In an interview with The Telegraphandargus , the British writer and producer revealed how he decided to adapt the saga of Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons for television .
âWhen we were looking for our central character, it was suggested to me by Ragnar Lothbrok â the first Viking leader to come out of the mists so that he could fit in perfectly. It has its own saga, and most historians admit it was certainly real! His children certainly! They were! âHe explained.
Also, in order to sell the series to the History channel, Hirst stressed the universal importance of the Vikings in history.
âI thought I had a good chance of success because the word âVikingsâ has universal recognition. (?) They have traveled to most places in the world and have left their mark on many. When we first sold the show to the History Channel in New York, I said, âWalk two blocks into the office and youâll find at least 200 people with Viking DNA. In Yorkshire (England), many of us still carry it. The names of our cities are full of these great explorers and shipbuilders, âhe replied.
The Emmy winner also explained his true purpose in portraying the story of these people and how interesting their lifestyle was.
âThe Vikings have done a lot and the stereotype of ârape and pillageâ has been addressed over the centuries. Even a more superficial investigation reveals that they were a fascinating culture. His attitude towards women was much more progressive than in the societies of Saxon England. Women could divorce, own their own homes, fight alongside men and rule. They were also a democratic meritocracy, judging the rulers by how well they supported and enriched their people, âhe said.
During the conversation, the creator showed awe of the Norse beliefs and paganism they worshiped.
âAbove all, I loved their paganism. The sagas tell stories of divinities so different from the Christian god. Odin, Thor, Frey and Freya were human . Their stories are strange, but fantastic and believable. I couldnât have written the show without this âspiritualâ aspect of Viking life, âhe said.
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