Filmed in Co Wicklow and featuring Gabriel Byrne, the much-anticipated Vikings comes to RTÉ Two.
The world of the Vikings is brought to life through the journey of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) the first Viking to emerge from Norse legend and onto the pages of history – a man on the edge of myth.
Our story begins in 8thcentury Scandinavia where Ragnar Lothbrok is a warrior and a farmer who dreams of finding riches by bucking the tradition of raiding to the east. Ragnar 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 (Gabriel Byrne) who is none too happy to share in the renown that this journey could bring to Ragnar if it’s successful.
The stellar cast of Vikings includes Travis Fimmel (The Beast, Baytown Outlaws) as Ragnar and Clive Standen (Camelot, Robin Hood) as Rollo, Ragnar’s excessive, cruel cousin. Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment, Usual Suspects) plays Earl Haraldson, the most important local ruler in Ragnar’s district. Jessalyn Gilsig(Glee, Heroes, CSI) stars as Siggy, Earl Haraldson’s beautiful wife. Vikings is created and written by Michael Hirst – one of the best historical story-tellers in the film industry (The Tudors, Academy-Award winning film Elizabeth).
Director: Johan Renck
Executive Producers: Alan Gasmer, Michael Hirst, Sherry Marsh, Morgan O’Sullivan, John Weber
Episode 6 – “Burial of the Dead”
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.
RTÉ TWO, Sunday, 2 March 2014, 9.30pm