Astrid is a compelling character in the “Vikings” TV series, whose intricate relationships and personal ambitions create a dynamic narrative, showcasing the complex political dynamics within Viking society.
Astrid, portrayed by Josefin Asplund, is a shieldmaiden and Lagertha’s lover. Introduced in season four, she embodies bravery and resourcefulness.
Her pursuit of power, which includes a strategic marriage to King Harald, results in a complex narrative and tragic consequences.
How is Astrid introduced in the series? What is the nature of her relationship with Lagertha and how does it develop as the show progresses? What is the fate of Astrid in the series?
Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions and more.
Also, see Who Is the Wanderer in Vikings? to learn more.
Astrid, the Viking Shieldmaiden
Astrid is a fictional character in the historical drama television series “Vikings,” which aired on the History Channel from 2013 to 2020.
The character Astrid is portrayed by Swedish actress Josefin Asplund and was introduced in the fourth season of the series.
Astrid is a shieldmaiden and becomes a close confidante and lover to the series’ main character, Lagertha, a legendary Norse figure who rules as queen.
She is a fierce and skilled warrior, showing bravery and resourcefulness in battle. Her character adds depth to the plot with her complex relationships and the internal struggle she experiences.
Throughout her arc in the series, Astrid grapples with her loyalty to Lagertha and her own ambitions for power, leading to a complex and often strained relationship.
She is briefly married to King Harald Finehair in an attempt to gain power, but this move ultimately leads to tragic consequences.
Astrid’s character in “Vikings” exemplifies the strength and determination of shieldmaidens in Norse society, but she also highlights the often convoluted paths to power and the costs associated with them.
Her character arc allows for a deeper exploration of the political dynamics within the Viking society as depicted in the series.
What is the Nature of Astrid and Lagertha’s Relationship?
The relationship between Astrid and Lagertha is one of the most complex and nuanced.
Introduced in the fourth season, Astrid, a young and skilled shieldmaiden, becomes the close confidante and, later, the lover of Lagertha, the queen and legendary Norse figure.
Their relationship is defined by a blend of deep mutual respect, affection, mentorship, and an ever-present power dynamic.
Lagertha, as the experienced warrior queen, often serves as a mentor figure to Astrid, teaching her the intricacies of leadership and the harsh realities of political maneuvering in their society.
However, despite the love and loyalty they share, their relationship is not without its challenges and strains.
The drive for power and control often blurs the lines between them, leading to tension and conflict.
Astrid’s ambition drives her to betray Lagertha, and she enters a marriage with King Harald Finehair, a move aimed at garnering power but one that ultimately leads to her tragic end.
Through the course of their relationship, the series explores various themes such as loyalty, power dynamics, love, and betrayal.
This intricate relationship adds depth to both Astrid and Lagertha’s characters, offering viewers a multifaceted portrayal of female relationships in the context of Viking society.
In this way, the bond between Astrid and Lagertha in “Vikings” serves as a critical element in the development of both characters and their respective story arcs, illustrating the complexities inherent in personal relationships amid political ambition and power struggles.
What is the Fate of Astrid in the Series?
Astrid meets a tragic end in Vikings. Her fate is sealed in the show’s fifth season during the climactic battle between Lagertha’s forces and those of King Harald Finehair.
As the series progresses, Astrid’s allegiance shifts from Lagertha to King Harald, resulting in her marrying the king for political gain.
This is an attempt by Astrid to ascend the power hierarchy, despite her previous romantic relationship with Lagertha. However, this strategic move eventually leads her down a path of adversity.
The turning point arrives when Astrid, now pregnant and uncertain of the father’s identity, finds herself on the opposite side of the battlefield from Lagertha during a significant conflict.
Lagertha, unaware of Astrid’s pregnancy, is confronted by Astrid, who, in an emotional scene, begs Lagertha to kill her, unable to bear her current circumstances.
Torn between her feelings for Astrid and the reality of the situation, Lagertha reluctantly fulfills Astrid’s plea, thus ending Astrid’s life and her own personal turmoil.
It’s a poignant moment in the series that emphasizes the often brutal reality of Viking life and the heavy price of power.
Astrid’s death not only marks the end of her character arc but also has profound implications on Lagertha, forever changing the course of her narrative.
What is the 3rd Season of Vikings about?
The third season revolves around several key plotlines involving the show’s primary characters, all set within the historical context of Viking culture and their interactions with other societies.
This season, which aired in 2015, sees the protagonist, legendary Norse hero Ragnar Lothbrok, who is now the king of Denmark, setting his sights on the fertile lands of Wessex in England.
He forms an uneasy alliance with King Ecbert of Wessex, with the promise of lands for his Viking settlers in exchange for assistance in Ecbert’s battle against Mercia.
At the same time, Ragnar’s brother, Rollo, experiences a personal journey, evolving from his impulsive, often reckless nature into a more responsible and thoughtful character.
This transformation plays a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics within the Lothbrok family and among the Viking leadership.
Meanwhile, Lagertha, a respected shieldmaiden and Ragnar’s ex-wife, deals with her own set of challenges as she attempts to maintain control of her Earldom, facing betrayal and political intrigue.
The role of women in Viking society, particularly the strong, influential figures like Lagertha, is a significant theme throughout the season.
In addition to these plotlines, the series continues to delve into the clash of cultures and religions, Viking politics, and family dynamics.
The season also portrays the Vikings’ infamous siege of Paris, a historical event that, in the series, serves to further escalate the tension and conflict among the characters.