Floki, the enigmatic shipbuilder and devout believer, captured the hearts of Vikings fans with his eccentric personality and unwavering faith. After a presumed death in Iceland at the end of season 5, his absence left a void. The question on everyone’s mind was: when would he return? Floki finally reappears in Season 6, Episode 19, titled “What Happened in the Cave.” This momentous episode marks his long-awaited return, offering closure on his Icelandic journey and potentially impacting the final events of the series.
Floki’s Triumphant (and Mysterious) Re-emergence
After years of isolation and presumed demise in Iceland, Floki’s return in “What Happened in the Cave” is nothing short of dramatic. We find him living a simple life among the Indigenous peoples of North America, specifically in a settlement discovered by Ubbe and his fellow explorers. He is significantly older, more serene, and appears to have found a form of peace that eluded him in his previous life. This encounter provides Ubbe with much-needed guidance and a profound understanding of the true meaning of faith and acceptance.
The Context of His Return
Floki’s journey to Iceland was driven by a desire to establish a new Viking settlement based on faith and piety. However, the harsh realities of survival and the settlers’ internal conflicts shattered his utopian vision. He ultimately entered a cave he believed to be a sacred space of the gods, only to witness a volcanic eruption that trapped him. Presumed dead, his fate remained uncertain until this episode.
The Impact on Ubbe’s Storyline
Floki’s encounter with Ubbe is pivotal to the latter’s arc. Ubbe, grappling with the challenges of leading his group in the new land and questioning his own faith, finds solace and direction in Floki’s wisdom. Floki’s acceptance of the Indigenous people and his embrace of peace serve as a powerful lesson for Ubbe, influencing his decisions and shaping the future of the settlement. He provides a bridge between the old Norse world and the new one.
Frequently Asked Questions about Floki’s Return
Here are some frequently asked questions to delve deeper into Floki’s return and its significance:
1. What led to Floki’s disappearance in Season 5?
Floki, disillusioned by the violence and betrayal within the Viking world, sought to establish a new, peaceful settlement in Iceland. However, the harsh conditions and the settlers’ inability to live in harmony led to constant conflict. Deeply saddened and believing he had failed the gods, Floki entered a cave he thought was sacred, only to be caught in a volcanic eruption. He was presumed dead as a result of this event.
2. Did the showrunners ever hint at Floki’s return before Season 6, Episode 19?
While there were no explicit confirmations, the showrunners intentionally left Floki’s fate ambiguous. They consistently refused to definitively state that he was dead, fueling speculation among fans and hinting at the possibility of his survival. This ambiguity served to heighten the impact of his eventual return.
3. Where exactly does Ubbe find Floki in Season 6?
Ubbe finds Floki living among the Indigenous peoples of North America. This settlement is located in what is believed to be present-day Newfoundland or Labrador, Canada. The specific location is not explicitly stated, but the landscape and Indigenous culture provide clues.
4. How has Floki changed since his time in Iceland?
Floki has undergone a significant transformation. He appears much older and more weathered, but more importantly, he has found a sense of peace and acceptance that was previously absent. He has abandoned his earlier zealotry and embraced a more tolerant worldview, influenced by his interaction with the Indigenous people. He is more reflective and less driven by his previous violent tendencies.
5. What language does Floki speak to the Indigenous people?
The language spoken between Floki and the Indigenous people isn’t specifically identified in the show. However, the interactions suggest a level of understanding, likely through a combination of sign language, basic vocabulary exchange, and possibly some shared Proto-Norse linguistic roots, given the long history of trade and contact between Norse populations and indigenous groups in other regions.
6. What role does Floki play in the Indigenous community?
Floki lives as a respected member of the Indigenous community. He is no longer a leader or a religious figurehead. Instead, he participates in their daily lives, learning from their customs and contributing his skills and knowledge where appropriate. He seems to be functioning as an elder, sharing wisdom gained from his experiences.
7. Why is Floki’s return so important to Ubbe’s storyline?
Floki’s return provides Ubbe with much-needed guidance and a sense of closure. Ubbe is struggling with his own faith and the challenges of leading his group in a new and unfamiliar land. Floki’s wisdom and acceptance of the Indigenous people inspire Ubbe to embrace peace and understanding, ultimately shaping his decisions and the future of the settlement. It confirms Ubbe’s instincts about seeking a better future.
8. Does Floki regret his actions in the past, particularly his role in Ragnar’s death?
While Floki doesn’t explicitly state his regret for his past actions, his changed demeanor and his embrace of peace suggest a deep introspection and a sense of remorse. He seems to have come to terms with his past mistakes and is striving to live a more virtuous life. His actions indicate a desire to atone for his earlier violent acts.
9. Will Floki ever return to Scandinavia?
There is no indication that Floki intends to return to Scandinavia. He seems content with his life among the Indigenous people and has found a sense of belonging and purpose in this new world. He has effectively abandoned his old life and embraced a new identity.
10. How does Floki’s return affect the overall ending of the Vikings series?
Floki’s return provides a sense of closure to his storyline and offers a hopeful vision of the future. It reinforces the themes of peace, acceptance, and the possibility of redemption. His presence in North America suggests that the Viking spirit of exploration and adaptation can lead to positive outcomes, even in the face of adversity.
11. What symbolic meaning can be attributed to Floki’s new life?
Floki’s new life can be interpreted as a symbol of renewal and transformation. He represents the possibility of escaping the cycle of violence and embracing a more peaceful and harmonious existence. His integration into the Indigenous community suggests that cultural exchange and understanding can lead to a better future for all. His journey represents a rejection of the old ways and an embrace of a new, more enlightened path.
12. Is there any historical basis for the presence of Norse individuals in North America during this period?
Yes. While the show “Vikings” takes significant liberties with historical accuracy, archaeological evidence confirms that Norse explorers, led by Leif Erikson, did establish a settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland around 1000 AD. This confirms the possibility of Norse contact and interaction with Indigenous populations in North America, providing a factual basis for Floki’s fictional experience.
Conclusion: A Testament to Redemption and Transformation
Floki’s return in Season 6, Episode 19 is not just a fan-pleasing moment; it’s a profound narrative culmination. His journey from a devout zealot to a peaceful member of an Indigenous community embodies the themes of redemption, transformation, and the enduring power of the human spirit. His encounter with Ubbe provides a crucial turning point in the latter’s journey, ultimately shaping the future of the Viking settlement in North America and leaving a lasting impact on the series’ legacy.