‘Vikings’ Season 6 Episode 9 will pave the way for Erik the Red’s rise as a prominent figure
When Bjorn Ironside lost the grand election to Harald, the newly crown King of Norway attacked Bjorn and his men, to wipe out any possible enemy. And then a “Good Samaritan” Viking appears out of nowhere to save Bjorn’s life. Little did we know then that this would be what history knows as ‘Eric the Red’! If you are not aware of this chapter of Viking saga, then here’s a little dose of history for you.
Erik the Red was a Norse explorer of the 10th century, who lived until early 11th century. He was known for his explorations and discovering Greenland and starting the first settlement there. You might find the stories of his expeditions and adventures in medieval Icelandic tales. He was born like any other Viking but he and his father were banished from his homeland for their unlawful behavior. Eventually, Erik the Red sailed across Norway, Iceland, and Greenland. When Erik settled in Iceland with his family, he was sentenced to exile for killing another Viking. Eventually, he moved westward and also landed in the New World (modern-day America).
As far as the character of Erik in History Channel’s ‘Vikings’ is concerned, it fits in more or less with the original tales of Norsemen. However, for the sake of the show, here’s what you need to know. Erik the Red’s character appears to be gaining prominence and we believe that soon he will become a very important character in the story of Bjorn and the Vikings of Norway. From saving Bjorn to becoming his confidante and counsel, Erik is finding his footing in Kattegat as a strategist.
Despite his skepticism, Bjorn ends up taking his advice on the Rus army and their probable plans. After all, as claimed by Erik himself, he has traveled and seen quite a bit of the world and its people. He knows about the Rus army and how strong they are in their human resources.
Erik further takes the risk of visiting Harald and warning him of the threat that entire Scandinavia might be facing, Vestfold included. Although Harald captures him and plans to execute him, Olaf the Stout comes to his rescue and shuns Harald’s hubris, pushing him to lend a ear to the man who is well-traveled and more informed. Ergo, Erik tells Harald about allying with Bjorn, bringing all the vassal kings together, so they can face the Russian army.
This goes to show that Erik is not just a random Viking appear out of nowhere, but rather history’s ‘Erik the Red’ who will soon become a legendary figure in lieu of the great battle of Scandinavia, against the Rus. Now, whether the creators of the show will take Erik’s journey forward and show us more of his achievements or let him become a martyr is what the final few chapters of the ‘Vikings’ will prove.
Meanwhile, let us feel glad about the fact that this historical fiction series is not only doing justice to real-life legends from ancient history but is also giving us insight into their characters, which sometimes even written tales fail to do.
‘Vikings’ Season 6 airs every Wednesday, at 10 pm/9c, only on History Channel.