History’s Vikings has captivated viewers for 6 seasons, elevating in action and complexity and raising the stakes ever higher. What began as one humble farmer seeking riches and new land has mushroomed in a clashing of various factions and political maneuverings across Northern Europe.
While the bombast might fall a bit short of Game of Thrones, the show has expanded in its scope and storytelling, as the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok seek glory in this rapidly changing landscape. This increase in separate narratives makes for a gripping watch, to be sure. Yet, it’s also led to the occasional boring, aggravating, or otherwise unappealing plotline.
With this list, we’ll cover 10 of the most disliked narratives in this otherwise epic show.
Ragnar’s Return To Wessex With Ivar
In fairness, there are some heartfelt moments when Ragnar takes his son to Wessex to avenge the destruction of their settlement. This is particularly the case when Ragnar hits him with the inspirational line – “You are special, not in spite of your legs, but because of them.” It’s a growing moment and a rare bout of bonding between Ivar and his father.
Yet, the lack of both action and logic in this seemingly futile journey makes much of this storyline in season 4 fall flat.
One can’t help but wonder what the logic behind Ragnar’s mission was, given his physically disabled son and his tiny band of mostly older Vikings. Many viewers found it tough to get too invested in what was doomed to be a suicide mission by Lothbrok, especially sans a real explanation.
Bjorn’s Mediterranean Voyage
Obviously, the desire to explore and raid is pretty synonymous to Viking culture, and there is indeed evidence that these folk had made it all the way to this region and beyond. Yet, in the context of this show, this visit to Spain seems a bit odd and out of place, even for Bjorn, the son of the Viking pioneer. Many found the logic and the “payoff” in this long journey for the seafaring conquerors questionable, especially given their short stint there.
Floki also acts rather oddly and out of character in his fascination with the Spanish mosque and his adoption of a Moorish child, given his apparent hatred of all non-Pagan religions.
Borg’s Brief Conquest Of Kattegat
For the record, we’re not referring to the battle that leads to this swift conquest by Borg – which is rife with fun action and heroic moments for Ragnar’s brother. Rather, we’re pointing more towards the events that follow, which seems to have little consequence or real relevance in the scheme of things. It’s perhaps meant to demonstrate the nature of Viking infighting, though this storyline feels a bit rushed and lacking depth.
Yarl Borg manages to gain this territory and lose it in just a handful of episodes, as Ragnar and company quickly become aware of this attack and swiftly deal with him.
Bishop Heahmund’s Turbulent Story
Bishop Heahmund’s entrance into Vikings during season 4 can be viewed somewhat as a replacement to Athelstan, which whom he has some parallels. Still, he has an air about him that some have noted to be a “caricature” with some confusing motives to boot.
His frequent shift in allegiances between the Saxons, Ivar, and Bjorn/Lagertha makes for a strange trajectory in his story that’s frankly all over the place. The fact that this apparent devout Christian fighter so quickly and passionately fights for a number of opposing factions is a headscratcher.
Ragnar’s “Trips” With Yidu
Given the high stakes of Ragnar’s Paris raid, the fairly uneventful scenes between Lothbrok and his slave Yidu tended to fall flat for a great many viewers. Ragnar’s peculiar obsession with the drug she offers makes sense on one level – as the Viking would likely wish to seek relief from the pressing matters in Francia.
Yet, the abrupt way this brief relationship comes to an end – Ragnar drowning her after refusing to give him more of the drug – left something to be desired. You’ve also got the implausibility of Yidu coincidentally being a daughter of the Chinese emperor which tends to cheapen this storyline even more.
Hvitserk’s Buddhist Tangent
Aside from the occasional archeological finding in Sweden, there’s no substantial evidence that this Eastern religion would have made it all the way to Scandinavia during the Medieval period. This makes Hvitserk’s arc particularly tough to buy in the season 5 episode, “The Buddha.” It’s even more implausible that a son of Ragnar Lothbrok would have developed a fascination to Buddhism.
In fairness, this is meant to be a fun historical fiction, and it’s always neat to see the show expand beyond the typical Christian vs Paganism themes. Regardless, even in the context of this story, Hvitserk’s flirtation with Buddhism feels out of place and random.
Kalf’s Arc
Calling Kalf’s narrative “hated” might be an exaggeration, though it certainly can be viewed as rather forgettable and confusing.
Kalf’s plan to overthrow Lagertha, who had just entrusted him to Hedeby following her departure, is one that seems poorly plotted and ill-advised. This just gets further muddled after he does an about-face and feebly attempts to marry and rule with her after his betrayal. Unlike similar usurpers like Borg, Kalf wasn’t a particularly liked character during his short stint on Vikings.
The Mercian Politics
Despite their distance from Viking culture, many of the show’s scenes in England have proven interesting, thanks largely to the memorable Wessex ruler Ecbert and the smug Aelle. Yet, some fans found it tough to get too engaged with the complex, often dull happenings in Mercia, which shift around quite a bit.
Moreover, you’ve got the drama involving the rather unlikable Kwenthrith, and the hard-to-follow civil war that she helps set in motion. Given that she’s essentially a puppet of Ecbert, it’s tough to get too invested, as the stakes aren’t all that high.
The Trip To Africa
Much like the Mediterranean journey, Bjorn’s yearning to explore new horizons leads to another anticlimactic, jarring tangent late in the show, when they sail for North Africa.
The bright desert setting clashes quite a bit, taking on the vibe of a separate show entirely. The fact that this plot is shown a bit in season 5, then quickly dropped and rarely alluded to, makes it all the stranger.
Given the escalating series of events up north, it’s hard for most viewers to get fully invested in a completely isolated, inconsequential narrative in Kairouan. The handful of episodes that feature this setting manage to feel rushed and complicated in the same measure.
Floki’s Iceland Settlement
It’s true that, from a historical standpoint, Iceland is a key part of the culture and significance of the Vikings. After all, it’s the preservation of artifacts in this region that’s largely responsible for our knowledge of this culture today. Still, in the context of an action-drama, this vacant volcanic area doesn’t tend to make for the most exciting setting.
Floki and his fellow settlers reinforce this notion late in the show’s run, with a storyline that comes across as dull and insignificant to many. The isolation of this small band of Vikings, along with constant infighting, produce scenes that are tough to watch, or at least aren’t as compelling as the events in Wessex and Scandinavia.
