The World of Vikings

Description

MGM's hit show Vikings on the History Channel has drawn millions of viewers into the fascinating and bloody world of legendary Norse hero Ragnar Lothbrok, who led Viking warriors to the British Isles and France. Covering the first three seasons of the series, this official companion book delves into the real history as well as the behind-the-scenes stories. Viking historian Justin Pollard explains shipbuilding and navigation, Norse culture and religion, and the first encounters between Viking warriors and the kings of England and France. Interviews with cast and crew reveal the process of dramatizing this gripping story, from reviving the Old Norse language to choreographing battle scenes and building ancient temples for human sacrifice. This spectacular package is a must for fans of the show and history buffs alike. Cover Title Dedication Copyright Contents Foreword Introduction Sources SELECT PRIMARY SOURCES SAGAS, TALES, AND EARLY VIKING HISTORIES EUROPEAN CHRONICLERS AND ANNALISTS OTHER EUROPEAN SOURCES CLASSICAL SOURCES PART 1: SCANDINAVIA VIKING SCANDINAVIA CHAPTER 1: HOME Ragnar on the North Lands The Story of Ragnar Lothbrok Viking Farms Designing a Viking Village Dressing Ragnar Lothbrok CHAPTER 2: FAMILY Lagertha on Home and Hearth The Story of Lagertha Dressing Lagertha The Story of Björn Ironside The Story of Gyda CHAPTER 3: PEOPLE Rollo on the Fates of Men Designing Kattegat The Story of Rollo Rollo the Berserker The Story of Siggy Fight to the Death An Earl’s Death CHAPTER 4: GODS Floki on the Gods of Asgard Designing the Temple Gods on the Battlefield The Story of the Seer The Sacrifices Viking Numerology CHAPTER 5: LEGENDS Aslaug on the Nine Worlds The Story of Jarl Borg The Story of Aslaug Dressing Aslaug The Sons of Ragnar CHAPTER 6: THE LAW Lagertha on Women and the Law The Story of King Horik The Story of Porunn Ruling the Viking Community The Blood Eagle CHAPTER 7: THE SEA Floki on the Dragon Ships Designing the Boats Sailing and Navigation The Story of Floki Viking Weddings PART 2: ENGLAND CHRISTIAN ENGLAND CHAPTER 8: CHRISTIANS Athelstan on England in Darkness Designing Lindisfarne The Story of Athelstan Dressing Athelstan The Heat of Battle CHAPTER 9: KINGS King Ecbert on the Age of Giants Designing King Ecbert’s Court Roman Britain The Story of King Ecbert Viking Defeat CHAPTER 10: RIVALS Princess Kwenthrith on Mercia and Her Kings The Story of Princess Kwenthrith The Story of King Aelle Riddles Vikings in England PART 3: FRANKIA CAROLINGIAN FRANKIA CHAPTER 11: THE HUNTERS Ragnar on Arming for Battle Different Tongues Swearing in Old Norse Viking Camp CHAPTER 12: THE HUNTED Charles the Bald on the Christian World The Story of Charles the Bald Designing Paris The Story of Princess Gisla Scoring Viking Music The Siege of Paris Ragnar Takes Paris Afterword About the Author Chronicle Ebooks