Watch Secrets of the Dead: The Lost Vikings

As the name suggests, "Secrets of the Dead: The Lost Vikings" is a documentary that delves into a long-held mystery about the Vikings, one of the most intriguing civilizations of the past. The film explores the stories and secrets that have been unearthed by modern-day archaeologists and historians, hoping to provide an understanding of the Vikings and their travels across the North Atlantic 1000 years ago. This documentary from Secrets of the Dead, a PBS series, uses stunning cinematography and expert commentary to bring the story of the Vikings to life.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is their exploration of the Vikings themselves, their culture, religion, and way of life. The documentary provides insight into what Viking society was like, as well as their travels to locations as far-reaching as North America, the Mediterranean Sea, and even Central Asia. Expert analysis and interviews with archeologists and historians provide a nuanced view of the Vikings beyond their image in popular culture, allowing viewers to gain an understanding of their culture and beliefs on their own terms.

The movie places a strong focus on the journey of Leif Erikson, who is believed to have been the first European to reach America, 500 years before Christopher Columbus. Using cutting-edge imaging and mapping techniques, experts were able to chart Erikson's journey in remarkable detail, a feat that has long eluded historians. The filmmakers use this information to showcase how the Vikings were the first to map out the North Atlantic and explore its coastline.

The mystery of the Vikings doesn't just stop with their travels, though. The film also investigates the complex relationship of the Vikings to the indigenous people they encountered in new lands. The Vikings were a civilization with its own unique set of practices, traditions, and beliefs, and their interactions with the local populations were often fraught with tension. Interviews with modern-day Indigenous people shed light on how these encounters affected the communities, and how they altered the course of history.

The film also delves into the mythos surrounding the Vikings, including the belief in a Viking Armageddon known as Ragnarok. This end-of-the-world prophecy features apocalyptic battles, deities rising to meet their fate, and world-ending events. While it may sound like just another fantasy tale, the film argues that the Vikings saw Ragnarok as a very real event, one that shaped many of their beliefs and practices. By exploring this mythos in greater detail, the film offers a new perspective on Viking culture and belief systems.

Overall, "Secrets of the Dead: The Lost Vikings" is a fascinating documentary that offers unique insights into the culture and history of the Vikings. Through expert commentary and modern technology, the film explores their travels across the North Atlantic, their encounters with indigenous populations, and their beliefs and practices. This is a must-watch for anyone fascinated by history or the Viking culture, or for anyone interested in exploring the mysteries of the past.

Secrets of the Dead: The Lost Vikings is a 2000 documentary with a runtime of 50 minutes.