‘Vikings’ Season 6 Episode 4 portrays a big shift in the Viking culture of the 9th century
The Viking civilization is unarguably one of the most powerful and historic ones that have defined Scandinavian history. Despite being short-lived (when compared to other ancient communities of Europe) they had made their mark across Europe, Eurasia, parts of the Mediterranean, and even some regions of Asia.
While we are not claiming that everything we have seen and are seeing in History Channel’s hit epic saga is all factually true, the major events could not be denied. And each of these events and the characters thereof has been significant in shaping what we know of Scandinavian culture.
So far, the story of the ‘Vikings’ was mostly about one legendary Norseman, Ragnar Lothbrok and his exploits, his personal journey, and the feats that he achieved during his lifetime. Even with Bjorn’s rise as the next ruler of Kattegat, it revolved around the Lothbrok family.
But it’s changing as we see it. Gradually, as the final season inches towards the end of an era of the historic warriors, we observe a series of little changes in the way the sons of Ragnar have been managing their father’s legacy.
Bjorn Ironside, of course, is still focused on being the new king, but he is not necessarily following his footsteps. He wants to include trade and commerce as a part of the Vikings exploits and not just rampage kingdoms. And his younger brother, Ubbe follows suit. In fact, as Ubbe takes charge of Kattegat in Bjorn’s absence, he immediately plans a trading voyage through the Silk Road, to the Far East.
This can mean a lot of change in the way Vikings have been living so far. International exploration always leads to exchange of culture, foreign goods, and not to forget, languages. These new inclusions in the ancient Viking life are most likely the factors behind evolution of Old Norse culture into the modern heritage of Scandinavia. From extinction of Old Nordic languages to the food heritage and art history that Scandinavia is known for, everything changed and it started with the 9th century Vikings.
Elsewhere, there is also a political shift in the region, as we see King Olaf pointing out. So far, it has mostly been about taking over kingdoms and its riches, but not necessarily ‘managing’ it. But Olaf has started to realize that and that is why, he is all set to make Bjorn the king of all of Norway.
Having one point of authority rather than smaller communities with individual chiefs, is again, a non-traditional ruling system of the Vikings. This change redefined how the newer generations of Vikings (like Harald, Bjorn, or their future generations) ruled the region in the later years.
Each of such changes in the social, cultural, and political fabric of Norway, as revealed in episode 4 and will be further revealed, was significant drivers of the 9th century history of Vikings.