Season 1 of Vikings premiered on March 3, 2013 on History in Canada and in the United States and concluded on April 28, 2013, consisting of nine episodes.
Plot
The series introduces us to the brutal and mysterious world of Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warrior and farmer who yearns to explore—and raid—the distant shores across the ocean. His ambition puts him at odds with local chieftain Earl Haraldson, who insists on sending his raiders to the impoverished east rather than the uncharted west. When Ragnar teams up with his boat builder friend Floki to craft a new generation of intrepid ships capable of conquering the rough northern seas, the stage is set for conflict.
But for all its warfare and bloodshed, Vikings is also a story of family and brotherhood, capturing the love and affection between Ragnar and his wife, Lagertha, a respected warrior in her own right. It is the tale of Ragnar's brother Rollo, a fierce fighter who simmers with jealously; of Earl Haraldson's wife Siggy, a dutiful beauty who may be less than loyal; and of the monk Athelstan, whose Christian morals clash with the Vikings’ pagan society. As ambition and innovation rattle a civilization, these characters will be put to the test—and their way of life will never be the same again.
Production
After this season's successful ratings and critical response, the show was renewed for a following season halfway through this season's run.
Cast
Main Cast
- Travis Fimmel as Ragnar Lothbrok (9 episodes)
- Katheryn Winnick as Lagertha (9 episodes)
- Clive Standen as Rollo (9 episodes)
- Jessalyn Gilsig as Siggy (9 episodes)
- Gustaf Skarsgård as Floki (9 episodes)
- George Blagden as Athelstan (8 episodes)
- Alyssa Sutherland as Princess Aslaug ("All Change")
- Donal Logue as King Horik (2 episodes)
- Gabriel Byrne as Earl Haraldson (6 episodes)
Recurring Cast
- Nathan O'Toole as Bjorn (9 episodes)
- David Pearse as Svein (6 episodes)
- John Kavanagh as The Seer (5 episodes)
- Vladimir Kulich as Erik (3 episodes)
- Ivan Kaye as King Aelle (3 episodes)
Guest Cast
- Thorbjørn Harr as Borg ("All Change")
Crew
Producers
- Morgan O'Sullivan: executive producer.
- Sheila Hockin: executive producer.
- Sherry Marsh: executive producer.
- Alan Gasmer: executive producer.
- James Flynn: executive producer.
- John Weber: executive producer.
- Michael Hirst: creator/writer/executive producer.
- Keith Thompson: producer.
- Steve Wakefield: producer.
- Bill Goddard: co-producer.
- Séamus McInerney: co-producer.
- John Bartley: director of photography.
- Tom Conroy: production designer.
- Aaron Marshall: editor (episodes 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9).
- Michele Conroy: editor (episodes 2, 4, 6, and 8).
- Trevor Morris: composer.
- Julian Parry: visual effects supervisor.
- Dennis Berardi: visual effects supervisor.
- Joan Bergin: costume designer.
- Frank Moiselle: casting director.
- Nuala Moiselle: casting director.
Directors
- Johan Renck: episodes 1, 2 and 3.
- Ciarán Donnelly: episodes 4, 5 and 6.
- Ken Girotti: episodes 7, 8 and 9.
Episode Guide
- See also: Episodes
# | Image | Title | Airdate |
---|---|---|---|
01 | Rites of Passage | March 3, 2013 | |
Our story begins in 8th century Scandinavia with Ragnar Lothbrok, a warrior and a farmer who has been working in secret on a project that will turn the Viking world on its head. But first, Ragnar must convince the leader of his community, the powerful Earl Haraldson, who is none too happy to share in the renown that this journey could bring to Ragnar if it's successful. | |||
02 | Wrath of the Northmen | March 10, 2013 | |
The stage is set for the first journey west by Ragnar Lothbrok as he gathers a crew willing to risk their lives to travel into the unknown. Earl Haraldson's paranoia reaches new heights as it becomes apparent that trust is hard to come by in this dark era. | |||
03 | Dispossessed | March 17, 2013 | |
Unable to ignore the riches Ragnar's unsanctioned journey has returned with, Earl Haraldson has no choice but to agree to let these warriors undertake a second trip out. The west has now been opened for the taking by Ragnar Lothbrok and the world of the Vikings will never be the same. | |||
04 | Trial | March 24, 2013 | |
The Vikings head back to England to see what other treasures this new world has to offer. This go round Ragnar and his crew sail out with Earl Haraldson's permission….and also with Earl Haraldson's spy. | |||
05 | Raid | March 31, 2013 | |
In the Great Hall of Kattegat, a seer reads Earl Haraldson's future and tells him that Ragnar Lothbrok searches for his death. The unanswerable question is whom do the gods favor more? | |||
06 | Burial of the Dead | April 7, 2013 | |
Ragnar, weak and still hurt, must meet the Earl head-on after it comes to light that Rollo has been tortured on Haraldson's orders. The two men will come together face to face with a single outcome possible: Only one man will leave this fight alive. | |||
07 | A King's Ransom | April 14, 2013 | |
Three Viking ships sail upriver towards the very heart of power in eastern England: the Royal Villa of King Aelle. Ragnar Lothbrok has come looking for ransom in exchange for peace. However, King Aelle has a different plan in mind for these northern heathens. | |||
08 | Sacrifice | April 21, 2013 | |
The traditional pilgrimage to Uppsalla to thank the gods brings a torrent of emotions for Ragnar, Lagertha, and Athelstan. | |||
09 | All Change | April 28, 2013 | |
At the behest of King Horik, Ragnar assembles a small party to travel to Gotaland (modern day Sweden) to resolve a land dispute with the area's leader, Jarl Borg. Ragnar's renown precedes him and Jarl Borg is intrigued – has he found a new ally or is Ragnar just a puppet of the king? Meanwhile in Kattegat, with a plague taking its toll on the village, the people look to Lagertha to help appease the gods. |
Gallery
Images
- See Promo Pictures for more images.