"In the beginning, this will be very hard work. So hard that you will curse this land; and you will curse the man who brought you here. But in the end, I swear, you'll thank me for bringing you here.... to the land of the gods."
-- Floki from season 5 of the TV-series 'Vikings'
The TV series 'Vikings' mixes some degree of fictional creative-license with historical fact. Season 5 portrays the character Floki as first sailing and visiting a barren 9th century Iceland, and later bringing a handful of Viking settlers there. His initial reaction was clear; a "land of the gods"... the Norse gods and goddesses. He was depicted as having a mystical experience; communing with the gods. Iceland would later remain the last large Asatru holdout; or at least the final region with a strong Asatru influence. The name "Asatru" is of Icelandic origin, and means something like "being true to the gods." There is also a historical Icelandic bond with the Gaelic people. The unique Floki character is played by Swedish actor Gustaf Skarsgård.
It probably should be stated that the series has not gone into any detail about any of the Norse gods--which in fact were historically the gods of the larger Teutonic peoples at different times and places--nor does it glorify or even put any sort've positive spin on the spiritual tradition itself. Still, one would think that the programs' popularity would create greater interest in Asatru, which was already enjoying a small quickening... unfortunately to the despondency of some. There are quite a few YouTube videos of individuals who all but actually apologize for being Asutrar. I suppose we must say regarding the Wiccan community; nobody ever apologizes for being Wiccan despite attacks on them as well (of a different sort). Nobody who apologizes for who they has ever--nor will ever--gain anyone's respect.
Floki
Played by Gustaf Skarsgård (seasons 1–present)
A gifted but eccentric shipbuilder and friend of Ragnar. His ships create a revolution in shipwrighting. He considers himself descended from the trickster god Loki. Loosely based on the historical Hrafna-Flóki Vilgerðarson.
'37 Photographic Proofs That Iceland Is A Miracle Of Nature'
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Bonjour France!
During the last month, there have been over 33,000 visitors/page views to this blog from France alone.
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I just wanted to add a couple of applicable items here.
"True Believers"
The Floki character, on a number of occasions, mentioned how he was looking for "true believers" to follow him to "the land of the gods"... Iceland. As mentioned before, the word "Asatru" means something like "being true to the gods" in Icelandic. I'm not sure if the producers of 'Vikings' were directly trying to show that specific tie-in.
When I had mentioned earlier that the 'Vikings' series did not mention "the gods," that wasn't entirely true. In the past episode, Floki and the settlers discussed constructing a Temple to Thor. On other occasions during the series, I believe that Odin was mentioned a few times. However, I think it could be said that there has been no great effort to portray Asatru in a particularly positive light. Also, the goddess Freya has not been mentioned; somewhat odd considering that she was such an important deity. I'm hoping that the Asatru aspect is reflected more in the future. That "Temple of Thor" would be a good start.
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