Vikings S05E18: Baldur – Ragnar is present in everything these characters do

The post-Ragnar period of Vikings, due to the strange way both season four and five have been set up, has been nearly as long as his time on the show. There have been few shows that could survive the death of their main character, only Game of Thrones comes to mind in terms of success mainly due to the fact that Ned Stark was only around for one season rather than four. We have recently seen the revival and subsequent decline that led up to, and included, Rick Grimes’ exit from The Walking Dead. Vikings falls somewhere in the middle of these two examples.

The show has never fully recovered from the loss of Travis Fimmel as Ragnar, as he was not only the best character, he was also the strongest performance of the entire cast. Fimmel’s magnetism was addictive and elevated lesser actors like Katheryn Winnik and Clive Standen while they found their feet as Ragnar’s wife and brother respectively. Both would go on to be more than a match for Fimmel, so much so that Rollo is sorely missed, and Lagertha’s arc this season has been one of my biggest concerns. But this is supposed to be the story of Ragnar and his sons, and the sons have rarely matched the quality of their late father.

Baldur is an episode that, like much of this season, is concerned with the legacy of Ragnar and the fame that being connected to him can garner. All of his sons must live in the shadow of their father’s achievements, his self-imposed exile not fitting into the myth, while also having a huge advantage because of it. Being the son of Ragnar Lothbrok opens doors, even if it feels like there’s too many of them.

Baldur is the first episode since Ragnar’s death that actually features the most famous Viking in the world. We are given these oh so sweet and short glimpse through a vision of Lagertha’s growing insanity. It turns out that after she went missing thanks to the death of Heahmund (which I still can’t buy into), Lagertha went crazy. The former Queen of Kattegat has had a tough time of late. Not only did she have to kill her pregnant former lover, Astrid, she also had to face up to her affair with Rollo, which means that Bjorn might not be a son of Ragnar, while also having her kingdom and lover taken away from her. It still sucks a little bit, but I can’t argue with how effective Winnik’s performance is in this episode. This is Michael Hirst at his best and worst. Vikings is one of the only shows I’ve seen that can continually turn around a story that is seemingly going nowhere. Just when you think it can’t get any worse, Hirst pulls something out of the bag, in this case, the promise of Lagertha and Judith (who has been the most consistently watchable characters of the English) joining forces. It’s through these visions of Ragnar’s death, in which Lagertha cast herself as his executioner, coupled with a final glimpse of them both in happier times, that brings Lagertha back to herself.

A character that isn’t coming back to the land of the sane anytime soon is Ivar. Ivar’s divinity is at odds with the view of the show’s most divine character. Floki was a huge influence in Ivar’s childhood, the two could often be seen as kindred spirits, but their faith in the Gods has split them into two opposing viewpoints. Floki left Kattegat with his disciples to try and consolidate a pure Viking settlement. While his behavior bordered on the fanatic, he still viewed himself as a servant of the gods. Even at his lowest point when he is burying his confidant, Aud, and threatening the full weight of his fury to her father, Floki has discovered a better nature within himself. Even at his lowest ebb, he still wants to prove himself, even offering to journey into Hel.

Ivar sees himself as an equal to the gods. Everyone else is his servant, and he rules with promises of keeping enemies and outsiders out of Kattegat. This hasn’t convinced all of his people as his statue has been vandalized. In response to this Ivar murders the family of Thora, Hvitserk’s beloved, by first burning her family alive in front of her then burning her to death. There is nothing that confirms whether Thora’s family had anything to do with this so it’s just a way for Ivar to flex his authority. Last week I complained that Ragnar’s sons didn’t possess the layers that made Ragnar such a compelling character, but Baldur showed me that I may have spoken too soon. Ivar welcomes his first son into the world, a child that is supposed to consolidate his divinity, but the child is deformed, leading Ivar to recreate perhaps the most important moment of his own life. Ragnar held baby Ivar’s future in his hands, deciding to spare him. Ivar, despite his triumphs, will always hold the pain of being different inside of him, a pain that he doesn’t want his son to feel. Ivar does what Ragnar couldn’t do: he leaves his son out in the elements to die, and while it’s a heart-wrenching scene, it caps off a brilliant episode for Ivar. While he comes across as a cackling villain most of the time, this was an episode where we saw the weakness that drives Ivar’s every move.

8/10 – Baldur is the strongest episode since the mid-season finale, as it remembers that the Vikings are the characters that we care about, while also setting the stage for the final two episodes of this patchy season.

COMMENTS

Please read our Commenting Policy before you join in with the discussion.

Note: If you have email notifications enabled, please check your email spam folders to ensure emails are not missed.

5 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Snarky-Guru

1 year ago

Ivar looks more and more like an egotistical psychopath as time goes. I see Iver’s leaving his baby outside to freeze to death as a show of his cowardice. It took little effort on his part and it allowed Iver to remove himself from the actual death. It would likely take some time for the baby to succumb to the elements. Wouldn’t it have been less cruel and a show of Iver’s strength if he had quickly killed the baby with a blow to the head or through suffocation? It seemed to me that he wanted to pretend it never… Read more »

Thatcher

Reply to Snarky-Guru

Oh, I disagree. Ivar was heartbroken. The baby couldn’t breastfeed, how was it going to be kept alive? It’s not like vikings had the medical knowledge and access to care that we do today. It’s true that it might have been more merciful to kill the baby quickly, but maybe Ivar couldn’t bring himself to do it. A psychopath would’ve broken that baby’s neck without thinking twice.

Dave

Ragnar was such a huge part of this show and most of us never fathomed that at some point, he would cease being the main character. I think that he will continue to be felt even as this TV series approaches the end.

Stargazer

This episode showed both the strong and the weak points of Ivar in one scene. He is strong enough to leave his son out in the cold, but weak enough to help his son become like him who has struggled to reach the top.

Sharq

Now that Bjorn is married to Gunnhild, won’t it be incredibly awkward as he and King Harald, who also desired Gunnhild, embark on a mission to overthrow Ivar?

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

Vikings S05E18: Baldur – Ragnar is present in everything these characters do

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you