Why 'Vikings: Valhalla' left out Freydis's tragic real-life story

The historical drama miniseries 'Vikings: Valhalla' is set more than a century after the Netflix megahit 'Vikings'
UPDATED JUL 5, 2024
Let's examine Freydís Eiríksdóttir's real-life tragedy, which was absent from 'Vikings: Valhalla' (@netflix)
Let's examine Freydís Eiríksdóttir's real-life tragedy, which was absent from 'Vikings: Valhalla' (@netflix)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: If you are a fan of the historical drama 'Vikings: Valhalla', chances are you are also enamored by the charms of Freydís Eiríksdóttir (Frida Gustavsson).

The historical drama, created by Jeb Stuart, establishes Freydís as a tough and independent warrior.

Although Freydís is portrayed as a multifaceted and growing character in the drama, her terrible real-life story may surprise you.

The sagas and epic stories of Viking adventures convey a far more horrific account than what is seen on television. 

What happens with Freydís Eiríksdóttir in real life?

Goran Visnjic joins Vikings: Valhalla as Erik the Red, stirring familial dynamics and influencing Leif's ambitions (@netflix)
Goran Višnjić and Frida Gustavsson in a still from 'Vikings: Valhalla'(@netflix)

Freydís is mentioned in two Vinland sagas: the Saga of Erik the Red and the Saga of the Greenlanders.

Freydís is portrayed as a powerful lady in both sagas, although their stories differ.

In 'The Saga of the Greenlanders', Freydís is portrayed as a clever woman who deceived and got the two brothers, Helgi and Finnbogi murdered following their journey to Vinland.

In 'The Saga of Erik the Red', Freydis is represented as a powerful warrior.

During an expedition led by Þorfinnr Karlsefni to Vinland, Freydís valiantly defended against a surprise nocturnal assault by indigenous people while the other warriors fled. She picked up the sword of the fallen Thorbrand Snorrisson and bravely engaged the attackers.

Surrounded by enemies, she undid her garment and beat the sword upon her breast.  At this the natives retreated to their boats and fled, earning her plaudits from the other survivors for her courage.

Why 'Vikings: Valhalla' does not explore Freydís Eiríksdóttir's real tragedy?

Frida Gustavsson as Freydís Eiríksdóttir in a still from 'Vikings: Valhalla' (@netflix)
Frida Gustavsson as Freydís Eiríksdóttir in a still from 'Vikings: Valhalla' (@netflix)

The showrunners chose not to depict Freydís's real-life tragedy for character development purposes.

The show has taken artistic liberty, which explores the character in a more nuanced way.

Additionally, it is to be noted that most of the storyline in 'Vikings: Valhalla' does not align with historical accuracy, as the showrunners have taken creative freedom to interpret historical events and characters however they see fit. 

The show has developed Freydís as a complicated character capable of development and resilience rather than defining her by a single act of bravery.

The show may have opted to prioritize telling a fascinating story above a single act as mentioned in the history.

How to stream 'Vikings: Valhalla' Season 3?

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

If you want to watch the show on Netflix, you must have an exclusive subscription, as the streaming platform provides a variety of options that are tailored to your financial capability.

The Standard Plan with advertising has a monthly membership price of $6.99 and supports full HD (1080p) streaming.

The Standard Plan, which does not feature advertisements, costs $15.49 per month and allows you to access one account on two screens at once while streaming in 1080p/full HD resolution.

With the $22.99/month Premium Plan, fans may watch 4K Ultra HD content on up to four screens at the same time with Dolby Atmos and HDR.

'Vikings: Valhalla' Season 3 trailer



 

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