Athelstan, the Saxon priest caught between two worlds, meets his tragic end in Vikings Season 3, Episode 6, titled “Born Again.” His death, a pivotal moment in the series, dramatically alters the trajectories of Ragnar Lothbrok, King Ecbert, and Floki, leaving an indelible mark on the show’s narrative.
Athelstan’s Final Moments: A Detailed Analysis
Athelstan’s journey in Vikings is one of profound spiritual conflict. Captured by Ragnar during a raid on Lindisfarne, Athelstan is torn between his Christian faith and the allure of the Norse gods and culture. He becomes a trusted friend and advisor to Ragnar, learning their language and customs, and even participating in their raids. He fathers a child, Alfred, with Judith, the wife of King Aelle of Northumbria. Throughout his time with the Vikings, however, his faith is constantly tested. He experiences periods of intense devotion to both Christianity and the Norse gods, struggling to reconcile the two.
In Season 3, Athelstan’s internal struggle reaches its peak. After a period of reverting to his Christian faith, he experiences a vision of Valhalla and a crucifix, solidifying his commitment to Christianity. He crafts a cross and wears it openly, openly displaying his restored faith. It is this unwavering devotion that ultimately leads to his downfall.
Floki, who deeply believes in the Norse gods and harbors suspicion and resentment towards Athelstan’s influence on Ragnar, sees Athelstan’s open display of Christianity as blasphemy. He believes he is acting on the will of the gods when he murders Athelstan, believing he is preventing the priest from leading Ragnar astray.
The scene itself is chillingly simple. Floki enters Athelstan’s home while he is praying. Without a word, Floki strikes Athelstan with an axe, killing him instantly. The act is swift and brutal, reflecting Floki’s unwavering conviction and his belief in the necessity of his actions.
The Repercussions of Athelstan’s Death
Athelstan’s death sends ripples throughout the series. Here are some of the most significant consequences:
Ragnar’s Grief and Quest for Vengeance
Ragnar is deeply affected by Athelstan’s death. He is genuinely saddened by the loss of his friend and confidant. While he doesn’t openly display his grief, it manifests in his actions and decisions. He becomes obsessed with avenging Athelstan’s death, leading him to forge an unlikely alliance with King Ecbert to punish Floki. This desire for vengeance fuels his subsequent actions and strategic decisions.
Floki’s Internal Turmoil
While Floki believes he is acting in accordance with the will of the gods, he is also troubled by his actions. He feels guilt and remorse, but remains convinced that he did what was necessary. This internal conflict contributes to his growing isolation and erratic behavior throughout the following seasons. His relationship with Ragnar is irrevocably damaged, marked by suspicion and distrust.
The Shifting Dynamics Between Ragnar and Ecbert
Athelstan served as a crucial bridge between Ragnar and Ecbert. His understanding of both cultures and his ability to communicate between them facilitated their complex and often manipulative relationship. With Athelstan gone, the dynamic between Ragnar and Ecbert shifts, becoming more adversarial and less reliant on mutual understanding. While they still maintain a facade of friendship and cooperation, the trust between them erodes.
Impact on Alfred the Great
Athelstan’s legacy lives on through his son, Alfred. While Alfred is still a child when Athelstan dies, the knowledge of his father’s faith and the stories told about him influence Alfred’s own spiritual and political development. Alfred eventually becomes Alfred the Great, a pivotal figure in English history, and his father’s experiences undoubtedly shaped his worldview and leadership.
Athelstan’s Enduring Legacy
Despite his relatively short life, Athelstan leaves an indelible mark on the Vikings series. He represents the clash of cultures and religions, the struggle between faith and doubt, and the complexities of human relationships. His death serves as a catalyst for significant plot developments and character transformations, solidifying his position as one of the most important figures in the show. He exemplified the difficult and often painful process of understanding, bridging cultural divides, and finding one’s own spiritual path. His influence is felt long after his death, resonating through the actions and decisions of those who knew him.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Athelstan really a historical figure?
While the Vikings series takes liberties with historical accuracy, the character of Athelstan is loosely based on historical figures. Anglo-Saxon England did have its share of religious and cultural interaction with Norse invaders. However, the specific details of Athelstan’s life as portrayed in the show are largely fictionalized for dramatic purposes.
2. Why did Floki kill Athelstan?
Floki killed Athelstan because he believed Athelstan’s Christian faith was corrupting Ragnar and leading him away from the Norse gods. Floki saw Athelstan as a threat to the Norse way of life and believed he was acting on behalf of the gods by eliminating him. He genuinely saw it as a necessary act of devotion and protection.
3. How did Ragnar react to Athelstan’s death?
Ragnar reacted to Athelstan’s death with a deep sense of personal loss and a burning desire for revenge. He did not outwardly display his grief in a traditional Viking manner, but his actions spoke volumes. He plotted to avenge Athelstan’s death, ultimately leading to a complex series of events that solidified his relationship with King Ecbert and led to Floki’s punishment.
4. Did Athelstan choose Christianity over the Norse gods?
While Athelstan grappled with both faiths throughout the series, he ultimately reaffirmed his commitment to Christianity before his death. He openly wore a cross and prayed, demonstrating his renewed devotion. This open display of faith sealed his fate with Floki.
5. How did Athelstan and Ragnar meet?
Athelstan and Ragnar met during Ragnar’s first raid on Lindisfarne, a monastery in Northumbria. Athelstan was captured and brought back to Kattegat as a slave. Ragnar quickly recognized Athelstan’s intelligence and potential, leading to their close relationship.
6. What was Athelstan’s relationship with King Ecbert?
Athelstan and King Ecbert shared a complex and intellectual bond. They were both fascinated by each other’s cultures and religions, and they engaged in philosophical discussions. Ecbert saw Athelstan as a valuable source of information about the Viking world, while Athelstan admired Ecbert’s intellect and ambition.
7. Did Athelstan have any children?
Yes, Athelstan had a son named Alfred with Judith, the wife of King Aelle of Northumbria. Alfred later became Alfred the Great, a significant figure in English history.
8. How did Athelstan influence Ragnar’s decisions?
Athelstan’s knowledge of Christian culture and his insights into the political landscape of England greatly influenced Ragnar’s decisions. He provided Ragnar with valuable information and helped him navigate the complex relationships between the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons.
9. What was the significance of Athelstan’s cross?
Athelstan’s cross symbolized his restored faith in Christianity. It represented his internal struggle and his ultimate decision to embrace his Christian beliefs. His open display of the cross directly triggered Floki’s actions.
10. Did Athelstan ever regret leaving Lindisfarne?
While Athelstan experienced periods of longing for his former life at Lindisfarne, he also found meaning and purpose in his relationship with Ragnar and his experiences in the Viking world. He grappled with feelings of guilt and confusion, but he ultimately embraced his new identity and the challenges that came with it.
11. How is Athelstan remembered in the series after his death?
Athelstan is remembered fondly by Ragnar and King Ecbert, who both reflect on his wisdom and influence. His son, Alfred, carries on his legacy, shaping England through the influence of his father’s teachings and perspective. He is remembered as a symbol of cultural understanding and spiritual conflict.
12. What impact did Athelstan’s death have on the overall plot of Vikings?
Athelstan’s death served as a major turning point in the series. It deepened the conflict between Ragnar and Floki, altered the dynamic between Ragnar and Ecbert, and set the stage for future conflicts and alliances. It also introduced the character of Alfred, who plays a significant role in the later seasons of the show, shaping the political landscape of England and influencing Viking expansion. His death directly caused a domino effect of events.