The portrayal of the medieval in mass media has elicited both disdain and praise from historians who choose to either criticize inaccuracies or champion the advantages of free advertising. This essay focuses specifically on the portrayal of the Christian conversion narrative as presented in The History Channel’s popular television series ‘Vikings.’
Instead of focusing on historical inaccuracies, this research takes into consideration the subtle story-line of conversion from Pagan to Christian, as represented through the characters of Ragnar Lothbrok and Floki. It argues that not only does the series correctly represent many aspects of medieval Christianity through their visual representations, but that they also demonstrate the psychological and sociological challenges experienced during conversion.
Part one titled “Gospels, Crosses, and Tonsures” will examine the visual representations of Christian culture in medieval Scandinavia, England, and France. These three regions are widely portrayed in the first four seasons of ‘Vikings.’ Part two, “Between Two Worlds: From Pagan to Christian” examines the increasing tension between Ragnar and Floki as Ragnar first learns about and then converts to Christianity. The relationship between Ragnar and Floki, and Ragnar and the priest Athelstan, captured from Northumbria in season one; portray the real life anxieties of people struggling with conversion to a new religion. Finally part three “No Such Thing as Bad Press” argues that as historians we should all support and contribute to representations of medieval life in popular culture and mass media. Television as a medium is often taken for granted, yet it should be viewed as an influential tool that shapes young minds and potentially influences career paths – hopefully towards the humanities, and not pillage and plunder.
About the presenterJennifer Veronica Agnes MacLellan
Originally from Nova Scotia Canada, I am currently a PhD candidate at the University of Iceland focusing on 12th century religion, particularly during the Sturlunga period. My research interests include Northern Europe and Scandinavia, as well as depictions of the medieval and early modern periods in mass media.