Netflix's Beloved Viking Series

Netflix loves Vikings. It's common practice for Netflix to revive canceled series as Netflix Originals, and some series have even started as Netflix Originals from the very first season. Depending on the country, there might be slight variations, but searching for 'Viking' on Netflix will yield countless series and films. Among them, the most beloved by viewers are likely Vikings (2013-2020) and The Last Kingdom (2015-2022).**

Aired on the History Channel and streamed on Netflix, Vikings begins with Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking in the mid-9th century, rising to fame as a Viking, and concludes with his sons' defeat at the Battle of Edington in England. Ragnar, portrayed by Travis Fimmel, is a brutal warrior who also possesses a romantic desire to explore new worlds. He embarks on adventures in England and France, facing numerous battles and conspiracies.

The series' greatest appeal lies in the conflicts that arise when people from diverse cultural backgrounds interact. While the Vikings worshiped Norse gods like Odin and Thor, Christianity had long been embraced in England and France. In the story, Athelstan (played by George Blagden), who was a church monk, becomes fascinated by the Norse gods, and conversely, Ragnar develops an interest in Christianity. Vikings like Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård) consider Christianity a false religion and take pride in killing Christians. Rollo, another Viking, converts to Christianity to forge an alliance with the French.

Since its premiere in 2013, Vikings has consistently enjoyed popularity, airing for a total of 6 seasons and 90 episodes until 2020. In 2021, Vikings: Valhalla, a sequel that takes place 100 years after the ending of Vikings, premiered its first season as a Netflix Original series. The third season of Vikings: Valhalla is scheduled for release in 2024.**

The Last Kingdom is a series that aired on BBC in the UK from 2015. Ragnar Lothbrok, who was also the protagonist of the Vikings series, was murdered by King Ælla of Northumbria in England. Ragnar's sons cried out for revenge and gathered all the warriors of Northern Europe to form the 'Great Heathen Army,' an invading force targeting England.

The protagonist of this series, Uhtred (played by Alexander Dreymon), was a young boy, barely 10 years old, during the 'Great Heathen Army' invasion. He was a nobleman from the Bebbanburg castle and was kidnapped by the Vikings during the war. Jarl Ragnar, the Viking chieftain, raised the young boy like his own son, and Uhtred became culturally assimilated into their society.

However, after Ragnar, who raised him, was murdered, Uhtred became a fugitive. He returned to his homeland, Bebbanburg, falsely accused of murder, but his uncle did not welcome Uhtred, who claimed ownership of the castle. The only option left for Uhtred was to pledge allegiance to Wessex, the 'Last Kingdom' that had not yet been conquered by the Vikings.

King Alfred of Wessex promised him lands and titles in exchange for his help in repelling the Viking invasion. Uhtred assists Alfred in fighting the Vikings, but he also struggles with his dual identity as both Saxon and Viking.

Comparing The Last Kingdom to Vikings (2013-2020) reveals interesting differences. Since the first two seasons of this series were produced by the British public broadcaster BBC, the story unfolds primarily in England. While the Vikings' origins might be in Norway or Denmark, the setting of the story is always the British Isles. Furthermore, while 'Vikings' recounts the Vikings' adventures and pillaging around the world from their perspective, 'The Last Kingdom' focuses on the process of Anglo-Saxon and Dane (Viking) fusion.**

It's also noteworthy that Vikings and The Last Kingdom portray the same events and characters in entirely different ways. Ubba, one of Ragnar's sons who appears in Vikings, also appears in The Last Kingdom and clashes with the protagonist, Uhtred. In Vikings, Ubba (played by Jordan Patrick Smith) is depicted as a romantic figure, much like his father, with a desire to explore new worlds, but in The Last Kingdom, Ubba (played by Rune Temte) is portrayed as a brutal warrior.

From season 3 onwards, The Last Kingdom became a Netflix Original. Like Vikings, it gained significant popularity and has released five seasons. The film Seven Kings Must Die, which depicts Uhtred's final journey, was also released as a Netflix Original film in 2023.