historical Cwenthryth.

Angrboda

Floki and Helga's daughter. She dies in childhood.

Prince Burgred

The rebellious brother of Kwenthrith. Based on the historical Burgred of Mercia. He is poisoned by Kwenthrith who becomes Queen of Mercia.

Aethelred

Prince Aethelwulf and Princess Judith's son. Based on the historical Æthelred of Wessex.

Earl Siegfried

A friend of Earl Kalf's and an ally to King Ragnar. He is killed at the Siege of Paris. Loosely based on the Norse chief Sigfred who took part in the Siege of Paris (885–86).

Sinric

Sinric (Sindric from season 5 onwards) is a wanderer who taught Ragnar about England and Frankia, and who serves as a translator for the Northmen. Loosely based on the Norse chief Sinric who took part in the Siege of Paris (885–86).

Alfred

Son of Judith and Athelstan. Broadly based on the historical Alfred the Great.

Count Odo

In charge of defending the city from the Vikings. Based on the historical Odo of France. He is flogged to death by Roland on Emperor Charles's orders.

Princess Gisla

Daughter of Emperor Charles and later wedded to Duke Rollo. Based on the historical Gisela of France.

Roland

Count Odo's first-in-command. He has an incestuous relationship with his sister, Therese. He is assassinated with his sister by Emperor Charles's men.

Therese

A noblewoman, Roland's sister, and Count Odo's mistress. She is assassinated with her brother by Emperor Charles's men.

Guthrum

Jarl Borg and Torvi's son. He is killed in battle by Hvitserk. Loosely based on the historical Danish warlord Guthrum

Magnus

Ragnar and Kwenthrith's supposed illegitimate son. After spending his life as a hostage, he is evicted by Aethelwulf when Ragnar denies being his father. Magnus starts to consider himself a Viking, converts to the Norse religion, and joins Harald. He joins Bjorn and Hvitserk's siege of Kattegat but suffers a crisis of faith. Coming to terms with his new identity, he tries to scale the walls as the battle turns against Bjorn. Magnus is shot to death by White Hair, when he fails to protect himself with his shield. Loosely based of Bagsecg, who also invaded England in 870/71

Yidu

Chinese slave brought after the siege of Paris who is bought by Queen Aslaug. She becomes protective of the sons of Ragnar and also forms a close bond with Ragnar, providing him with a drug and becoming his lover. Later she becomes distressed with the Viking way of life and tries to leave Ragnar. When she refuses to provide him with more of the drug and blackmails him, Ragnar drowns her.

Father Prudentius

Serves at the court of King Ecbert.

Waerferth the Scout

One of King Ecbert's scouts. He is stabbed to death by Kwenthrith.

Astrid

Shieldmaiden and lover of Lagertha. She and Bjorn have a secret affair. She is kidnapped by Harald and marries him but grows to become fond of him. When attempting to warn Lagertha of an attack, she is raped by the whaler she tries to bribe. She falls pregnant and unsure if the baby is Harald's or her rapist's, induces Lagertha to kill her during battle, admitting that she was always her true love. After her death, Harald carries her earring around as remembrance and swears vengeance on Lagertha.

Margrethe

One of Aslaug's slaves in Kattegat and the shared lover of Ubbe, Hvitserk and Sigurd. She is disturbed by Ivar and fears him. She is freed and marries Ubbe. Hvitserk remains her lover with Ubbe's consent. Ubbe eventually rejects her to marry Torvi, causing Margrethe to go insane. Hvitserk takes care of her, but when Ivar has a dream where Margrethe stabs him, he murders her using assassins.

Hali

Bjorn and Torvi's son. He is killed by White Hair.

Asa

Bjorn and Torvi's daughter. Falls overboard of a ship after seeing Jörmungandr and dies.

Tanaruz

A Moorish orphan girl adopted by Helga. When Helga brings her to the sack of Ecbert's villa, Tanaruz snaps and stabs Helga and then kills herself.

Lord Cuthred

A nobleman and member of the clergy of Wessex. After Bishop Heahmund is taken by the Vikings, Cuthred is appointed Bishop of Sherborne in place of Heahmund who is presumed dead. Heahmund later kills him for conspiring against him and Alfred.

White Hair

The leader of Ivar's bodyguards. After Ivar's defeat, he is outcast from Kattegat by King Bjorn. He turns to banditry and raids the village where Lagertha has retired, killing Bjorn's son Halli in such a raid. Lagertha leads the resistance and eventually kills White Hair in single combat.

Queen Freydis

Ivar's former slave and love interest. She becomes Queen of Kattegat by marrying Ivar. As Ivar is believed to be impotent, she has sex with a slave whom she later murders in order to produce a child. Freydis claims she conceived through magically consuming Ivar's blood. This and Freydis's sycophancy lead Ivar to declare himself a god. When the child is eventually born, it is deformed. This breaks Ivar's ego and he suspects Freydis has fooled him. Ivar leaves the child out to die, turning Freydis against him. She shows Hvitserk, Bjorn and Harald a secret way through the walls, allowing them to storm Kattegat. As the city falls, she admits what she has done and Ivar strangles her to death.

Kassia

A Byzantine abbess. Loosely inspired by the historical Kassiani.

Kjetill Flatnose

A violent and bold patriarch of a large family, the son of Eric Tryggvasson. He is chosen by Floki for an expedition to set up a colony. A composite charakter of the legendary Ketill Flatnose and the historical Erik the Red

Eyvind

A Viking of Kattegat who joins Floki's expedition. He becomes disillusioned in Iceland, and becomes antagonistic to Floki. His wife Rafarta's brother was killed by Kjetill's father, which makes him antagonistic to Kjetill. After his son Bul is accidentally killed by Thorgrim, Thorgrim is found drowned; Floki believes Eyvind is responsible. Eyvind's daughter in law Thorunn vanishes. Rafarta claims Thorunn was suicidal, which is disproved when Floki produces her body. Rafarta and Asbjorn are implicated as the murderers and Floki banishes Eyvind and his family. The family is ravaged by disease and weather and sends Helgi for help. Helgi brings back Floki, Kjetill and Frodi, along with several of Kjetill's farmhands. The farmhands capture Floki at knifepoint as Kjetill and Frodi murder Eyvind and all of his family.

Aud

Kjetill Flatnose and Ingvild's daughter, who joins Floki's expedition to set up a colony. Something of a surrogate daughter to Floki, she tries to mend peace between the feuding clans of Kjetill and Eyvind. She kills herself in Iceland after finding out Kjetill and her brother Frodi murdered Eyvind and his family.

Helgi the Lean

Eyvind and Rafarta's son, who joins Floki's expedition to set up a colony. He is killed by Kjetill.

Thorunn (Kjetillsdóttir)

Kjetill Flatnose and Ingvild's daughter and Helgi's wife, who joins Floki's expedition to set up a colony. She is killed by Asbjorn.

Ingvild

Kjetill Flatnose's wife, who joins Floki's expedition to set up a colony.

Bul

Eyvind and Rafarta's son, who joins Floki's expedition to set up a colony. He is killed by Thorgrim.

Asbjorn

Eyvind and Rafarta's son, who joins Floki's expedition to set up a colony. He is killed by Kjetill.

Thorgrim

Kjetill Flatnose and Ingvild's son, who joins Floki's expedition to set up a colony. He mysteriously drowns in Iceland.

Frodi

Kjetill Flatnose and Ingvild's son, who joins Floki's expedition to set up a colony. He assists Kjetill in massacring Eyvind and his family.

Jorunn

Eyvind and Rafarta's daughter, who joins Floki's expedition to set up a colony. She is killed by Frodi.

Svase

A Sami chief and an ally to Lagertha. He is killed in battle. Loosely based on the legendary Sami king Svasi.

Snaefrid

King Svase's daughter. She becomes Bjorn's third wife and is killed in battle. Loosely based on the legendary Snæfrithr Svásadottir, a wife of Harald Fairhair.

Lord Cyneheard

An ealdorman of Wessex. He conspires with Prince Aethelred to overthrow King Alfred.

Elsewith

Mannel's daughter, Queen Judith's niece and King Alfred's wife. She has an affair with Bjorn.

Thora

Hvitserk's love interest. Ivar has her burned after she implicates herself as a critic of Ivar's regime and denies his status as a god. Hvitserk, after consuming psychedelic mushrooms, believes he is haunted by her ghost who implores him to kill Ivar.

Lady Ethelfled

Lord Cuthred's daughter and Prince Aethelred's wife.

King Olaf

A Norwegian king with whom Ivar seeks an alliance. Hvitserk is sent to broker the deal, but Hvitserk instead asks Olaf to help overthrow Ivar. The amused Olaf has Hvitserk imprisoned and tortured. When Hvitserk refuses to relent, the impressed Olaf agrees to attack Kattegat. After the battle, he declares Bjorn king of Kattegat. Harald is seriously injured, and Olaf saves his life, but also occupies his kingdom and keeps Harald a prisoner. Loosely based of the historical Amlaib Conung

Amma

A shieldmaiden in Harald's army. After the re-conquest of Kattegat by Bjorn she is made Hvitserk's caretaker. She is killed by Ganbaatar in the final battle between the Norwegian collation and the Rus'.

Ingrid

A slave serving Gunnhild and Bjorn in Kattegat. She becomes the fifth wife of Bjorn. After Harald rapes her and Bjorn is slain in battle, she marries Harald unsure if the child she is carrying is Bjorn's or Harald's. She is later revealed to be a witch, and after Harald's death, Ingrid becomes the sole ruler of Kattegat, ending Ragnar Lothbrok's legacy.

Ganbaatar

Oleg's captain. He is decapitated by Gunnhild after his horse is shot dead by Ingrid.

Prince Dir

Oleg's brother. Oleg tortures him but he escapes after getting help from Ivar.

Prince Igor

The son of Rurik and heir to Kievan Rus'. He is the ward of Oleg, who rules the kingdom in his name as regent. Igor fears Oleg, and is keen to escape to Oleg's brothers Dir and Askold. However, he is aware that he can use Oleg as a puppet, just as Oleg uses him. Igor and Ivar form a bond. Based on the historical Igor of Kiev.

Princess Katia

Oleg's second wife, who has a striking resemblance to Freydis. She has an affair with Ivar and it is revealed that she is a spy who was sent by Dir to overthrow Oleg. She later helps Hvitserk, Ivar and Igor escape from Oleg and is present when Oleg dies.

Anna

Dir's wife who helps to rescue him.

King Hakon

One of the kings of Norway and a rival to Bjorn.

Gudrid

A settler who travels west with Ubbe's crew. She loses her son at sea. Loosely based of the historical Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir

Naad

A settler who travels west with Ubbe's crew.

Peminuit

A Miꞌkmaq warrior of the New Land. He is the eldest son of Pekitaulet, the Sagamaw of her tribe.

We'jitu

A Miꞌkmaq warrior and Peminuit's younger brother. He is killed by Naad.

Vikings: Valhalla

Agnarr

One of Canute's huscarls. He becomes Emma's principal ally and enforcer in season 2 when Canute is away to fight the Vends.

Jarl Kåre

A Norwegian jarl who wants to eradicate paganism in Norway. He hates pagans after his parents offered up his older brother as a human sacrifice in Uppsala when he was a child. He is the principal antagonist of season 1 of Vikings: Valhalla.

Queen Ælfgifu

Queen Ælfgifu is the first wife of Canute and is the Queen of Denmark. She is from Mercia. Ælfgifu is calculating, ambitious and charming and tries to gain as much power and respect as her husband. Based on the historical Queen Ælfgifu.

King Sweyn Forkbeard

King Sweyn Forkbeard is the retired king of Denmark who steps in as acting ruler in England when Canute goes to fight of a Vendish invasion in Denmark. He becomes an unlikely ally to Emma. Based on the historical Sweyn Forkbeard.

Lord Hárekr

The ruler of Jomsborg, presented in the show as a pagan police state in Pomerania.

Lord Vitomir

The lord of Chude and father of Eleana. He makes a deal to fund Harald's trade expedition to Constantinople so he and his daughter can have his protection on their own diplomatic journey to the city. He drowns in the Dnieper when the frozen river breaks during thaw.

Eleana / Empress Zoe

The daughter of the Chude lord Vitomir. She becomes romantically involved with Harald during their perilous journey through Rus.

Minor characters

The following is a list of named characters who have had a relatively relevant story arc on the series. They are listed in the order that they first appeared on the show.

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

Season 5

Season 6

Guest characters

The following is a list of named characters who appeared in just one episode of the series.

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

Season 5

Season 6

Family trees

Continuous lines signify a lineal descent and/or consanguinity, dashed lines signify a marriage, and dotted lines signify a sexual relationship.

Pekitaulet's family tree

Notes and References

  1. Web site: VIKINGS Tops The Ratings With 8.3 Million Viewers . Irish Film Board . 5 March 2013 . 14 March 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130328133730/http://www.irishfilmboard.ie/irish_film_industry/news/VIKINGS_Tops_The_Ratings_With_83_Million_Viewers/2149 . 28 March 2013 .
  2. Web site: 'Vikings: Valhalla': Netflix Orders 'Vikings' Sequel Series From Michael Hirst, Jeb Stuart & MGM TV. Andreeva. Nellie. 2019-11-19. Deadline. en. 2019-11-19. 2020-11-14. https://web.archive.org/web/20201114233038/https://deadline.com/2019/11/vikings-valhalla-netflix-vikings-sequel-series-michael-hirst-jeb-stuart-mgm-tv-1202789898/. live.
  3. Web site: 3 December 2017. Iceland to play a big role in fifth season of the History channel TV series Vikings. Iceland Magazine. 3 March 2017.
  4. Web site: 'VIKINGS,' SEASON 5: JONATHAN RHYS MEYERS ROLE IS FINALLY REVEALED. Rachel. Tsoumbakos. Inquisitr.com. January 10, 2017. January 12, 2017.
  5. Web site: Next Big Thing: 'Vikings: Valhalla' Star Sam Corlett Tapped Family Trauma to Play Leif Eriksson . hollywoodreporter.com . 24 February 2022 .
  6. Web site: Leif Erikson (11th century) . BBC . 20 November 2011 .
  7. Web site: 'Vikings: Valhalla' Cast Members Revealed for Netflix Spinoff Full of Familiar Vikings. Collider. 26 January 2021.
  8. Book: J. Sephton . Eirik the Red's Saga: A Translation . D. Marples & Co. . Liverpool . 1880 .
  9. Web site: 'Vikings: Valhalla' Cast Members Revealed for Netflix Spinoff Full of Familiar Vikings. Collider. January 26, 2021.
  10. Book: Lincoln, Bruce. Between History and Myth: Stories of Harald Fairhair and the Founding of the State. 2014. University of Chicago Press. 978-0-226-14092-6. en.
  11. Web site: Q.V.. HOUGH. Vikings: Valhalla Cast Guide - Where You Know The Actors From. Screen Rant. January 25, 2021. February 1, 2021. November 14, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201114233038/https://screenrant.com/vikings-valhalla-cast-characters-guide-actors/. live.
  12. Web site: Gunnar Larsen . Thorbjørn Harr blir viking i amerikansk TV-serie | ABC Nyheter . Abcnyheter.no . 17 October 2012 . 6 January 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121127134724/http://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/kultur/2012/10/17/thorbjoern-harr-blir-viking-i-amerikansk-tv-serie . 27 November 2012 .
  13. Yeo, Debra. Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, plays again in CBC-TV movie, Toronto Star, 28 April 2013. Accessed 5 January 2014.
  14. Web site: 'Vikings' Review/Recap: 'Treachery' . 17 March 2014 . Dymon . Lewis . Emertainment Monthly . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140317185722/http://emertainmentmonthly.com/2014/03/17/vikings-reviewrecap-treachery/ . 17 March 2014 .
  15. News: 'Hercules' Actress Gaia Weiss Joins History's 'Vikings' . 14 April 2014. Starpulse.
  16. Web site: 'Red Rock' actor Darren Cahill joins 'Vikings' Season 5. The Irish Film & Television Network.