https://vikings.fandom.com/wiki/Athelstan?oldid=44785. Modern historians regard Athelstan (also Æthelstan) as the first-ever King of England. Hirst: It affects Ragnar at the deepest level. Ragnar is suspicious about why Aslaug was not watching the children. Athelstan, also spelled Aethelstan or Ethelstan, (died October 27, 939), first West Saxon king to have effective rule over the whole of England. While admiring the Bible and reversing his days as a monk, a monk surprises him and urging him not steal anything. Origin: The Vikings continue their journey in Wessex and Athelstan discovers an abbey with the bones of saints and treasure. It would be just going around in circles. He was the grandson of King Alfred the Great of Wessex, and united Wessex, Norse York and the Saxon Earldom of Bamburgh, into a singular Kingdom of England. Ragnar Lothbrok † The Athelstan viewers and other Vikings in Iceland know had been taken prisoner as a slave by Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) following the raid on Lindisfarne in 793. He is approached and kissed by Haraldson's daughter who washes him. Inspired designs on t-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more by independent artists and designers from around the world. Athelstan and the Vikings return to their homes while Ragnar goes to Götaland. Murdered by Floki | California Privacy Rights In season three Athelwolf destroyed the Viking Settlement in Wessex. He brought his brother Rollo back to his lands where he was put on trial but spared after Ragnar secretly bribed the Pagan priest. The comprehension and a mutual respect for each other's religions as well. Amber Dowling, [Warning: This story contains spoilers from Thursday's "Born Again" episode of History's Vikings.]. I came back because you and Ragnar, all of you are my family. He was saying the most successful characters in television are the ones that never outlive their sell dates — in terms of knowing when a character has experienced all they need to experience in that particular story and knowing when to close the book. He was the son of King Edward the Elder and his first wife, Ecgwynn. The bloodshed keeps coming. Home: Eventually, Athelstan found happiness, great freedom, and joy in serving the father of his church, Saint Cuthbert. So to kill one of them, to be responsible for the death of one of them, is actually strangely really hard. The name Athelstan means "noble stone" in Old English. What joy that would bring him. Ragnar and Lagertha seem unaffected by this and continue on without him. So it was clear the baby had to grow up in Wessex and had to become, in due course, king of not only Wessex, but of England. A startled Athelstan killed the monk and begins to show regret. Later in this season it is revealed that Judith of Northumbria has given birth to the bastard son of Athelstan. © 2021 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. Viking culture is seen from a first-hand experience through Athelstan's perspective. There he is asked if he is still Christian and denies Christ three times. I miss him to pieces. You’ve answered my prayers. Athelstan unconsciously never abandoned his Christian faith. They arrive at Floki's home where Ragnar receives care for his wound. Athelstan was brought to live in Viking society and struggles to maintain his beliefs in an environment very different from his home across the sea. He was a student of Archbishop Ecgbert of York and exchanged letters with the monks at Landisfarne for years while at the court of Charlemagne. Ragnar orders all of Horik's family to be butchered then sends his men (including Athelstan) to leave so he may kill Horik himself. Upon Rollo's awakening he is disgusted by Athelstan returning to his former ways and even attempts to kill him but fails. Athelstan attends Haraldson's funeral and accompanies the Lothbroks to their new home as he is installed as the new jarl. Children: The vikings raid the abbey church with barely a fight and Athelstan stumbles upon a Bible. 'Vikings' Actress on Shocking Exit: She "Let the Gods Take Her", 'Vikings' Boss Previews Plenty of "Shocks and Tragedies" in Season 3. Ragnar gathers his closest friends and best men to go and take back their land but Athelstan decides to stay in England with Horik. Manner of Death: After setting up a camp the Bishop of Winchester comes to negotiate with the Vikings and Ragnar agrees to meet with the King and after returning he discovers from men who have just arrived that his land has been taken  over by Jarl Borg. How do you think it will change the tone of the show? Floki also accused Athelstan of conspiring with King Eckbert to betray them. He bids a cold farewell to an indifferent Judith. I thought it would be an amazing thing for him as a character to recover his faith. by The Vikings return to Kattegat, and the women learn of Torstein's death as the men learn of Siggy's. Hirst: That was the hardest, most emotional and emotionally difficult episode that I've written on Vikings. Despite Ragnar's attempts to protect his confidante, it was too much betrayal for Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard), who slaughtered the priest in a bid to "save" Ragnar. Athelstan is a young Anglo-Saxon, once a Christian monk taken by Ishmael Venables and his fellow from his monastery. Upon Athelstans arrival he meets Bjorn for the first time in years and informs him along with all his fellow Vikings that Rollo Is alive and being treated. King Ecbert said that Athelstan speaking Latin was rare. The Normans, post the 1066 conquest, abolished the practice and replaced it with serfdom. 8:00pm PT A few months later Ragnar goes to meet with fellow Norsemen and Athelstan attends to serve as usual and attends to a pregnant Lagertha. It may not have undermined communication at all, but when speaking with captured Wessex soldiers post-battle, or King Ecbert himself, he would have had a little time to adjust to their different dialect. How will it affect King Ecbert, who also loved Athelstan? He wanted to have a scene put in which he says farewell to Athelstan. Hirst: In episode one of season one, Ragnar talked about meeting a Wanderer who told him about sailing to England and had filled his imagination with tales of other countries and other civilizations. But there is the possibility that Athelstan has always despised such practice, even among his Anglo-Saxon compatriots. He was succeeded by his half-brother, Edmund. At a very young age, he was placed in a monastery at Lindesfarne. AdChoices They're real people to me. The first acts that he does afterward, when he shaves his head off is actually partly (an homage) to when Athelstan steals the knife in the first season and you think maybe he's going to try and stab Ragnar, but no. He never married and had no children. While hunting Athelstan and his Vikings are ambushed and Athelstan is tortured and crucified although before he is killed, the king of Wessex, Ecbert, thinks he will be valuable and tells his men to spare Athelstan's life and takes him back to his kingdom. One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh. On the death of his father, Edward the Elder, in 924, Athelstan was elected king of Wessex and Mercia, where he had been brought up by his aunt, Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians. Tell us in the comments section below. Ragnar takes an interest with Athelstan and thinks he may be able give information that could be valuable for his next raid. Behind the Scenes After the treaty Athelstan is faced with a choice between staying with Ecbert or leaving with Ragnar and after much consideration chooses his long and best friend, Ragnar. Hirst: When I first wrote the episode, I don't think there was a burial scene; the burial scene came out of Travis and I spending quite a lot of time talking. Without Athelstan, who will Ragnar rely on to guide him in Paris? He begins to see visions of the Virgin Mary and a some sort of horrifying devil beast. If Athelstan knew about his son would that have changed his view of martyrdom; could he have brought him back to Kattegat? Status: Blagden: Michael sent me this five-page-long email explaining why he needed to make that choice this season. It's partly a tribute to that when Ragnar shaves his own hair. Blagden: That is the most tragic part of that whole relationship, that Athelstan never knew that he had a son. Athelstan reflects his inner thoughts on the ways of the Northmen including all their customs, values, and morals. Then it became a major scene. They travel down the river to Floki's home. Blagden: It was sad to leave Vikings; it's a really original show. Floki asks Athelstan about the Christian faith and the Christian creation story and tells the Monk the Norse creation story. LindisfarneNorthumbria, England I totally agreed with everything he said, that this felt like the moment in which Athelstan had come to the end of his journey. All is vanity. When questioned by Ragnar on how he learned the viking language Athelstan tells him that at the monastery the monks are encouraged to travel to "spread the Word of God". Blagden: In the room at the end, with Gustav and I, it was very connected. During this time Athelstan and Judith (the wife of Prince Aethelwulf of Wessex) fall in love and enjoy a brief affair from which Judith becomes pregnant. Athletstan’s death at the hands of Floki was Athelstan was the King of the Anglo-Saxons from 924 to 927 and King of the English from 927 until his death in 939. | EU Privacy Preferences. After Athelstan's death, Anglo-Saxon control of northern England collapsed. Through the centuries he wanders the world, watching as everything grows old and dies. Floki later comes to Athelstan while he is praying in episode Born Again; during the pray, after seeing Floki, he realizes what is about to happen and prays to Christ for his soul to be received right before Floki strikes his head. He had been the kind of guy Ragnar could talk to about his performance insecurities knowing he wouldn’t be laughed at not to mention he could guide the Vikings through wealthy territories just ripe for some loot and plunder. Later when building a boat Floki has a vision of blood coming out of wood and sees it as a sign he must spill blood. Athelstan is brought to live in British society and struggles to maintain his beliefs in an environment very different from his home across the sea. (Season 1) 28(Season 2) 32(Season 3) 35 While standing over the body the abbot (Saint Ælfheah) intrudes and recognizes Athelstan as a monk and threatens him with crucifixion (even though Athelstan is trying to get him to escape) but, while the abbot is tormenting Athelstan, Floki interrupts and takes the Bishop Swithun, ties him to a pillar and shoots him with arrows continually for all to see. Hirst: When I started writing the bible for the season, I realized I needed to resolve Athelstan's situation — that I could no longer go on showing him torn between two cultures and faiths in a continued spiritual crisis. Edmund briefly captured York, but after his death the Vikings regained it. It's this wanderer, Sinric (Frankie McCafferty), who is going to reappear in Ragnar's life and help him to Paris. Born Again Ragnar sends Floki to go to Haraldson's home and challenge him to a duel to the death and whoever wins will be Jarl (Earl). I was losing myself, I was losing a character who had become a friend and then I was losing an actor who'd become a friend from a fairly tight knit group of people. Living in the monastery also saved him from possibly dying of fever like the rest of his family. But what he's also saying is that he's a changed man. But while Athelstan's last visit helped Ragnar and Ecbert reevaluate their choices, this time Athelstan's return gets right to the core of what Vikings is all about about. He had learned to forget about himself and has devoted his life to Christianity. Floki is one amongst many Vikings who could have killed Athelstan. Wrath of the Northmen As a child, Athelstan had been brought up in the care of his aunt, Aethelflaed, Lady of Mercia. At a very young age, he was placed in a monastery at Lindesfarne. Are you sad to see Athelstan go? Vikings airs on Thursdays at 10 p.m. on History. Athelstan was a young Anglo-Saxon, once a Christian monk taken as a slave by Ragnar Lothbrok and his fellow Vikings from Lindisfarne monastery. Athelstan begins to have hallucinations much like with the bleeding Bible he had before his crucifixion. Judith replies that she wants to be a painter and Ecber… Athelstan cares for Lagertha when she has a miscarriage and loses her child and wonders what Ragnar will think when he returns as he was prophesized to have many sons. Death: Not to say that we won't get glimpses of him in the future, I can't say, but I do miss him. All His Angels And the logic also pointed to the fact that Floki now was so desperate to save Ragnar from the influence of Athelstan that he was spreading the word to other Vikings that they ought to get rid of him. Athelstan does not hesitate to help kill these soldiers and after the battle ends Ragnar gives Athelstan a bracelet of trust. Athelstan observes many of the Pagan rituals and is given intoxicating mushrooms by Rollo. Athelstan did exist, however, the Athelstan viewers see in Vikings is very different from the real Athelstan. Portrayed by Athelstan continues to grow close to king Ecgbert and after spending enough time for Ecgbert to trust him, he brings Athelstan to ancient crypts built by Roman Pagans who traveled to England years before. Alfred had repelled many Danish invasions and earned his epithet, and by the time Athelstan was born he had left a legacy of good governan… Athelstan is shocked and clutches at his cross hidden in his sleeve. It precursors this fact that Athelstan becomes a father and never knows it. Athelstan is present at the raid of the monastery and is taken prisoner by the vikings. He does not age, he cannot die. With George Blagden, Travis Fimmel, Jennie Jacques, John Kavanagh. He had never married and had no sons, so he was succeeded by his brother Edmund. Why was now the time for Athelstan to go? Torn between maintaining his beliefs and surviving in his new, cruel world, Athelstan began to doubt his faith in the Christian God. When series creator Michael Hirst first conceptualized Athelstan (George Blagden), he was a device to bring Western audiences into a pagan world. George Blagden The two ended up becoming the closest of allies, and fans were left in shock when Athelstan was killed by Ragnar's friend Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård). The History drama knocked off another fan-favorite on Thursday. Warriors don't show their heart until the axe reveals it. Hirst: There was no question of him being able to bring the baby back because the baby, Alfred, becomes one of the most famous kings in English history. What relief. What kind of lasting affects will Athelstan's death leave? He goes with Ragnar for his first raid (and Ragnar's first in three years). Athelstan expressed distate at the nature of slave conditions in Norse society, however the Anglo-Saxons were noted keepers of slaves. Athelstan’s death wound up having a “profound effect” on Ragnar, and the legendary Viking never fully recovered from the loss. This creates friction between Ragnar and Athelstan but Ragnar doesn't stop him from staying. It is revealed that Ragnar brought him to Uppsala as a sacrifice. After meeting with Ragnar they have a small heart felt conversation about each other's gods and whether or not Athelstan will go back with Ragnar. The priest publicly declared his convictions by throwing the arm ring Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) had gifted him into the ocean, right when the Vikings learned King Ecbert (Linus Roache) had slaughtered their people back in Wessex. THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER is a registered trademark of The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. Unfortunately, Athelstan died just two years later in 939 at the age of 45. Athelstan as a name is a noted one in Anglo-Saxon and English history, as the first recognised King of England was named Athelstan. Emancipating slaves, as Ragnar did to Athelstan shortly before becoming Earl of Kattegat, was a normal practice. Read more 'Vikings' Actress on Shocking Exit: She "Let the Gods Take Her". Athelstan questions the captured Englishmen and discovers that the vikings are in Wessex, a country where the king is known for his wit and cruelty on the battlefield. Living in the monastery also saved him from possibly dying of Ragnar Lothbrok, 9th-century Viking whose historical existence is difficult to distinguish from legend in medieval European literature. A year to 18 months later Athelstan has been assimilated into the viking society and lies about his Christian faith and tells the Vikings that he shares their beliefs. Despite Athelstan's worldliness - extensive linguistic skills, logical mind, knowledge of the Bible, etc - he was hopelessly innocent when dealing with other people, especially the ambitious. Before long, he became one of the show's most complex characters thanks to his inner conflicts and religious debates, and served as a mediator of sorts between the Vikings and those they sought during their raids. Bjorn objects to being put under the authority of a slave, while Gyda, who's clearly grown attached to the priest, is pleased with the idea. Just as Eckbert says he will. Viking WarriorMonk While in Francia (France), his friends at the monastery of Lindisfarne, Northumbria experienced the first Viking raid in England on June 8th 793 AD. Read more 'Vikings' Boss Previews Plenty of "Shocks and Tragedies" in Season 3. Athelstan says yes but before departing he goes to Ragnar's old home to read his hidden Bible which disintegrates in his hands as it was burnt in Haraldson's raid. That all came to an end Thursday when Athelstan finally found God again. This is noticed by the priest and he flees the temple. Many monks were charged with either translating Latin documents, giving services in Latin, or interpreting biblical works in the language. | Do Not Sell My Personal Information He becomes Alfred the Great. While there, Ragnar's other allies are contacted and arrive at the house.