Real Vikings Season 1 Episode 2 Rise of the Pagans

In the second episode of Real Vikings season 1, titled "Rise of the Pagans," viewers are taken back to 793 AD, just before the infamous Viking raid on Lindisfarne. The episode explores the complex religious beliefs of the Vikings and the role of the pagan gods in their culture.

The episode begins with a group of Vikings making offerings to the gods in preparation for their upcoming raid. The Vikings believe that their gods have a direct impact on their success in battle, and so they take great care in ensuring that their offerings are made correctly and that they are in the favor of the gods.

Next, the episode examines the role of Odin, the king of the gods, in Viking culture. Odin was believed to be the god of war, as well as the patron of poets and writers. The Vikings believed that Odin was the one who decided the outcome of battles, and that the most worthy warriors would be chosen to join him in Valhalla after their deaths.

The episode also explores the concept of sacrifice in Viking culture. The Vikings believed that making sacrifices to the gods was necessary to ensure their favor, and that the most powerful sacrifices were those of living creatures. This is exemplified in a scene where a group of Vikings sacrifice a horse to Odin in the hopes of ensuring their success in the upcoming raid.

The episode also touches on the role of women in Viking society and religion. While women were not allowed to be warriors, they were often priestesses and healers. The episode examines the story of the goddess Freya, who was said to have taught men the art of war. The Vikings believed that Freya would guide the souls of warriors to Valhalla after their deaths.

Finally, the episode explores the reasons behind the Viking raid on Lindisfarne. The Vikings believed that the Christian faith was weak and that their gods were stronger. They saw the wealth and power of the Christian church as evidence of this weakness, and so they sought to raid the churches in order to prove their own superiority.

Overall, "Rise of the Pagans" presents a fascinating look into the religious beliefs of the Vikings and their impact on the culture and society of the time. The episode is well-researched and provides valuable insights into the mindset and motivations of the Viking people.