Vikings (season 6)

The sixth and final season of the historical drama television series Vikings premiered on December 4, 2019, on History in Canada.[1] The series broadly follows the exploits of the legendary Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok and his crew, and later those of his sons. The first season of the series begins at the start of the Viking Age, marked by the Lindisfarne raid in 793 AD.

Vikings
Season 6
Promotional poster
Starring
Country of originCanada / Ireland
No. of episodes10
Release
Original networkHistory
Original releasePart 1:
December 4, 2019 (2019-12-04) –
February 5, 2020 (2020-02-05)
Season chronology

The sixth season consists of a double order of twenty episodes, split into two parts of ten episodes; the second half will premiere in 2020.[1] The season mainly focuses on King Bjorn's reign over Kattegat, Ivar's adventures in Rus', and Ubbe's expedition to Iceland.

Cast
Main article: List of Vikings characters

Main

Recurring
  • Lucy Martin as Ingrid, a slave serving Gunnhild and Bjorn in Kattegat
  • Kieran O'Reilly as White Hair, Ivar's former bodyguard and an outlaw
  • Kristy Dawn Dinsmore as Amma, a shield-maiden in Kattegat who is fond of Hvitserk
  • Andrei Claude as Ganbaatar, Oleg's captain
  • Elodie Curry as Asa, Bjorn and Torvi's daughter
  • Ryan Henson as Hali, Bjorn and Torvi's son
  • Adam Copeland as Kjetill Flatnose (/ʃjetil/), the chief of the Icelandic settlement
  • Lenn Kudrjawizki as Prince Dir of Novgorod, Oleg's brother
  • Oran Glynn O'Donovan as Prince Igor of Kiev, the preadolescent heir of Kiev and Oleg's ward
  • Serena Kennedy as Anna, Dir's wife
  • Steven Berkoff as King Olaf the Stout
  • Conn Rogers as Canute, a member of King Olaf's court
  • Eve Connolly as Thora, Hvitserk's murdered love interest, appearing in his delusions
  • Gina Costigan as Runa, a former shield-maiden at Lagertha's village
  • David Sterne as Gudmund, an old man at Lagertha's village
  • Kathy Monahan as Eira, a former shield-maiden at Lagertha's village
  • Oisin Murray as Tarben, a young boy at Lagertha's village
  • Aoibheann McCann as Skadi, a shield-maiden under Gunnhild's command
  • Alicia Agneson as Princess Katia, Oleg's wife
  • Fredrik Hiller as Jarl Thorkell the Tall, one of the jarls of Norway and a rival to Bjorn
  • Amy De Braún as Jarl Hrolf, one the jarls of Norway
  • Mishaël Lopes Cardozo as King Hakon, one of the kings of Norway and a rival to Bjorn
  • Kelly Campbell as Ingvild, Kjetill's wife
  • Scott Graham as Frodi, Kjetill's son

Guest
  • Martin Maloney as Vigrid, Ivar's travel companion
  • Blake Kubena as Prince Askold of Novgorod, Oleg's brother
  • Sandy Kennedy as Sylvi, a former shield-maiden at Lagertha's village
  • Neil Keery as Alexei, a guard in Kiev
  • Jinny Lofthouse as Hild, a shield-maiden under Gunnhild's command
  • Emma Willis as Gyda, a shield maiden that volunteers as a sacrifice
  • Karen Connell as the Angel of Death, a völva
  • Adam Winnick as Rangvald, Harald's captain
  • Emma Eliza Regan as Aoife, a villager from Istrehågan
  • Ronan Summers as Herigar, one of Erik's warriors

Norwegian actor and YouTuber Per Fredrik Åsly (better known as PelleK) appears in "All The Prisoners", "The Key" and "Resurrection" as an envoy from Ubbe's trade expedition. Polish singer Anna Maria Jopek appears in "Death and the Serpent", performing the song "Lagertha's Lament" alongside musician Maciej Rychly. She returns in "The Ice Maiden" to dub Georgia Hirst as Torvi when she sings at Lagertha's funeral.

Episodes
See also: List of Vikings episodes
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
Part 1
701"New Beginnings"Steve Saint LegerMichael HirstDecember 4, 2019 (2019-12-04)
Ivar and his bodyguard Vigrid travel the Silk Road. As they enter Kievan Rus', they are captured by men loyal to prince Oleg the Prophet. After torturing and dismembering Vigrid, Oleg finds out Ivar's full story and takes an interest in the exiled king. The pair form an uneasy friendship after Oleg reveals how he murdered his unfaithful wife. Oleg discloses to Ivar that he plans to reclaim the Rus' people's ancestral lands in Scandinavia and invites Ivar to join him. In Kattegat, Bjorn outlaws White Hair and Ivar's remaining retainers. Lagertha announces her plan to retire and rebuild her old farm, and live out the rest of her life in obscurity. Messengers arrive and inform Bjorn that king Olaf has occupied king Harald's kingdom and holds him captive. Having saved Bjorn's life twice, he is asking for his aid in reclaiming his freedom and lands.
712"The Prophet"Steve Saint LegerMichael HirstDecember 4, 2019 (2019-12-04)
Against Lagertha's advice, Bjorn decides to go to Harald's aid. Kjetill returns to Kattegat in search of new settlers to help build Iceland. Ubbe is interested in following him as Kjetill claims that one of the settlers is the fabled Othere, who has sighted a new land west of Iceland. Kjetill says Floki has vanished, raising the suspicion of Bjorn. Bjorn browbeats Kjetill into joining his war party. In Kievan Rus' Oleg and Ivar travel to Novgorod to meet Oleg's brother Askold and retrieve Oleg's nephew Igor, the heir to the kingdom. Oleg has Askold poisoned, while Ivar forms a connection with Igor. Oleg's other brother Dir soon arrives to arrest Oleg, but when Oleg shows apparent prophetic power by producing Dir's secret wife Anna, Dir is forced to let them go.
723"Ghosts, Gods and Running Dogs"Steve Saint LegerMichael HirstDecember 11, 2019 (2019-12-11)
After returning to Kiev with Igor and Ivar, Oleg has Dir attacked and imprisoned. While Ivar teaches Igor Old Norse, they discover Dir mutilated and bound like a dog. The sight amuses Igor, but troubles Ivar. In Kattegat, Bjorn is seduced by Gunnhild's servant Ingrid. As he leaves to rescue Harald he places Ubbe in command while leaving his children Hali and Asa with Lagertha. Ubbe announces plans to send Hvitserk on a trade expedition along the Silk Road. Hvitserk is tormented by visions of his murdered lover Thora and Aslaug's murder. Lagertha's neighbors are attacked and raped by White Hair and the other bandits, so they seek Lagertha's help. In Vestfold, Harald has befriended Olaf's steward Canute and attempts to convince him to release him. Canute says that Bjorn has arrived to liberate him. Bjorn and his warriors attempt to swim into the harbor, but Olaf has put oil in the water to set the bay ablaze. Bjorn is forced to retreat.
734"All the Prisoners"David FrazeeMichael HirstDecember 18, 2019 (2019-12-18)
Bjorn's army is surrounded by Olaf's. Kjetill confesses to Bjorn that he murdered Eyvind and his family but had nothing to do with Floki's disappearance; Bjorn remains skeptical. In Kiev, Ivar secretly undermines Oleg: he reminds Igor that everything in Rus' is his, and promises Dir that he will help him escape in return for his support against Oleg. Oleg informs Ivar that he is gathering an army to invade Scandinavia, and Ivar accuses him of using him as a puppet king. White Hair's band attacks Lagertha's village; the farmers fight off the bandits, but many are killed, including Hali. In Kattegat, Gunnhild has a vision of the attack and leaves the city to check up on Lagertha. Ubbe names Hvitserk the leader of a trading party to the Silk Road, but Hvitserk's poor condition makes him miss the boat, causing Ubbe to disown him. Olaf summons Bjorn and Harald and informs them he wants to gather the kings and earls of Norway to vote for a single king to rule the land. Olaf intends for this title to go to Bjorn.
745"The Key"David FrazeeMichael HirstJanuary 1, 2020 (2020-01-01)
Jarl Thorkell arrives in Vestfold and is welcomed by King Olaf. Gunnhild finds Lagertha and learns of Hali's death; she decides to stay and defend the village with her shield-maidens. Hvitserk has another vision of Thora; he swears on his arm ring that he will avenge her death by killing Ivar. Thorkell proposes that anyone among the leaders, not just Bjorn, be allowed to stand in the election; everyone agrees. Bjorn is introduced to Jarl Hrolf and King Hakon. Ivar and Igor free Dir; they are then introduced to Oleg's intended, Princess Katia. Ivar is shocked at her resemblance to Freydis. Hvitserk gives up his arm ring to pay for hallucinogenic mushrooms and beer; while high, he has a cryptic vision of the Seer. King Olaf presents Thorkell, Hakon, Bjorn, and Harald as the four candidates in the election; he then publicly votes for Bjorn. Torvi tells Ingrid that there is no point in waiting for Bjorn's return. Harald votes for Bjorn. An envoy from the trading party to the Silk Road returns and informs Ubbe that Ivar is in Kiev. Ubbe asks Amma to tell Hvitserk, who has a monstrous vision of Ivar.
756"Death and the Serpent"David FrazeeMichael HirstJanuary 8, 2020 (2020-01-08)
White Hair and his bandits attack the village again. The villagers win after a hard battle, which culminates with Lagertha killing White Hair in single combat. Seriously wounded, Lagertha rides back to Kattegat to meet Bjorn. In Kiev, Oleg and Katia are married; later, they torment Ivar by having sex in front of him. In Vestfold, Harald wins the election and is crowned King of All Norway; Harald and Kjetill campaigned for Harald's victory with promises to the various kings and earls, Kjetill being promised kingship of Iceland. Kjetill realizes Harald, distrustful, will have Bjorn killed, so he tells Bjorn. Bjorn and Kjetill are cornered by Harald's men, but are saved by the outlaw Erik, who takes them to his ship. Lagertha arrives in Kattegat; while dragging herself toward the great hall, she has a vision of the Seer. Hvitserk, in a state of delirium, hallucinates Ivar as a serpent and attacks it. As he comes to his senses, he realizes he has actually stabbed Lagertha to death.
767"The Ice Maiden"Steve Saint LegerMichael HirstJanuary 15, 2020 (2020-01-15)
In Kattegat, Lagertha's body is found and Hvitserk is missing. Worried about her children, Torvi travels to Lagertha's farmstead and Asa tells her of Hali's death. In Vestfold, King Hakon pledges allegiance to Harald; when Olaf refuses to do the same, Harald has him imprisoned. Amma locates Hvitserk in the forest and brings him back to Kattegat; Ubbe asks him if he knew of Lagertha's death, but Hvitserk refuses to answer. In Kiev, Ivar is told by a messenger that Dir is in hiding and will help Ivar overthrow Oleg when the time comes. Torvi and Gunnhild organize Lagertha's funeral; a girl named Gyda is sacrificed to follow her in Valhalla. At the funeral pyre, Ubbe, Gunnhild and Torvi say goodbye; Bjorn returns, says goodbye to his mother and swears vengeance for her murder.
778"Valhalla Can Wait"Katheryn WinnickMichael HirstJanuary 22, 2020 (2020-01-22)
Bjorn puts Hvitserk on trial for the murder of Lagertha; Hvitserk confesses and Bjorn sentences him to be burned alive. Ubbe attempts to convince Hvitserk to ask for mercy, but Hvitserk believes he was guided by the gods to avenge Aslaug. When Hvitserk is about to get burned on a pyre, Ubbe saves his life; then, Bjorn bannishes Hvitserk. Later, Gunnhild discovers Bjorn having sex with Ingrid; she suggests that Bjorn take Ingrid as a second wife. Ubbe, Torvi, and Asa travel to Iceland with Kjetill. In Kiev, Oleg sends raiding parties to Scandinavia in preparation for a larger invasion. Igor openly challenges Oleg, who threatens to have him killed if he attempts anything similar again. Igor runs away crying and is comforted by Ivar. One of the Rus' raiding parties sacks Istrehågan and the survivors report to Harald. Olaf warns Harald that an invasion is coming.
789"Resurrection"Daniel GrouMichael HirstJanuary 29, 2020 (2020-01-29)
In Iceland, Ubbe is introduced to Othere, a wanderer who glimpsed the coasts of a Golden Land to the west. Torvi gives birth to a baby and she and Ubbe call him Ragnar. Othere is revealed to be a Christian and a former monk named Athelstan, who took the identity of a dying wanderer called Othere. Ubbe wants to sacrifice Othere to the gods, but he is reminded by Torvi that he himself was once baptised a Christian. Othere later gives Ubbe Floki's wedding ring, saying that he met him before he disappeared; Ubbe is sceptical. In Kattegat, Bjorn takes Ingrid as his second wife, with Gunnhild's blessing. Bjorn asks Erik to patrol his borders; Erik's party is attacked by Ganbaatar and his Rus' soldiers. Bjorn decides to ask Harald to join forces against the Rus' and sends Erik to Vestfold as an envoy. In Vestfold, Harald arrests Erik for being an outlaw and ignores Bjorn's offer. On Olaf's plea, Harald listens to Erik and agrees to join forces with Bjorn. Hvitserk is found by the Rus' and Ivar takes him to Kiev; Hvitserk tells Ivar he killed Lagertha and is later received by Oleg and Katia. An informer tells Ivar that Dir expects him to help overthrow Oleg after the invasion of Scandinavia. Oleg has his army parade outside the city walls, declaring this to be the end of paganism.
7910"The Best Laid Plans"Daniel GrouMichael HirstFebruary 5, 2020 (2020-02-05)
In Vestfold, Bjorn and Harald prepare for the incoming Rus' attack by fortifying the capital's fjord, the river to the north and the beach in between; during the preparations, Gunnhild loses her unborn child. Frustrated with Bjorn having taken a second wife, Harald rapes Ingrid. Of the many kings and earls of Norway, only Thorkell and his men have joined Harald's army. In Kiev, Katia offers herself to Ivar, but he refuses; she later tells him that she is not satisfied with her marriage to Oleg. Ivar helps Oleg plan the invasion and suggests the Rus' attack both the beach and the river to the north, despite the presence of a mountain between the river and the capital. The majority of the Rus' fleet attacks the beach and Harald, Bjorn and Erik lead the defence. Ivar, Hvitserk, Oleg and their men manage to breach the block at the river's mouth, defended by Gunnhild. The Rus' climb the mountain and surround the Viking army at the beach. Thorkell is killed and Harald is seriously wounded; when Erik tries to help him, Harald orders him to retreat. Bjorn continues to fight as his army is overwhelmed; suddenly, Ivar appears and stabs Bjorn with a sword. The Rus' celebrate the victory.

Production

Development

An Irish-Canadian co-production presented by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the sixth and final season of Vikings was developed and produced by TM Productions and Take 5 Productions. Morgan O'Sullivan, Sheila Hockin, Sherry Marsh, Alan Gasmer, James Flynn, John Weber, and Michael Hirst are credited as executive producers. This season was produced by Keith Thompson for the first ten episodes. Bill Goddard and Séamus McInerney act as co-producers.[3]

The production team for this season includes casting directors Frank and Nuala Moiselle, costume designer Susan O'Connor Cave, visual effects supervisor Dominic Remane, stunt action designer Richard Ryan, composer Trevor Morris, production designer Mark Geraghty, editors Aaron Marshall for the first, fourth, eighth and tenth episodes, Tad Seaborn for the second, fifth, seventh and ninth episodes, and Dan Briceno for the third and sixth episodes and cinematographers Peter Robertson for the first, second, third, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth episodes, and Owen McPolin for the fourth, fifth and sixth episodes.[3]

The eighth episode of the season, "Valhalla Can Wait", was directed by actress Katheryn Winnick, who portrays Lagertha in the series.[4]

Casting
The set for Kattegat at Lough Tay, County Wicklow

In September 2017 it was announced that Russian actor Danila Kozlovsky would join the cast for the sixth season as Oleg of Novgorod, the 10th century Varangian ruler of the Kievan Rus people.[2]

Filming

This final season is set in areas corresponding to modern Ukraine and Norway, but filming locations included Vik, Norway, standing in for the home of the Rus' Vikings of Kiev, and County Wicklow, Ireland. Some scenes were also shot outside Dublin, at the River Boyne (County Meath), Blessington lakes and Powerscourt Waterfall, Powerscourt Estate (County Wicklow) and at Nuns Beach at Ballybunion (County Kerry). Scenes that take place in Kattegat were shot in Lough Tay (County Wicklow). Ashford Studios (County Wicklow) were again used as the base for production; scenes requiring the use of green screens for CGI were shot at the studios' property.[5][6]

Music
The Vikings Final Season (Music from the TV Series)
Soundtrack album by
Trevor Morris
ReleasedDecember 6, 2019 (2019-12-06)
GenreSoundtrack
Length65:45
LabelSony Classical Records

The musical score for the sixth and final season was composed by Trevor Morris. Einar Selvik did not return to collaborate with Morris on original music for the final season. The opening sequence is again accompanied by the song "If I Had a Heart" by Fever Ray.

The soundtrack album was released on December 6, 2019 by Sony Classical Records.[7] Two original songs not included in the album are "Lament for Lagertha" and "Lagertha's Funeral Music", both written by Maciej Rychly & Alicja Bral and performed by Anna Maria Jopek and the Goat Theater Performers, featured in "Death and the Serpent" and "The Ice Maiden", respectively.[8] The Skaldic version of "Snake Pit Poetry", an original song by Einar Selvik which was first included in "All His Angels", is featured in "The Best Laid Plans".

Additional non-original music by Norwegian music group Wardruna is featured in the episodes "Ghosts, Gods and Running Dogs", "The Key" and "The Ice Maiden". The featured tracks are "Tyr", "Helvegen" and "Isa".

Music by Danish folk project Danheim is also featured in this season's soundtrack in the episodes "Resurrection", "The Best Laid Plans" and episode 13.[9] The featured tracks are "Vanheimr", "Tyrfing", "Floki's Last Journey", "Gripir" and "Munarvagr".[10]

Additional music by folk band Heilung is featured in the episode "The Best Laid Plans".[11] The featured tracks are "Fylgija Ear", "Hamrer Hippyer" and "Alfadhirhaiti".

Track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Ivar Travels the Silk Road"02:36
2."Bjorn Banishes Ivar's Supporters"02:37
3."Rus Vikings"02:27
4."Bjorn & Gunnhild Bed"01:44
5."The Road to Novgorod"00:56
6."Settlement Raided"02:53
7."After the Raid"02:16
8."Reflections on a Hero"02:23
9."Bjorn Returns Home"02:22
10."Bjorn Vows Revenge"02:54
11."Kattegat Celebrates the Fallen"01:52
12."Reunion and Final Rest"01:39
13."Hvitserk Pays a Price"01:59
14."Rus Attack Discovered"01:11
15."Torvi Sees Hali"01:42
16."Death of a Tyrant"01:49
17."A Complicated Ceremony"03:16
18."To Valhalla"03:02
19."An Epiphany"01:02
20."Ragnar's Dream Fulfilled"02:48
21."Prophecy from The Seer"02:17
22."Battle Plan"01:37
23."Forest Battle"03:38
24."Turning Point"03:58
25."A King Falls"01:50
26."Tales of Iceland"01:53
27."A Caution"01:12
28."Brotherhood"02:40
29."Hvitserk's Choice"03:12
Total length:65:45

Notes
  1. Georgia Hirst is credited as a series regular from episode 9 onwards. From episode 1 to 8, she is credited as a guest star.
  2. Ragga Ragnars is credited as a series regular from episode 9 onwards. From episode 1 to 8, she is credited as a guest star.

References
  1. Matt Webb Mitovich (October 7, 2019). "Vikings Final Season Gets Premiere Date and Trailer — Creator Promises a 'Proper and Definitive Ending'". TVLine. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  2. Andreeva, Nellie (12 September 2017). "'Vikings': Russian Actor Danila Kozlovsky To Star In Season 6 Of History Series".
  3. Vikings. Season 6. December 2019. History.
  4. Tsoumbakos, Rachel (December 3, 2019). "'Vikings' Season 6: Katheryn Winnick To Make Directorial Debut In 'Epic And Amazing' Episode 8". Inquisitr. Retrieved December 13, 2019.
  5. "Vikings Season 6 Filming Locations Guide: Where is Vikings filmed?". Atlas of Wonders. 10 October 2019. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  6. "Vikings season 6 location: Where is Vikings filmed? Where is it set?". The Express. 5 December 2019. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  7. "The Vikings Final Season (Music from the TV Series)". Apple Music. Apple Inc. December 6, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
  8. Tsoumbakos, Rachel (January 8, 2020). "'Vikings' Season 6: What Is The Name Of The Song Featured In Episode 6?". Inquisitr. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  9. Panigrahi, Madhuparna (January 30, 2020). "'Vikings' Season 6 Episode 9: Artist Danheim's music has fans asking for more Norwegian folk melodies". Meaww.com. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  10. "Post by Danheim on Facebook". Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  11. Panigrahi, Madhuparna (February 6, 2020). "'Vikings' Season 6: Four Norwegian artists whose music make the show's final season a memorable experience". Meaww.com. Retrieved February 6, 2020.
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