Who is Vikings: Valhalla’s Mariam based on? How Netflix character is different from her real-life counterpart

Mariam's legacy in 'Vikings: Valhalla' mirrors her historical counterpart's contributions to astronomy and science

BY ISHANI YADAV

UPDATED JUL 8, 2024

In 'Vikings: Valhalla,' Mariam's family background isn't mentioned, unlike the historical Mariam, who came from a family of astrolabe makers (@netflix)

Contains spoiler for 'Vikings: Valhalla'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Vikings: Valhalla' Season 2 introduced several new characters, including Mariam (Hayat Kamille), an astronomer who quickly bonded with Leif (Sam Corlett).

In Season 2, Leif, Harald (Leo Suter), and Freydis (Frida Gustavsson) briefly reunite after the invasion of Kattegat, only to part ways again.

Leif and Harald traveled to Novgorod, while Freydis was taken to Jomsborg, the supposed new Uppsala.

In Novgorod, Harald and Leif sought the assistance of Harald’s uncle, Yaroslav the Wise (Marcin Dorociński), to assemble an army, confront Olaf ( Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson), and seize the throne of Norway.

When Yaroslav refused, Harald devised a new plan to sell furs in Constantinople to raise money for an army.

Among the crew Harald quickly assembled was Mariam, an astronomer who fascinated Leif with her unique knowledge and perspective.

What is the real-life inspiration behind 'Vikings: Valhalla’s' Mariam?

A still from the show 'Vikings: Valhalla' (@netflix)

Mariam, like many characters in 'Vikings: Valhalla,' is based on a real person with an impressive story. She is inspired by Al-ʻIjliyyah, better known in modern popular literature as Mariam al-Asṭurlābiyya.

Although her first name 'Mariam' is not mentioned in historical sources, she was a renowned maker of astrolabes in the 10th century, residing in Aleppo, which is now in northern Syria.

An astrolabe is an ancient astronomical instrument that serves as a handheld model of the universe. It functions as an inclinometer and an analog calculation device.

Astronomers use it to measure the altitude of celestial bodies, identify stars and planets, determine local latitude based on local time, conduct surveys, and triangulate positions.

According to Arab Muslim bibliographer and biographer Ibn al-Nadim, Mariam was the daughter of al-ʻIjliyy, who was also known as an astrolabe maker.

Both Mariam and her father apprenticed under Nasṭūlus, another renowned astronomer and astrolabe maker. Mariam's skills were so impressive that she was employed by Sayf al-Dawla, the first Emir of Aleppo.

Designing astrolabes requires complex mathematical calculations and precision. In recognition of her contributions to astronomy and science, the main-belt asteroid 7060 Al-ʻIjliyya was named after her in 1990.

She also inspired a character in the 2015 book 'Binti' and was recognized as an extraordinary woman from the Islamic Golden Age by 1001 Inventions in 2018.

Mariam's comparison in fiction vs. reality

In 'Vikings: Valhalla' Season 2, Mariam and Leif met while dining with Yaroslav. Mariam explained meteors to Leif, sharing that she was in Novgorod to study "the burning rocks that fall to Earth."

Leif was captivated by Mariam's knowledge, and they grew closer after she saved him during an opium trip.

Leif, fascinated by the books in Mariam's room, learned from her despite being unable to read himself. Mariam, who was very ill, wished to return to Constantinople for better medical care. Sadly, she died upon their arrival at Olbia.

Mariam's backstory in the show is as mysterious as that of her real-life counterpart, Mariam al-Asṭurlābiyya. The series reveals that Mariam was born in Aleppo and had traveled extensively, studying the skies and writing books.

The real Mariam was also active in Aleppo and worked for the first Emir. Both Mariams were skilled astrolabe makers, and in the series, Mariam taught Leif how to use astrolabes and even taught him to read.

In the series, Mariam's family background isn't mentioned, unlike the historical Mariam, who came from a family of astrolabe makers and was mentored by an astronomer.

Both versions of Mariam were portrayed as intelligent women and skilled astronomers, yet historical details about their lives remain somewhat limited.