Vikings, a timeless fascination, have been reimagined in the 21st century, resonating with our modern sensibilities. The era of streaming services and open-world games has given these seafarers a contemporary voice, while preserving their rugged, wind-lashed essence.
The most influential examples are found in television. Series like Vikings and The Last Kingdom helped propel Norse history into mainstream conversation, blending real events with heightened drama. These shows sparked a renewed fascination with longships, shield walls, and the politics of early medieval Europe. Even the Marvel Cinematic Universe joined the cultural surge, using Thor and Loki to introduce a whole new audience to Norse myth, although the films take plenty of creative liberties.
The Viking Age in the movies
Film has been a little slower to catch up. Despite the growing interest in Norse storytelling, big-budget Viking movies remain surprisingly rare. This scarcity can be attributed to the high production costs and the niche audience for such films. Instead, the landscape is dotted with smaller productions that embrace the grit and folklore more closely than Hollywood tends to. Films like Northmen: A Viking Saga, Beowulf and Grendel, and Dark Kingdom: The Dragon King each pull from distinct corners of legend and history. They may not come with blockbuster gloss, but they often carry a genuine respect for the material, offering viewers a grounded portrayal of mythic worlds.
Viking culture has also found an expressive home in music. The impact of Viking culture on modern music is profound. Bands like Danheim and Wardruna craft atmospheric soundscapes out of ancient instruments, runic poetry, and traditional rhythms. Their work gives listeners a sense of stepping into a longhouse lit by firelight. Meanwhile, groups such as Amon Amarth and Manowar tap into the raw power associated with Viking warriors, channelling stories of battles and gods into thunderous metal anthems. Even the experimental group Heilung brings its own ritualistic approach, weaving together Bronze Age and Iron Age influences to create something that feels both mystical and primal.
Norse mythology in gaming
Gaming, however, is where Viking storytelling has truly flourished. Modern technology lets players live out the experiences that once belonged only to sagas. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla invites players into the world of Eivor as they navigate politics and warfare during the Norse invasion of Britain. Skyrim, though more fantastical, borrows heavily from Scandinavian landscapes and lore. Strategy lovers can dive into Crusader Kings III or Total War: Thrones of Britannia, commanding armies, forging alliances, and shaping the fates of entire kingdoms. And for something darker and more intimate, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice explores Norse cosmology through psychological depth and haunting imagery.
Viking influence even reaches into gaming’s most fast-paced realm: online slots. Titles like Thunderstruck, Viking Clash, Vikings Go Berzerk, and North Guardians transform Norse gods and warriors into high-energy, visually rich experiences. These popular online slots can be found at licensed social gaming sites, like big pirets online, blending myth with modern mechanics in a surprisingly effective way.
Together, these films, shows, musicians, and games show just how adaptable Viking culture has become. The 21st century has taken familiar legends and retold them through new media, proving that the Viking spirit still has plenty of stories left to share.
Featured image courtesy of Poul Hoang Unsplash.com
