In the past decade, there has been a noticeable surge in the popularity of Nordic and Viking-themed works in various entertainment media, including film, television, and video games. This trend may have been influenced by the success of the MCU's Thor, leading to the release of captivating content such as the God of War video game series, the TV show Vikings, and director Robert Eggers' latest cinematic creation, The Northman.
The Northman narrates the tale of a young Nordic Prince named Amleth, who is on the brink of adulthood when his father, King Aurvandil War-Raven, is tragically murdered by his own brother, Fjölnir. Subsequently, Amleth's mother, Queen Gudrún, is seized by Fjölnir and his supporters, prompting Amleth to escape to a nearby shore and set sail, swearing to avenge his father, rescue his mother, and eliminate his treacherous uncle.
As years pass, Amleth finds himself integrated into a Viking tribe, partaking in pillaging villages and trading the inhabitants as slaves to generate income. However, during one particular raid, he overhears his fellow tribesman mention that the slaves will be transported to a sheep farmer in Iceland known as Fjölnir the Brotherless. Understanding that the farmer is his father's murderer, he disguises himself as a slave, embarks on a journey to the distant land, and sets his sights on exacting vengeance upon his deceitful uncle.
Analyzing The Northman's Conclusion
Upon discovering his mother's involvement in the killing of King Aurvandil War-Raven, and her own status as a mere slave to the deceased king, Amleth grapples with conflicting emotions. His life has been marred by deceit from individuals he once considered family, including his father. In response, Amleth storms out of his mother's quarters and murders Fjölnir's eldest son, Thórir, as he sleeps, extracting his heart directly from his chest before retreating into seclusion.
Subsequently, Amleth is apprehended by Fjölnir and subjected to torture for concealing the genuine whereabouts of Thórir's heart. However, a flock of ravens, believed to be sent by the All-Father Odin, intervenes, liberating him from captivity. Amleth is then aided by a fellow slave, Olga of the Birch Forest, with whom he has developed a deep connection, and they flee Iceland together aboard a ship. While on the vessel, Amleth learns of Olga's pregnancy with his twin children and reflects on a prophecy conveyed to him by a He-Witch, outlining the location of the sword capable of slaying Fjölnir:
Initially dismissing the first option, as his sole focus was on seeking vengeance, Amleth gains clarity on the distinction between the two choices. He resolves to pursue both objectives, reasoning that Fjölnir will relentlessly pursue him to avenge Thórir, and upon discovering Amleth's children, would pose a threat to their lives as well.
Hence, Amleth abandons the ship, returning to Iceland to fulfill his vendetta, thereby safeguarding Olga and their unborn offspring. Upon reaching the farm, Amleth eliminates Fjölnir's supporters and liberates the remaining slaves, before encountering his mother and half-brother, Gunnar, both of whom he is compelled to eliminate in self-defense after sustaining severe injuries. Fjölnir reclaims the bodies of his deceased family members and instructs Amleth to meet him at the Gates of Hel, a remote area shrouded in lava after a volcanic eruption.
The two engage in an epic sword duel amidst the flowing lava. Weakened and wounded, Amleth collapses, seemingly on the brink of defeat, before summoning renewed strength and attacking Fjölnir with his mystical blade, Daugr. Amleth ultimately delivers a fatal blow, severing Fjölnir's head as Fjölnir impales Amleth in the heart, causing him to fall. As he lies mortally wounded, he envisions Olga and their unborn children, and hears Olga's voice:
At that moment, Amleth sheds a solitary tear before being guided to Valhalla by a Valkyrja (Valkyrie), having succumbed to a warrior's demise in battle.
During his adolescence, Amleth participated in an initiation ceremony with his father, symbolizing his ascent to manhood and kingship, during which he pledged an oath to both his father and to Heimir the Fool, acting as a kind of seer:
By returning to the farm to exact vengeance upon Fjölnir, Amleth sought to honor his oath, fulfilling his commitment to seek retribution, safeguarding Olga and their children, and avenging his father's murder. During the ritual, Amleth shed a solitary tear after coming into contact with his father's fatal wound, a tear captured by Heimir, who conveyed to the young boy:
Hence, as Amleth lay dying at the Gates of Hel, he shed his tear at a juncture when he needed it most, at his most vulnerable moment. This moment of vulnerability superseded the instance of his father's demise, as he wept for leaving Olga and their children, the family he had chosen, who truly reciprocated his love. The love he received from his parents was disingenuous; his father's affection was self-serving, geared towards securing an heir and future king instead of a son, while his mother's displays of affection were insincere, as she never loved Aurvandil and consequently did not genuinely care for Amleth. In contrast, Olga recognized his pain and true essence, opting to stand by him and bear his children. Throughout the film, Amleth's struggle for his ancestral family's honor unveiled his realization that his true fight was for the family he would ultimately establish.
The Essence of The Northman
The demise of Amleth's father and the abduction of his mother by his uncle, Fjölnir, set the stage for Amleth's odyssey. His journey encompasses themes of betrayal, love, and family, as he navigates a world engulfed in deceit and violence while pursuing his mission to bring his uncle to justice.
Departing from his Viking cohort, Amleth embarks on a sojourn to Iceland, assuming the role of a slave on Fjölnir's sheep farm. There, he forges a bond with Olga, confiding in her about his true motives, leading them to collaborate on a plan of escape and culminating in a blossoming romance.
Simultaneously, Amleth conceals his true identity, adopting the alias Björnulfr. He ascends within the ranks of the enslaved populace, eventually assuming a leadership role after rescuing Gunnar from another laborer. Olga similarly ascends, overseeing the female slaves engaged in domestic tasks. Each night, Amleth meticulously devises his strategy to eliminate his uncle, consulting with witches, reclaiming his sword, Draugr, and systematically eliminating Fjölnir's loyal soldiers before finally revealing his true self.
Exploring The Northman's Rotten Tomatoes Score
The Northman maintains an impressive 90% rating from critics, alongside a 64% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Noteworthy testimonials from Tomatometer-approved critics include:
Lee Zumpe (Tampa Bay Newspapers):
Ryan Oquiza (Rappler):
Tori Brazier (metro.co.uk):
Robert Eggers deftly delivers a visually captivating film that intricately weaves a timeless Nordic narrative, resonating with audiences intrigued by Viking history and Norse mythology, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts of the era.