One of the most popular shows of all time is Vikings created by Michael Hirst, which was released on History Channel in 2013. The show started as a miniseries but became so popular among viewers that it had five more seasons before ending in 2020. Netflix recently dropped Vikings: Valhalla as a sequel to Vikings on February 25th, 2022 with fresh characters that continue to legacy of Ragnar Lothbrok.

Meet the characters in Vikings: Valhalla

The original show revolved around the legend of Ragnar Lothbrok, a legendary Norse hero who used to be a farmer and eventually became a Scandinavian King. Vikings: Valhalla, set a century after the original events happened, will continue the legacy of Ragnar Lothbrok. Thus, we have got to see a lot of fresh characters introduced in the show. The show opens at the end of the Viking Age and the beginning of a new era.

Interestingly enough, the characters in the show are based on real-life people. However, the Netflix show is a fictionalized version. So, let’s look at the character of Vikings: Valhalla, and their real-life counterparts, as per history.

Leif Erikson

Leif Erikson aka Leif the Lucky is the son of Erik the Red and was an explorer. It is believed that the first Norse explorer traveled to North America, way before Columbus. Leif was born as a pagan, but his beliefs were challenged during his travel to England. He joined with Harald and Canute to take avenge all the Vikings who were killed at St. Brice’s Day massacre. In Vikings: Valhalla, Sam Corlett plays the role of Leif Erikson.

Freydís Eiríksdóttir

Freydís Eiríksdóttir is the daughter of Erik the Red and sister of Leif Erikson. She is also a Norse warrior who colonized Vinland, a coastal area explored by the Vikings in North America. She was also born as a pagan, but they scattered her beliefs when she was raped by the Christians. Freydís is on a revenge mission and to find her true destiny. In the series, Frida Gustavsson is playing the role of Freydís Eiríksdóttir.

Harald Sigurdsson

Harald Sigurdsson is the king of Norway, who was also the stepbrother of Olaf Haraldsson. He was on a revenge mission against the English, who killed the Vikings in England. Despite being a Christian, he faces no issue by maintaining a romantic relationship with Freydís and a brotherly relationship with Leif. Leo Suter plays the role of Harald Sigurdsson.

King Canute

King Canute is the great king of England, Denmark, and Norway. He leads the invasion of England and orders to murder the Vikings. Bradley Freegard plays the role of King Canute in Vikings: Valhalla.

Olaf Haraldsson

Olaf Haraldsson, aka The Holy, was Harald’s stepbrother. He is a strong Christian, whose beliefs lead him to difficulty with Canute, Harald, Leif, and other Pagan warriors. His orthodox beliefs lead him to commit horrific crimes. Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson plays the role of Olaf Haraldsson.

Jarl Haakon

Jarl Haakon is the female version of Haakon Ericsson. She is the leader of Kattegat and a mentor figure to Freydís. Caroline Henderson plays the role of Jarl Haakon in the series.

Emma Of Normandy

Emma of Normandy is the queen of English, Danish, and Norway and the mastermind of all plans. She doesn’t believe her stepson Edmund, who became the king after Æthelred’s death. Laura Berlin plays the role of Emma of Normandy in the show.

Prince Edmund

Prince Edmund aka Edmund Ironside is the son of Æthelred the Unready. He unexpectedly becomes the king after his father’s death and has to fight the Vikings’ invasion. His decision as King will decide his fate. Louis Davison plays the role of Prince Edmund in the show.

Now that you know a gift of all the characters in Vikings: Valhalla, you are prepared to stream the show on Netflix. After streaming it, do let us know which of these characters you liked the most.