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Post by Some Pig No Doubt on Aug 21, 2016 16:40:23 GMT
Currently bingeing this one...just began Season 4 (current season) last night. So far a very captivating series, if not exactly historically accurate. (OK, in some cases wildly inaccurate.) If you aren't familiar, this is the History Channel's take on the life and exploits of Ragnar Lothbrok, legendary Viking king of lore, particularly his many attempts to conquer Anglo-Saxon England. (In real world history, Ragnar may or may not have been a real person, but his sons - also portrayed in the show - were actual historical figures.) It's kindof like Rome or GoT lite - lots of blood/murder/plotting/intrigue wrapped up in some personal/emotional background, but not quite as solid or skillful. Still a good show; I'm hooked! I think it's going to dovetail with The Last Kingdom at some point, another show about the Norsemen and conquests of Northumbria/Wessex. Also, total eye candy of Travis Fimmel/Clive Standen/Katheryn Winnick/Alyssa Sutherland.
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Post by Ser Duncan on Aug 27, 2016 22:20:57 GMT
So far a very captivating series, if not exactly historically accurate. (OK, in some cases wildly inaccurate.) I like this series too. Been watching it for a couple of years now, but FFS ever once in a while I choke on how badly they stick in anachronisms! Think it was in the 3rd series, when they are trying to get the kingdom of Mercia back for that nympho queen, the prince of Wessex actually says her brother is hiding out in the 'Iron Age Hill Fort'! WHAAAAT? They didn't have a historical timeline set up by historians and archaeologist yet! And the idea of the king of Wessex still living in a Roman Villa 400 years after Rome fell is just ridiculous. They are using Roman technology as well in their armies. Really? There is zero evidence of any of this. In fact all the evidence points to the Anglo-Saxon tearing down all the Roman structures in Britain to rebuild in wood. But otherwise it's very entertaining. Not sure I liked the 4th series though. They kinda jumped the shark with Ragnar and the Chinese slave. And PS, if Ragnar's son actually were his sons, and not some made up story, then I am actually one of his descendants.
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Post by Some Pig No Doubt on Aug 27, 2016 22:54:34 GMT
And PS, if Ragnar's son actually were his sons, and not some made up story, then I am actually one of his descendants. Nice!! Which son? Re: anachronisms, I just at most of them but the one that made me totally was Ragnar referring to a faraway land as "Russia". ETA: I am also amazed at the Vikings' ability to learn multiple languages and achieve complete fluency in seemingly no time. I wonder what program they used? The 4th season with Ragnar all strung out on opium or whatever was pretty weak. That was a total waste of the character, and Travis Fimmel is a better actor than that. History Channel must have had a guest writer from HBO for 9/10 of the episodes. If they bring back the chest-thumping "WHO WILL BE YOUR KING?!?!?" Ragnar from the midseason ender, the second half will have some promise. Also, if they stick to the real-life character of Ivar the Boneless, he is going to be one crazy mofo.
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Post by Ser Duncan on Aug 28, 2016 0:27:14 GMT
I'll PM you because his name is still our last name Also, if they stick to the real-life character of Ivar the Boneless, he is going to be one crazy mofo. I watched some lame docu on this guy who thought Ivar had Osteogenesis Imperfecta. No way he had that and did all he did. Ivar was a ruthless bastard and a berserker. But why are they shining that blue light in his eyes on the show? They do it to Ragnar too. Quite annoying. And yes, please a little less of Ragnar strung out on betel nut, and a little more 'I'm going to conquer the world' Ragnar please.
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Post by min on Aug 28, 2016 1:15:57 GMT
I love this series also. There is an historical viking Rollo who became the Duke of Normandy but is not contemporary with Ragnar Lothbrok.
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Post by Ser Duncan on Aug 28, 2016 2:17:56 GMT
There is an historical viking Rollo who became the Duke of Normandy Yep, and that Rollo is the great-great-great-great-grandfather of William the Conqueror. So basically we were conquered by the same people, twice.
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