The final episode of Vikings, “The Last Act,” is a poignant and emotionally charged conclusion focusing on King Bjorn Ironside’s legacy and the complex fates of his surviving brothers as they navigate the consequences of their past actions and chart a course for the future of Norway and the newly discovered North American lands. It primarily explores themes of death, destiny, faith, and the cyclical nature of power, offering closure for key characters and hinting at the future generations who will inherit the Vikings’ world.
The Emotional Core of “The Last Act”
The episode avoids neatly tied endings, instead opting for a more realistic and bittersweet portrayal of the Viking age coming to a close. Bjorn’s death in the previous episode casts a long shadow, and “The Last Act” serves as both a memorial to him and a catalyst for the remaining characters’ choices. The primary focus shifts to Ubbe, who finally reaches the shores of North America (Vinland), only to face the stark reality of a land less idyllic than he imagined.
While Ubbe’s storyline offers a sense of closure and a glimpse of a peaceful, if uncertain, future, the situation in Norway remains fraught with conflict. Ivar, now reconciled with Hvitserk, embarks on a perilous journey to confront King Alfred in England, fully aware of the potential cost. This journey is not about conquest but about protecting the Viking settlements and ensuring the survival of his people, even at the expense of his own life.
The episode deliberately avoids presenting definitive victories or defeats. Instead, it emphasizes the cyclical nature of power and the inevitability of change. The old gods are fading, replaced by a growing awareness of Christianity, but the Viking spirit – the courage, the ambition, and the thirst for adventure – endures.
Key Moments and Character Arcs
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Ubbe in Vinland: The arrival in Vinland marks a significant achievement, fulfilling Ubbe’s dream of finding a new land free from the conflicts of Europe. However, the encounter with the indigenous people and the presence of Floki, now a solitary and disillusioned figure, reveals the complexities and challenges of colonization.
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Ivar and Hvitserk in England: Ivar’s final stand against the Anglo-Saxons, alongside Hvitserk, is a powerful and tragic moment. Ivar, weakened by his brittle bone disease, understands that his life is nearing its end and uses his final strength to lead the Viking forces. His death, a consequence of a seemingly insignificant wound, underscores the fragility of even the greatest warriors.
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The Legacy of Bjorn: Bjorn’s memory hangs heavy throughout the episode, influencing the decisions of his brothers and shaping the future of Norway. His strategic brilliance and dedication to his people serve as a constant reminder of the leadership now missing.
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The Fate of Hvitserk: Hvitserk, having endured immense suffering and loss, finally finds solace in Christianity, choosing to be baptized and take a new name. His conversion signifies a profound shift in his life and a potential path towards redemption.
Symbolism and Themes
The episode is rich in symbolism, using visual cues and dialogue to convey deeper meanings. The vast landscapes of Vinland represent both opportunity and the unknown, while the battlefields of England symbolize the clash between Viking and Christian cultures. The recurring motif of the sea underscores the Vikings’ connection to their origins and their relentless pursuit of new horizons.
The overarching themes of the episode include:
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The Cyclical Nature of History: The episode suggests that history repeats itself, with new generations facing similar challenges and conflicts as their predecessors.
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The Inevitability of Change: The Viking age is drawing to a close, and the episode acknowledges the inevitable shift in power and the rise of new religions and ideologies.
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The Search for Meaning: Each character grapples with their own mortality and seeks meaning in their lives, whether through conquest, exploration, faith, or family.
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The Enduring Power of the Human Spirit: Despite the challenges and setbacks they face, the characters demonstrate resilience, courage, and a determination to survive.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Episode
What exactly happened to Ivar the Boneless at the end of Vikings?
Ivar dies in battle against the Anglo-Saxons in England. He willingly enters the fray, knowing his brittle bone disease makes him vulnerable. He’s fatally wounded by a common soldier’s blade, a stark contrast to his legendary status and a symbol of his vulnerability despite his strategic brilliance. His death is also seen as a self-sacrifice to give the Vikings a fighting chance.
Why did Ivar allow himself to be killed?
Ivar’s actions are multi-layered. He knew his disease was worsening, and he sought to protect the Viking settlements in England. Additionally, he wanted Hvitserk to escape the Viking way of life and find peace. Subconsciously, his ego and strategic mind would have also acknowledged that the Vikings needed a heroic, albeit final, stand.
What happened to Ubbe in Vinland?
Ubbe reaches Vinland and initially believes he has found paradise. However, he encounters conflict with the indigenous population and discovers that Floki, who arrived years prior, is disillusioned with the idea of a perfect new world. Ultimately, Ubbe and his group attempt to co-exist peacefully with the natives, accepting the realities of this new land.
Why was Floki in Vinland?
Floki, heartbroken by the violence and corruption within the Viking community, sought a new spiritual beginning in Vinland. He believed he could find a place to live in harmony with nature and escape the sins of his past. However, he finds that even in Vinland, human nature can be problematic.
What does Ubbe’s storyline in Vinland represent?
Ubbe’s storyline in Vinland represents the potential for peace and co-existence, but also the inherent challenges of colonization and cultural differences. It explores themes of environmentalism, respect for indigenous cultures, and the disillusionment that can come with the pursuit of an idealized vision.
Why did Hvitserk convert to Christianity?
Hvitserk’s conversion to Christianity is the culmination of a long and arduous journey. He has witnessed immense suffering, experienced profound loss, and struggled with his own demons. He finds solace and a sense of peace in the Christian faith, offering him a path towards redemption and a life free from the violence of the Viking world.
What significance does Hvitserk’s Christian name have?
While the specific Christian name given to Hvitserk isn’t emphasized, the act of receiving a new name symbolizes a complete transformation and a break from his Viking past. It signifies his acceptance of a new identity and a new path in life.
What was King Alfred’s role in the last episode?
King Alfred appears briefly but remains a looming presence. He represents the opposing force to the Vikings in England, and his victory over Ivar and the Viking army marks a significant turning point in the Anglo-Saxon resistance. His shrewdness and diplomatic skills are implicitly acknowledged, showing he could hold the Vikings back when outright war was not the solution.
Why wasn’t Lagertha in the final episode?
Lagertha died earlier in the series, killed by Hvitserk in a drug-induced haze. Her absence in the final episode highlights the cyclical nature of life and death and the enduring impact she had on the characters and the Viking world. Her death was a pivotal moment that influenced the paths of her sons and shaped the events leading up to the final episode.
What is the overall message of the Vikings series finale?
The overall message is that everything changes. The Viking age is coming to an end, and the characters are forced to adapt to new realities. It’s a story about legacy, the search for meaning, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. There are no clear winners, and the consequences of actions are felt across generations.
How does the ending of Vikings set up the sequel series, “Vikings: Valhalla”?
While “The Last Act” provides closure for many of the original characters, it also lays the groundwork for “Vikings: Valhalla” by hinting at the ongoing conflicts between Vikings and Anglo-Saxons, the spread of Christianity, and the enduring spirit of Viking exploration. The events of the original series create the historical context for the sequel, which focuses on a new generation of Viking heroes navigating the changing political landscape.
Was the ending of Vikings satisfying?
Whether the ending is considered “satisfying” is subjective. It avoids simple resolutions and instead offers a complex and emotionally resonant portrayal of the characters’ fates. It acknowledges the historical reality of the decline of the Viking age and allows for a more nuanced and realistic conclusion than a traditionally happy ending. It gives closure without providing complete resolution and allows the audience to ponder the long-term consequences of the characters’ actions.