Review: Vikings – Season 1, Episode 1: "Rites of Passage"
History Channel’s Vikings, which premiered in 2013, is an epic historical drama that explores the legendary Norse hero Ragnar Lothbrok and his rise from a simple farmer to a powerful Viking chieftain. The first episode, Rites of Passage, sets the stage for the brutal, adventurous, and politically charged world of the Viking Age. This pilot episode does an excellent job of immersing the audience in Norse culture while introducing compelling characters and establishing the conflicts that will drive the series forward.
Plot Summary
The episode opens in 793 A.D., introducing us to Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) and his brother Rollo (Clive Standen) on the battlefield. After a brutal fight against a Baltic tribe, Ragnar experiences a vision of the Norse god Odin, surrounded by Valkyries collecting the souls of fallen warriors. This mystical imagery immediately sets the tone for the show's blend of historical realism and Norse mythology.
Returning home to Kattegat, a small Viking settlement in present-day Norway, Ragnar is eager for new adventures. He dreams of sailing west, believing that rich, unexplored lands lie beyond the sea. However, his ambitions are met with resistance from Earl Haraldson (Gabriel Byrne), the region's ruler, who insists that raids should only be conducted eastward, as they have always been.
Meanwhile, we are introduced to Ragnar’s wife, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), a fierce shieldmaiden, and their children, Bjorn and Gyda. Ragnar’s son, Bjorn, is on the verge of manhood and undergoes a coming-of-age ritual, signifying the episode’s title, Rites of Passage.
Determined to defy the Earl’s authority, Ragnar secretly recruits his friend Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård), an eccentric but brilliant shipbuilder, to construct a revolutionary new longship that can withstand the open sea. The episode ends with Ragnar and Rollo preparing for their secret voyage west, setting the stage for future conflicts.
Review & Analysis
1. Strong World-Building & Historical Authenticity
One of the most impressive aspects of Rites of Passage is how it immerses the audience in Viking culture. The show portrays their society, traditions, and mythology with remarkable attention to detail. The episode features rituals, laws, and beliefs that shape Viking life, such as the reverence for Odin, the coming-of-age ceremony for Bjorn, and the power struggles within Kattegat.
Costume design, set construction, and cinematography all contribute to a highly immersive world. The village of Kattegat feels authentic, from its longhouses to the rugged Nordic landscapes. The battle scenes, though not overly large in scale, effectively depict the brutal and gritty nature of Viking warfare.
2. Ragnar Lothbrok: A Charismatic Protagonist
Travis Fimmel delivers a captivating performance as Ragnar. He is charismatic yet mysterious, ambitious yet cunning. Unlike the other Vikings, who are content with tradition, Ragnar is a visionary, fascinated by the possibilities of exploration and innovation. His interactions with his son Bjorn, his wife Lagertha, and his brother Rollo provide insight into his complex personality—he is a loving father, a devoted husband, but also a man whose ambition might one day lead to conflict.
The scene where he teaches Bjorn about the "Thing" (Viking assembly) and explains the difference between free men and slaves is particularly significant, showing Ragnar’s intelligence and leadership qualities.
3. Lagertha: A Strong Female Lead
Katheryn Winnick’s Lagertha is introduced as a strong, independent warrior. Unlike the stereotypical medieval wife, she is a shieldmaiden, capable of fighting alongside men. When two men attempt to assault her while Ragnar is away, she swiftly defeats them in a brief but powerful fight scene, proving she is more than just a supporting character.
Lagertha’s relationship with Ragnar is also notable. There is a clear mutual respect and love between them, but her fiery personality and strong will suggest future conflicts as Ragnar’s ambitions grow.
4. Rollo: The Jealous Brother
Clive Standen’s Rollo is introduced as Ragnar’s loyal but deeply resentful brother. While he fights alongside Ragnar, it is clear that he harbors envy and ambition. When he makes advances toward Lagertha in Ragnar’s absence, it hints at his desire to have what Ragnar possesses—not just power, but also love and respect.
His loyalty is questionable, making him an intriguing wildcard in future episodes.
5. The Conflict with Earl Haraldson
Gabriel Byrne portrays Earl Haraldson as a ruler who is more interested in maintaining control than embracing change. Unlike Ragnar, who seeks new opportunities, Haraldson is paranoid and resistant to anything that threatens his rule. His decision to dismiss Ragnar’s idea of sailing west sets up an inevitable power struggle.
Haraldson is not portrayed as a cartoonish villain; rather, he represents the old way of thinking, creating a compelling ideological conflict between tradition vs. innovation.
6. Floki: The Eccentric Genius
Gustaf Skarsgård’s Floki is introduced as an odd but brilliant shipbuilder. He is immediately one of the most memorable characters, with his manic energy and deep connection to the gods. His introduction provides a touch of humor while also showcasing the Vikings' seafaring ingenuity. His new ship design, which allows greater maneuverability, is crucial to Ragnar’s dream of traveling west.
7. Visual & Cinematic Strengths
The cinematography in Rites of Passage is stunning. The episode makes excellent use of natural landscapes, with sweeping shots of Norway’s fjords and forests, reinforcing the raw beauty of the Viking world. The use of light and shadow during Odin’s vision gives the episode an almost mystical feel, blending historical realism with mythological elements.
8. Themes of Fate and Destiny
The episode weaves in Norse mythology and themes of fate. Ragnar’s vision of Odin suggests that he is destined for greatness, while Rollo’s jealousy hints at an inevitable betrayal. The Vikings’ belief in predetermined destiny plays a significant role in shaping their actions, making the story feel both grounded in history and larger than life.
Final Verdict
Rites of Passage is a strong and compelling pilot episode that successfully sets the tone for Vikings. It establishes its world with rich historical detail, introduces complex characters, and lays the foundation for future conflicts. Travis Fimmel’s Ragnar is instantly charismatic, Lagertha is a strong and independent female lead, and the political intrigue within Kattegat promises plenty of drama.
While the episode is slow-paced at times, focusing more on world-building than action, it effectively hooks the audience with compelling storytelling, beautiful cinematography, and a fascinating glimpse into Viking culture.
Rating: 8.5/10
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