Is the show Vikings historically accurate?

History's epic, scripted drama Vikings returns on Thursday, Feb. 18 for its highly anticipated fourth season. The series follows the life of the mythical Norseman Ragnar Lodbrok, but when it comes to folk tales, Viking or otherwise, it can be difficult to tell what exactly is fact and what is fiction. read more

For starters, she calls the characters "Danes" instead of "Vikings," because, she explains, "Viking actually means 'pirate' in Old English, which is to say that it is an action or a profession. When Ragnar raided Wessex, he was being a 'Viking,' but when he's at home farming, he's just a 'Dane.'" Told you she was a smart cookie. read more

The show is entertaining and all three main protagonists - Ragnar, Lagertha and Rollo are interesting and well played (especially Travis Fimmel) but if you want historical accuracy - well, more historical accuracy, but still be entertained - check out BBC’s Last Kingdom, after an excellent series by Bernard Cornwell. read more