A guide of what you need to know in preparation for tonight’s Vikings season 3 premiere.
This season on Vikings we find our favorite Norsemen setting their sights on Paris. Sharpen those axes because this is going to be a big one! At the time, Paris was still a Roman City, built on an island, surrounded by walls and towers. Not the easiest of cities to invade. With that in mind, Ragnar brought over 100 ships, and thousands of men, up the river Seine in the hopes of taking over the city. Hopefully they’ll keep it fairly historically accurate. If they do, this is certainly going to be one of the biggest battles we’ve seen on Vikings.
This season we’re also introduced to a few new faces.
Judith (Jennie Jacques)
Though not a new character, Judith was seen only briefly in season 2, but it appears she will have a much larger role this season (as well as being re-casted). Judith is the daughter of King Aelle. She is married to Aethelwulf, son of King Ecbert. Although not historically accurate, she is also the future mother of Alfred the Great, eventual King of Wessex.
Kalf (Ben Robson)
Kalf is Lagertha’s young and handsome second in command. While she’s away raiding with Ragnar, Lagertha leaves Kalf in charge. This may prove to be a decision she regrets, as Kalf seems to be more ambitious and devious than he appears.
Charles the Bald (Lothaire Bluteau)
The Emperor Charles of France is a complex and powerful man who is determined to stop the vikings’ raids at almost any cost. Historically, he helped fight against them during the siege of Paris we are to see this season, in addition to subsequent Paris attacks.
Princess Gisla (Morgane Polanski)
Daughter of Emperor Charles, she is quite beautiful and has substantial courage and resolve. Though unclear which Gisela of history Vikings‘ Gisla is modeled after, it’s possible she is based off of Gisela, daughter of Charles the Simple, who became betrothed to Rollo after his conversion to Christianity. It’s possible Vikings‘ Rollo will have a paramour in Gisla, as he and Siggy have a somewhat tenuous relationship at times.
Harbard (Kevin Durand)
A Wanderer, a stranger, who is more than he appears. Harbard first appears in Kattagat when Ragnar is away with most of the men raiding. His arrival is not entirely unexpected, however. Aslaug, Siggy, and Helga all have the same dream foretelling his arrival, and thus he has quite the impression on them.
In addition to new characters, we’re also going to see some familiar faces. King Ecbert and Princess Kwenthrith will be back in full force. Ecbert’s ambitions run high as he tries to become ruler of all England. He’ll also be trying to use the vikings to achieve that end.