The Northman (Norse Expert's Thoughts)

[@hisheighnessthesupremebeing]

It's so weird having a Cowboy teaching you about Vikings.. but the good doctor does appear to know what he's talking about

[@dash4800]

I think I prefer it to the grown men who dress in costumes for videos or wear medieval tunics around. Like, you can be interested in history and not be a weirdo.

[@volfgangtwins]

@@NewEnglandPuritain We like your spirit 🤘🏻⚔️⚔️🤘🏻

[@willmosse3684]

@@dash4800 Love Jackson, but he’s definitely a bit fancy dress himself. Lots of Marlborough Man posing with guitars and stuff. It’s just he talks about Vikings instead of the Old West 😂

[@OliverHarris1]

Do you suppose somewhere there's a guy with very long hair and a long beard, wearing animal skins and a helmet, who's an expert on cowboys?

[@Lynrowen]

The most credible source nowadays for sure.

[@chrispysaid]

Jackson had a really difficult time trying to explain that he's not a viking weeb

[@BlackHeart1216]

Right, it's obvious he's a cowboy weeb.

[@DonutKop]

yeah he's not a viking-a-boo

[@brynjolf3974]

@@DonutKop swedeaboo and thoraboo are the coined terms

[@DonutKop]

@@brynjolf3974 knew there was a word for it! thanks

[@inkmage4084]

Nothing wrong with that.. I used to be obsessed with Norse myth/culture when I was a kid, and grabbed up as many books as I could in libraries... It helped with a comic I was also drawing as a kid (now redoing) called, "Sentient Armament" ^_^..

[@Ben-qv7zj]

I know it pained you to descend the mountain and enter a movie theater, but thank you. Love your takes on this stuff.

[@tyme2boggie]

Bingo

[@joshuapeacock446]

Lmao I bet it really did

[@worrywirt]

I was incredibly saddened by what you said there at the end. Your work does matter! It was what got me into Old Norse history and saga literature, which I’m currently studying on a study abroad programme in Norway. Not only that, but your content was also one of the first things I discussed with my partner that made us bond (my first gift to him was your translation of Havamal) so it also has a personal significance to me. All I’m saying is, your videos and your books have had a huge impact in popularising the linguistic/literature side of the Viking Age, and it’s a lot better content than any tv show or movie would be.

[@Rickie_Speed]

I feel the same way. He is a "gateway" to Old Norse history for a lot of people now a days. He definitely was for me.

[@reeveling]

YES. See! Jackson Crawford, you have a HUGE impact!

[@kev1734]

Where the hel can I find a woman that would give me Havamal?! I'm in NZ. I already own a copy and MANY other books but it's terrible lonely being a lone Úlfhéðnar

[@JohnyG29]

Sure...

[@Ζήνων-ζ1ι]

I disagree. You have a great impact on people's understanding of these things, maybe even greater than a movie like this. You do a fantastic work.

[@salubriousscratch3540]

Totally agree

[@jamesfforthemasses]

I concur. I think you will be remembered, and sited more than a film. Films date fast, and nobody trusts tham anyway.

[@ckorone]

Completely agree. The movie was entertainment, and I enjoyed it as such. But not where I'd go to learn about history. Dr. Crawford is a tremendous resource for so many.

[@kerneywilliams632]

I am a SFF writer. I hope to end up fabulously wealthy doing this but I know damn well it probably won't happen, and am usually okay with that. (I use your videos to help me imagine a more "Norse" alt-history but is still a 1000 years derived). But I know 30 or so authors who listen to you as a source and their are another 300 I probably don't know. Know you are listened to and known and it is very likely you will influence something that matters in the larger culture. You may end up hating it, but you never know.

[@lordmegatron4789]

he's certainly enlightened me that's for sure

[@tonybutara9173]

I gotta say, I find your take on not just this movie, but pretty much any Norse related mass media to be incredibly refreshing. The fact that your not drawn to this era by weapons or armor definitely or by fetishizing the period is one of the main reasons I watch your channel.

[@adammiller4122]

Yet he's sponsored by Grimfrost "For the Modern Viking" LOL

[@MagklJellyBeanPastelLucidDream]

@@adammiller4122 never got an ad but I hear you. It’s just monetization to pull more attention.

[@Lewisfan1]

@@adammiller4122 Yeah, I find it incredibly ironic that, in the middle of a very professional and historically accurate video, there is an ad of something edgy inspired by the show 'Vikings'. Still, I suppose it's because of money

[@victorkreig6089]

@@Lewisfan1 They sponsor him because they believe in what he is doing. Johan Hegg like most scandinavians into their own culture want it to thrive and reach as many people as possible so that it can't be forgotten like christianity tried so hard to make so. Stop being so overly critical and rude about something you know practically nothing about just because it rubs you the wrong way Take a chill pill

[@backyardevolutionwithhoxyt9657]

Lol definitely. My first thought when I turned this on was that he was gonna be some kind of paleo influencer or something selling romanticized history and he's like: "I know little about the weapons or costumes. I don't even particularly like the Norse I just find them interesting. At best if I traveled in time I might be able to talk to these people a little before they kill me for having weird clothes."

[@Znorren]

As a swede, it makes me so happy to hear an american say ”Alexander Skarsgård” properly! The ”Å” is very important

[@jablanbukvovski]

swedes, the ultimate mumblers of north

[@Znorren]

danes are way worse tbh@@jablanbukvovski

[@r4kung]

@@Znorren you are both equally awful

[@OriginalPuro]

@@jablanbukvovski Danes are difficult to comprehend even for danes...

[@KappaClaus]

@@Znorren I agree as a Norwegian

[@SeppukuDoll]

I loved this movie, but I have no interest in living like a viking, or seeing violence up close. I actually enjoy laughing at people who fancy themselves modern day vikings. I think the best things about the movie for me were the mystical, surreal bits. The visions, hallucinations, the draugr, and so on. The ravens at night were clearly an allusion to godly intervention, to me; the main character 'controlling dogs' seemed to be some supernatural trait of a berserker. In the end what matters to me is the artistic experience. I don't think you're bitter or jealous, and I appreciate your video. I watched the whole thing and I think it's fine to have different opinions on the movie.

[@rabd3721]

"I actually enjoy laughing at people who fancy themselves modern day vikings." I have this attitude toward most reactionary machismos who spend all day on the internet trying to signal their "alpha male" philosophy. They romanticize past eras like the Vikings or medieval Europe, not realizing they'd likely have their head lopped off by their next door neighbor.

[@ardagne3204]

YES!, thats exactly what i thought

[@CliffuckingBooth]

All that matter is that two stood against many! That's what's important!

[@IlyaIlya-ef4nz]

A lot of "modern vikings" serve in military/private military and security companies, and technically can make sacrifices to the norse gods, which is what they usually do.

[@jafuncle]

I was attending UCLA when you were teaching classes there. I was a dual major in Archaeology and Film, and had some elective credits to spare in both my senior year. I had to choose between your Old Norse class to go towards my Archaeology electives, and one on the American Westerns to go towards my Film electives. I chose the Western and my final was presenting a detailed criticism and analysis of filmmaking, themes, and cultural context of The Searchers. Ever since finding your KZbin channel I've thought about how I should've taken your class instead, but now I think John Wayne's Ghost might've punished me as well.

[@donkeysaurusrex7881]

Surprised he wasn’t teaching the class on Westerns too.

[@humanity_bear]

You did an analysis on "The Searchers"? That's so cool, I'm currently also taking a class on The Western at the American Studies department of my university and we just got done talking about The Searchers last session! Such an impactful Western that also changed the genre of Westerns in the 50s up a bit!

[@DiamorphineDeath]

Arguably the greatest western of all time; it’s funny I had a western film as literature course and I defended that film with every ounce of my being as no one else in there would. Been my favorite film as an adult over really anything else

[@MravacKid]

Archaeology and film? Please find a way to get into the upcoming Indiana Jones movie set and slap some sense into them :)

[@finneganlindsay]

Would you mind if I asked you how you're doing now career-wise? I'm an arch. major too and just want to know what jobs a Bachelor's will or won't get you, of if you have to remain in academia...

[@Ammoniumbicarbonat]

One thing I often tell my friends when discussing historical media is whether or not it feels *authentic* rather than historically "accurate". To me there's a big difference between these terms; something can feel true to an aesthetic or theme without having to cling desperately to the reality of the past as we understand it. This is why I really enjoy things like The Northman, or HBO's Rome, or Apocalypto - I know that experts can tear them apart like this, but they really do feel like the creators were deeply inspired by the eras in which they're set. For me that's often enough to enjoy something.

[@mattbaker7305]

Thanks for giving in and doing this review, Jackson. I think I speak for many of us when I say I was extremely curious to hear your thoughts about this movie, given Robert Egger's attention to historical detail. (Not just in this, but also VVitch)

[@HypnoticHeathen]

Very true. I was waiting for Mr. Crawford to review this movie.

[@steveanderson3444]

And The Lighthouse

[@mattbaker7305]

@@seanfaherty Great point, if they were berserkers instead of Ulfheðnar. And yes, some liberties were taken, as in most movies. But Robert Eggers puts in a lot of research. In VVitch, all the dialogue was taken from texts written from that time. And for Norsemen, Eggers had a historian on staff (Jackson does an interview with her). So yes, to your point, Robert Eggers does do a lot of research. Maybe you should adopt that for yourself.

[@mattbaker7305]

@@seanfaherty Nope. Ulfheðnar were mentioned in the Saga of the Volsungs. As for the Hakka, I didn't interpret that that is what they were doing, but even if it was, you are taking a miniscule inaccuracy against a myriad of historical accuracies that no other director that I know of would take the time to educate themselves on. But yeah, you got me, they did Hakka so my comment is invalid. Definitely. Not the attention to detail Eggers paid to the draugr battle, the Valkyrie's teeth, the feminine clothing on the seer because magic is a "woman's" trade in Norse Culture/Myth. But damn... Got me on the Hakka.

[@DerpASherpa117]

The Lighthouse is Eggers' best film in my opinion. He's a very talented director though and I look forward to seeing his other films.

[@kvasirsblood1107]

This is exactly what I have been waiting for! Thank you, Jackson, for always providing great educational content. Postscript: now I’ve watched all the way to the end, you won’t be forgotten. Your work is completely valuable. Your videos have inspired many, including myself, and my writing. You have left here a legacy that will endure.

[@unnamedenemy9]

"what sacrifice do I have to make to the ghost of John Wayne!?" was not something I was expecting to hear when I started this video. Also, I think a film (or series) based on a Saga like Egil's saga would be really cool and interesting. Personally, I loved the movie. I didn't think it would be all that true to the original saga or any other saga, I expected it to have its own story to tell in the way Eggers & Co. wanted to tell it, more "inspired by" than "based on" the sagas. I do appreciate you going through the effort of making this, though I can tell you don't much care for doing so.

[@sullivandmitry1416]

What makes me happy is that there were like 15 Viking/ medieval experts on set at all times. Robert wanted to make sure it was as accurate as possible (with a few changes like haircuts)

[@michelleg7]

And being filthy? That's not accurate! They were super clean people.

[@psychotophatcat]

@@michelleg7 I just got done watching the film. The only times anyone was consistently filthy was while doing work as slaves or fighting, both of which make sense. They clearly bathed regularly other than that based on how clean their clothes and hair were.

[@sullivandmitry1416]

@@michelleg7 everyone is filthy at times. Especially slaves.

[@user-mf2sj7rd6m]

Then those “experts” did a piss poor job. Movie sucked and was not that historically accurate

[@dawsynasay4841]

@@user-mf2sj7rd6mSure

[@jonhopp]

I found the "Dancing Odin" scene with them around the fire to be brilliant, even if there was a lot of interpretation going on with gaps in our understanding. I'm unsure how much it would have been common at that time period, but in any case it was a nice nod to the Dancing Odin cult that has probably been around Scandinavia since Bronze age times. The "War Band" or "Mannerbund" or "Koryos" is a common thing among ancient European people from the Norse/Germanics, Celts, and even in early Hellenic and Italic peoples as far as I understand, as is dressing in bear and wolfskins during raids etc... It was a tradition going all the way back to at least the late neolithic on the Pontic-Caspian Steppe where it was practiced by people who spoke Proto-Indo-European languages.

[@BakaEngel]

That’s immediately what I thought of. The wolf-boy cult bit seemed like they were trying to make a relatively reasonable assumption that the proto-indo european ritual had survived and adapted to that time. I didn’t see that as necessarily full on historically inaccurate, but more as a reasonable interpretation of something we don’t have evidence for. That part seemed alright to me, so long as you have the awareness of where they are pulling it from. If you watch any movie like this and just assume it is all perfectly historical and accurate… Well that’s pretty foolish.

[@jonhopp]

@@BakaEngel Precisely this.

[@jasonw3983]

Listening as I type. Your work matters a great deal. If you reach 100 people, 100 people will spread the word. You deserve your rightful place in schools or colleges teaching these valuable lessons.

[@Cybrix]

I don't think there was any mention of "pure" blood or anything regarding race. I think the line was "Safeguard your familial blood." meaning "Keep your family safe.", which makes sense in the context of Amleth being literally shown a vision of his family tree at the end of the scene, and which sets up his duty toward the end of the movie to go back and finish his revenge on his uncle in order to keep his children safe. I think it was a pretty fair value to teach him as a kid, considering how dangerous, cruel, and savage the world was in the movie, especially since Aurvandill specifically comments on noticing Amleth's innocence in the scene before the coming of age ceremony.

[@HellNoHenry]

✊🏻✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼 💯

[@deankruse2891]

yeah thats how i understood it too

[@wyrd7406]

Aurvandill does call Fjolnir a half breed due to him Being a bastard.

[@Reverendshot777]

@@hohetannen4703 Man that's some weak behaviour.

[@georgefreemon2935]

@@Reverendshot777 He’s right

[@MichaelLoda]

Honestly, I paid 3 times to watch the movie and I'd pay more, it's amazing and I love it, so well made and directed with a good artistic vision, but I respect and appreciate your review and opinion Dr.

[@dindranew.6808]

I am a Classicist, and I kind of have similar complicated issues quite often with film and TV. I just write them off as "variant" myths, usually, or my personal favorite "Scribal Error!". Like, "ok, this is just a new version of that myth that already has five versions, some written 400 years later and in a different empire," maybe this time written by an outsider, or a person with some kind of axe to grind (Caesar re: Britannia), but that ONLY works from a literary or religious approach, not as a student of history. So I think it depends on whether or not you see the film as a 21st century myth or if you think it's a slice of life historical epic. Or just a movie and therefore an artwork, not a piece of scholarship. A lot of possibilities!

[@victorkreig6089]

@@dindranew.6808 You should see movies like you're being told a story by a court jester, embellishment, crass language/humor/nudity, unneeded blood and violence, and some tropes, all to make the audience enjoy it. The only time you should criticize media for things is when they go out of their way to tell you how accurate they are or that accuracy is the goal

[@aBANDIT.]

I enjoyed it, but then again I'm probably at the very least a little bit of a Norse weeb....just a lil.

[@meeds7473]

You mentioned that it didn't always look like Norway/Iceland - apparently most of the scenes were filmed in Ireland/Northern Ireland!

[@justin9744]

....which is fine. Some of these "complaints" are ridiculous and superficial.

[@matthewedgeworth4509]

You were quite right Jackson, it was filmed here in the north of Ireland. Thanks for the video though, I have been eager to hear your thoughts on it.

Found your channel after looking for videos about Konsteki 11 (a prehistoric site with wooly mammoth 🦣 remains located in Russia). Love your stuff, looking forward to watching your whole "catalogue". Greetings from Ecuador 🇪🇨

[@justin9744]

This movie was amazing and a total gem in an otherwise sea of garbage cinema that we have received in the last few years. Not everything in a film has to be historically accurate and expecting as much is ridiculous.

[@chungbertflabbergast5995]

It's not about demanding everything be completely accurate from a historical perspective, and accuracy should always come second to making an artistically good film, but it is a reasonable thing to be curious about. Especially because Eggers does put a lot of emphasis on researching his movies heavily and getting the material culture, the look and feel, "right." Plus, using a work of art as a jumping off point to learn more can be a lot of fun and a good way to introduce new people to a field. So while pedants who demand absolute accuracy can be tiring, I don't think that's the spirit people are approaching this with. Lastly, I disagree that everything else for the last few years has been garbage. Hell just before The Northman was released the best movie I've seen in a year came out and has actually been successful, that being Everything Everywhere All at Once. There have been a few cinematic bright spots, I'd say!

[@redskyatnight123]

I found it boring and hard to watch

[@kostasbiker9302]

@@chungbertflabbergast5995 I would expect from someone who researches so much for his movies, to at least know that Odin sacrificed his eye for knowledge, not for female magic, he didn't sacrifice anything to learn Seidr.

[@cephalopodx7587]

So you are into transgenderism and men replacing women? 8:30

[@chungbertflabbergast5995]

@@cephalopodx7587 I don't know to whom you're addressing the question but on the off-chance it's me, the answer is yes. 10/10 for transgender people, rock on

[@KaitenKenbu]

Fantastic movie, my soul is roused by the story and setting. Thanks Mr. Crawford for helping us to further our understanding of this section of the world and the time many of us are enchanted by, though our reasons differ slightly it seems. Much appreciated. I'm also glad my suspicion of the brutal sequence after the village is conquered was echoed in your video. The viking age seemed rough enough as it was. Though for an exaggerated movie effect I think it may have served a purpose showing just how far Amleth strayed from his fate.

[@mpartie]

I got very strong Beowulf vibes during Amleth's nightly raids on Fjolnir's settlement, with Amleth the Berserker taking on the Grendel role. I have to think that was deliberate.

[@Caine61]

I thought the same

[@texastootin1628]

I think Rob eggers is a really thoughtful director in terms of him wanting his period pieces to be as authentic and realistic as possible. Now of course not everything is going to be like that with limitations of knowledge and experience, but overall the feel and tone of the film fit within what we know of Norse Vikings. Also just in terms of the norse afterlife we got probably the best visual representation of valhalla we will ever get

[@sanjacobs6261]

Any thoughts on calling the volcano being called the gates of hel? Hel is more associated with punishing cold and ice, north of the north, but here they meet at a volcano as if they were talking about the gates of hell? They are supposedly talking about the real volcano Hekla, but the idea of Hekla being the "gateway to hell" was a later Christian idea, so it seems inaccurate to me to call it the "gates to Hel"?

[@igor8403]

I know this might seem insignificant but the movie made me interested in actual old norse history and language, so you could say I found your channel because of the movie. Don't be so pessimistic about it.

[@SamuraiMujuru]

I'm honestly surprised the language was as off as you've explained. Getting language right for both The Witch and The Lighthouse were a really big thing to Eggers, makes me wonder if that was studio involvement. It's kinda funny, the "I want to be a viking" people I know cried inaccuracy to a number of the things that were historically on the money. I don't know of this movie was entirely for that crowd either.

[@joellaz9836]

Yeah. The language used for the Northman didn’t feel as natural as it did for the witch.

[@danieldyson1660]

I imagine this is because we have good knowledge of how 17th century settlers and 19th century Lighthouse keepers spoke from primary sources. No such primary sources exist for the early middle ages.

[@victorkreig6089]

Teaching actors and actresses new languages is time consuming which is why most studios dont do it at all or dub it

[@SavageGordon]

Yeah i think that just comes with making a 80m film vs the much lower budgets he usually works with

[@danieldyson1660]

@@SavageGordon I think Eggers original intention was for the whole film to be in Old Norse but the studio refused because he ‘isn’t Mel Gibson’

[@dreyri2736]

I feel you articulated my thoughts about this film better than I could. Nice video. On a side note, have you seen the icelandic film Útlaginn? There's another video idea if you are willing to endure yet another viking movie.

[@jonstfrancis]

The movie is on youtube!

[@acerock013]

i really enjoyed The Northman and thought it was an excellent depiction of the period and the people even fi it still takes dramatic license especially when compared to other modern depictions of Hollywood Vikings. Also i thought the burial mound scene was a nice little nod to Conan the Barbarian

[@Sheabutta587]

After seeing The Lighthouse I was expecting something supremely weird from Eggers, and I don't think I was disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of research and time taken overall to create an overwhelming environment and immersed feeling. I'm definitely one of the people who like that they got the clothes, and the weapons and tools correct. The rituals in particular of the Sedier and drinking the hallucinagen, and the fire in the woods ritual (which looked like a Beltane ritual with the crowns,but there wouldn't have been group sex normally) her finding the amanita moscara mushroom in the forest ( which may not have grown in iceland but definitely did and do in baltic areas) driving home that she's a witch or a shaman. Right off the bat with the pre battle ritual with the wolf skins and the dancing and chanting around the fire is a lovely portrayal of the Ulfhednar. They got so many things right when they could have just Hollywood-ized it and made it surface pretty. I very much enjoyed it

[@Bill87762]

the annotations expanding on the original video show integrity and really make me a fan. just ordered your books, a couple videos and I'm impressed and delighted to have found your channel.

[@reneedailey1696]

The stuff with the ravens and the fox were more magical elements- Which given your comments on how you're not looking to be enchanted, makes sense! The ravens were meant to be Aurvandil's shade visiting his brother and wife and Amleth, and the fox was meant to represent the he-witch Amleth visits- I watched with the commentary, and that was Eggers' explanation.

[@joeyc9418]

A lot of scholarly types hate movies giving false information on history but for me I've always thought of it as a great gateway to learn about a particular period. I watch a movie and then I can look into the actually history later and the movie can function as reference for what was authentic and what wasn't

[@Condobius]

Honestly the way I see it wasn’t that Jackson disliked it because of bad history per se, more that the bad history was the fact that the movie didn’t really show human beings. No smiling, laughter, standing around on the farm catching some sun, chatting it up with your Norse compatriots, taking a jaunt on down the river for a drink, etc. It was all just sheer brutality and grit. No real trace of humanity in the characters. He says he wants the movie to kinda wink at you and say “we’re having fun aren’t we?” but Northman didn’t really do that. It took itself very seriously and didn’t have any sort of humor in it. I would have to agree. I’ve seen it praised for not pulling any punches but it went too far in the opposite direction. May have been immersive but now the people are just caricatures of hate and fate and “viking spirit” rather than complicated people who do all sorts of stuff

[@faithlesshound5621]

Sir Walter Scott's poetry and novels were credited for firing up interest in history all across Europe, even though he wrote romantic stories with the details of which later historians take issue.

[@charlesbourgoigne2130]

Thanks to your lectures, I was able to understand the movie. My friends who didn’t know the background couldn’t understand it. This is really a movie for which you need a basic understanding to enjoy it.

[@original0blace]

You have more reach and impact than you think mate. 200k + subs is nothing to sniff at. Thank you for your well informed and excellent top notch historical content!

[@Sorgenfri0]

I remember reading, regarding Hrafnsey, that that was supposed to be a ficticious island in the northern British Isles, i.e. somewhere around Orkney, Shetland, or maybe as far southwest as approaching Ireland. At least I think the point was that it wasn't too close to the Norwegian mainland, but rather a remote settlement

[@Vengedyr]

Ah, fun. There used to be a Norse settlement on what is now a sunken isle on a delta sand bank in Yorkshire; the sandbank is called 'hrafnseyr' (meaning raven-sandbank). It could be a reference to that island.

[@FriendlierFetus]

Please invite me to 4chong and friends, Sindre.

[@Sorgenfri0]

@@FriendlierFetus idk who you are

[@FriendlierFetus]

@@Sorgenfri0 Rude!

[@OffRampTourist]

Your video is valuable and enjoyable even to those of us who don't plan to watch this film. I watch you and Simon Roper for similar reasons, one being a refreshing lack of certainty about many things related to but outside a specific area of expertise.

[@TheOnlyToblin]

The John Wayne skit sent me. Made this entire video worth it, in spite of how much you hate the whole movie-review thing. Thanks, Jackson :D

[@jenellezehrung1826]

Oh my gosh John Wayne’s ghost knocked over the tripod 🤣 that made me actually laugh out loud

[@aalger716]

Thank you for making this video. I was searching for an academic review of the movie and feel lucky to have found your page. While watching the movie, I felt so many things didn’t ring true (even as a regular ol’ pleb who is uniformed about Old Norse anything). I think it was the lack of humanity that you articulated so well. The end of your video made me so sad though… maybe you won’t reach as big of an audience as The Northman, but you certainly reached me. Thank you again.

[@gagemead27]

Damn, why am I just getting this in my recommendations? Thanks, KZbin, for making me a year late.

[@AcherontiaStyx]

Sometimes you certainly have to separate yourself from your academic background to enjoy media, though it can be very difficult. I find myself eye-rolling constantly at poor representations of biological science, and though I only took Greek Classics as electives, its still hard not to be frustrated by adaptations that just butcher the material. However, one of my Greek profs in my final year of undergrad had watching parties of I, Claudius, and even though it took quite a few liberties (notably with Livia's involvement in the deaths of multiple heirs) he relished the dramatic display of the characters brought to life. It helped me recognize the merits of material better, even if its not perfect it still may be appreciable in the cinematography, acting, atmosphere, etc. That being said ignorance really can be bliss as it's so much easier to enjoy something from a field you don't understand and don't constantly notice glaring holes within.

[@TheBlimpFruit]

Yeah exactly, you haven't suspend your disbelief to enjoy things sometimes

[@BathrobeKeck]

Never stop. You are a treasure and do a fantastic service. Thank you for your hard work.

[@caseynw]

Sir, I respect your honesty.

[@MrHazz111]

I loved this movie, and I loved your take on it. Always a treat to hear you rant about modern miscalculations and expectations in how it relates to the past in pop culture.

[@irenehigginbotham6392]

Maybe I will see the movie. I find your descriptions and the spoken word from your mouth helpful in identifying the feeling tone of Old Norse. Had never heard the language, so I dont have a comparison, but I find it hypnotic. Thank you for opening the window. Most helpful.❤

[@colterjohnson1525]

I'm glad you've said your piece and helped people think more about the film, even if I disagree somewhat with your personal opinions. But that's the thing with personal opinions, everyone has their own. Your professional opinions are very informative though!

[@genghisgalahad8465]

Yes!! I wanted to know thoughts from this channel! This is perfect timely!

[@mambojambo4870]

The last time I was this early, Odin still had both of his eyes....

[@rognavaldrtheskald6652]

The last time I was erly alđhumbla way still licking the salt from yimir

[@mercianthane2503]

Last time I was this early, Óðinn was still known as Wōden

[@KaitenKenbu]

Ha genius

[@HorizonSilver]

I never saw this movie but I am glad I watched this video anyways because I enjoy your content, and for what it's worth, I think a fair number of people appreciate how much you inform them about these topics. I certainly appreciate the honest way you talk about this stuff. There are too many people who misrepresent or misuse Old Norse culture, myths, language, etc., so you taking the time to educate people with good information on these subjects is very helpful. We need more people like you with expertise in this stuff who don't have an agenda and who want to help others understand Old Norse. Thank you for all the work you do!

[@LoudWaffle]

You mentioned the talking skull as a big nod to Hamlet's Yorick, but another detail that I can't see as anything but a blatant reference is the large woven "screen" in his uncle's sitting room. The way Amleth hides behind it, and then later prepares to strike behind it assuming Fjolnir is hiding there seemed like a callback to Hamlet's Polonius being slain while hiding behind a curtain.

[@Spooky_rusty]

Just found your channel after wanting to know more about the film. Looking forward to checking out the rest of your videos.

[@goodguykonrad3701]

On your closing remarks, I want to challenge your outlook. The level of expertise you've attained isn't because you spent the amount of time to make a movie, but because you've made it your vocation. The fact that you've invested the time to truly learn about this culture impacts our ability, and the ability of the world, to remember. For people to truly understand Norse history would take such an incredible amount of time to balance alongside other commitments, not to mention Norse history is competing with every other period of history, as well as present events, fictional worlds, physical vocations, and a multitude of other things. However, by making videos like this, by doing deeper research, you enable people who have an interest to use the internet to find out more in the little free time they have, and for this information to be preserved throughout time. Movies exist as self-contained stories to entertain for a few hours and no more. They are extremely valuable, but the ability to teach people about these cultures is limited. They can satiate a very surface-level interest but for those who want to know more they won't scratch that itch. Because they are more contained and have a dual purpose of simply entertaining, they can reach a wider market, but more detailed information that you provide impacts in a different way. It's like fast food versus a restaurant. Fast food can provide a break from the norm but a restaurant will provide something a lot richer and more interesting. In terms of the number of patrons and revenue, fast food will win out over restaurants, but that's not to say that fast food has more impact on people's impressions of food. If you value knowledge, whether it be in science or history or anything, an investment of your time into learning more is always worth it, and documenting this information ensures the impact is more substantial and will continue to be impactful, directly or indirectly, into the future.

[@OceanusHelios]

I appreciate your academic and personal honesty.

[@NathanaelFosaaen]

Speaking of the cross-pollination between archaeologists, historians, and linguists, you might have a chat with Mary Valante. She's a historian in terms of the academic affiliation, but has done archaeology and works heavily in material culture of the Norse in Ireland specifically, but she also has the linguistic background to have both conversations.

[@MasonMorgen]

The shamanic weapon dance is part of the older Indo-European wolf/bear warrior cult, it's inspired by the Sutton Hoo helmet and Torslunda Press plates.

[@ergocinema]

Wouldn't you all consider it a problem that the dark & gritty world view is supposed to represent the Viking age now? If I told people that Zack Snyder's MAN OF STEEL represents Superman, that would certainly be a misrepresentation.

[@victorkreig6089]

No because so many movies do it these days there is no point to harping on it. It's like dogpiling on capeshit, everyone already knows and at this point its become so normal that it's seen as laborious to even discuss it

[@ergocinema]

@@victorkreig6089 Oh wow, I could really feel your pain reading this.

[@jennyc3919]

So incredibly psyched for your ska band

[@HerewardtheWake23]

The ravens at night were sent by Óðinn

[@kylelinn1384]

that was great when the tripod fell over! I said out loud that you shouldn't have dissed John Wayne, then you said it too! Great minds think alike

[@BrainInAJarStudio]

Thank you for a well balanced and realistic opinion of The Northman. I learned a lot from listening to this. Love your channel!

[@jasperowens]

You'll never be forgotten

[@travcast7729]

I had to laugh at the end of this video. You are much too hard on yourself. People come to this channel because they ACTUALLY want to know more about Old Norse and the Viking Age, not so they can get a Hollywood version of the history. They want a more grounded perspective of what this people and time were like. So yes, maybe your reach isn’t as great as some Hollywood film, but I would put the point across to you that although your reach is not nearly as great, your channel appeals to people who have a genuine curiosity and fascination regarding this topic. The Northman as a film will likely be forgotten as most Hollywood films are. The knowledge you offer on this channel will persist. That is much more valuable in the long run. I think so, at least. Take it easy, Dr. Crawford.

[@zosthegoatherd]

If it makes you feel any better this is the first I have heard of this film and I have been watching your channel for a while.

[@roberttauzer7042]

There are artistic touches to this movie, from a guy who clearly likes to explore humanity's irrational side, while at the same time being a history buff and someone who loves language exploration and reinvention. Eggers makes all this while still trying to keep the movie accessible and interesting to modern viewers. I think we have gone a long way from silly history movies that were popular several decades ago. This is no perfect facsimile of the past, but it does not have to be. This is, after all, just a movie.

[@Longhunter393]

The greatest thing, in my opinion, about the 21st century, is that we can learn from the geniuses of our time. We are so lucky to see and hear men like Dr. Crawford. We can listen to Harvard professors for free. Imagine watching a class by Einstein on physics or political science by Machiavelli. Despite all the negativity created on the internet, I am Iucky to have been exposed to cultures, theories and concepts that my grandparents would have never imagined.

[@mcolville]

I remember seeing Pink Floyd's The Wall and thinking "I like this but I don't love it and I can't put my finger on why." Because I was young and didn't really have the language for it. Then years later I was watching the DVD with commentary from Roger Waters and he's like "the thing is; this movie is very dour. And it doesn't need to be, you need some humor in here to emphasize the humanity otherwise no one can relate to it." And not only was I like "YES!" I suddenly understood why John Carpenter's The Thing is a masterpiece. Because there's a lot of humor in it. Human beings make jokes when they're stressed out, it's normal. I could sort of sense the dour nature of the film from the previews.

[@adamcgeller4545]

Absolutely. I think there might be one more step to it, even. Comparing two funny guys, I find that the themes and charachterization of the human experience of Hitchhikers Guide and Discworld to be pretty similar. But i always go away from Discworld feeling connected to people and bouyed up, whereas i get desensitized to Adams and disconnect with the humanity of the charachters. I think in addition to humour, there must be something else needed to emphasize the humanity, beyond even the writing style and relatability. There's something that can make us accept a rough world cheerfully. Maybe it's a balance of hopefulness and clear acceptance of the walls and monsters in our actual world?

[@j.s.c.4355]

Your comments at the end of this video very much explain to me why a channel devoted to the old Norse has an intro with music and visuals based on the American West

[@jasontanner9755]

Interesting that the linguistics doesn't "cross pollinate" with the Anthropology and Archelogy fields as you would think that those fields (aspects of living) would directly impact the formation and use of language.

[@Julian_The_Apostate]

Specialists spend half their time telling other people to stay in their lane, the culture doesn't support cross pollination.

[@jonstfrancis]

This is quite typical of most fields of research. It also results in academics critical of their own field's past conclusions but taking in more or less unquestioningly the results of other fields which they need to include in their writing.

[@lonewolfM16]

Depends, Linguistics is sometimes considered one of the four fields in American Anthropology, and sometimes integrated. I took some Linguistics classes in my Anth department.

[@jasondunifer4075]

Linguistics is literally a branch of anthropology, as is archaeology.

[@JonathanRossRogers]

For much of this video, I thought that Jackson was recording indoors with an excellent backdrop because the audio quality was so good. I assumed that if he were really on the side of a mountain there'd be wind noise. Then, it started to snow and I realized that he probably didn't have a snow machine to dust his hat.

[@Agos226]

Not gonna lie, a lot of this felt pretty nitpicky. Personally I don’t think the locations not corresponding to real life geography or ravens being nocturnal really affect the experience, it’s supposed to be like a fairy tale and evoke imagery rather than be taken literally

[@yes_head]

It's fair for him to be nitpicky about things he's an expert on, as long as he doesn't expect the unwashed masses to know the difference between one part of Iceland and another. At the end of the day it's the overall emotional power of a movie that makes it work or not, especially one mostly steeped in myth.

[@jacobjensen9871]

That comment/ metaphor comparing questions of accuracy to asking about the weather of a continent is actually the most genius way I've ever heard that put to words... how a statement can likely be accurate for one place, but not everywhere, and it especially over a timeline. I wish more people approached life, cultures, and human nature with that in mind!

[@aesir1ases64]

Thanks for the info and I would love to see straight up adaptations of the norse sagas and mythos as films or even series, I enjoy a lot your narrations of them and agree some of them would work marvellous as these art forms, I dont understand, Hollywood likes rehashing every famous franchise but they have 1000 years old stories to adapt for free and completely ignores them. Btw John Wayne ghost was really mad lol, took down your cam and brought the heavier snow lol

[@Gguy061]

I can relate to his experience. The irony of knowing a lot about a topic means it's immediately apparent when someone doesn't get something right, which can get in the way of your enjoyment of things like history-based films. I have a BS in music, and I really don't enjoy talking about music to people at all. Imagine someone gushing to you about their favorite artist and you can hear all the ways the chord progressions and melodic themes don't work. Ignorance is bliss. I really connect with your sentiments about being forgotten, Dr. Crawford. I used to feel the same way. Everyone will remember pop songs built with verse-chorus-and bridge structure, but no one will remember my arrangements of Boccherini sonatas that are the first of their kind for classical guitar. I found solace in the the stoic thinkers. The only things worth feeling troubled over are the things that we know are in our control. We can't control how receptive the world is going to be to the things we want to contribute to it and feel jealous and bitter won't change anything. In fact, it will only get in the way of us being happy. We can't control the opinions of others, but we can choose how we want to let that effect us. Marcus Aurelius's mediation helped me get over my bitterness. It might help you do the same

[@willmosse3684]

Very informative - and hilarious. To be fair to the movie though Jackson, I feel like you were taking it a bit like it was an attempt at realism, but I don’t think it was at all. It was meant to be Legend or Myth. That’s why they spoke in Old Timey language, not modern vernacular. It wasn’t supposed to be like a fly on the wall view of real time events. It was supposed to be the telling of a tale of ancient times, with magic and gods. More Lord of the Rings than Game of Thrones. That’s why I don’t think they were bothered about being geographically accurate with locations in Iceland, or Norway, or whatever. You were trying to map it out to the real world in your head, but I don’t think that was what they were trying to achieve. It was supposed to be mystical and mythical, not real. The same with the ravens being out at night. It wasn’t supposed to be about real ravens and what real ravens really do. It was magic. Great to get your insight on the runes and language and all fella. Thanks! Edit: Wow - that was some existential shit at the end man. I think you actually have more influence on the understanding of this era than you give yourself credit for. Yeah, you won’t hit the masses in the way popular culture will. But anyone who is interested enough in finding out about it to hit KZbin and watch some specialist videos will be directed to your channel. That’s how I found you - being referenced on other Viking focused channels. So people who care more will quite likely see at least some of your stuff.

[@cjptn9617]

Just discovering your channel and want to add the chorus here of I love your work and effort to bring this language and ideas about the culture to us! The impact has caused me to start writing a short story idea about the Valkyrjur Svipul. Now the research begins.

[@gadpivs]

I think this video hits on what a lot of people who are interested in the Viking Age miss when they say they want things like historical accuracy, or less Hollywoodization: the material culture is only one of several facets. Where's the poetry? The deep musings on life and society brought to song or stanza? The humor? The quiet spaces of everyday life in between all the superhero Michael Bay dramatization? Contemporary English instead of "old timey" English? These films are intended to shock, titillate, or feed bloodlust, and give an inaccurate portrayal of what actually made life both extremely difficult and worth living during this pre-modern period of our existence. An addendum: There is no reason to suspect that the Vikings, if they had drums at all (which we have no evidence for), would have used said drums in exactly the way that they've been used by Hollywood for the last fifteen years in every action movie. Also, digital film is overly saturated with false color, it's too dark, and ironically, even though that's supposed to add to the atmosphere, it pulls me out of the experience, because true atmosphere comes from emulating a familiar space from the real world and making the viewer feel as though the movie scene matches something sensual from reality that the viewer can relate the scene to. More sun, more color, more light! This doesn't mean that we can't show the dreary, rainy weather that might have been characteristic of some of these locations for parts of the year, but a real rainy day is not a dark blue color, like something out of a video game. Digital coloring destroys visual nuance.

[@bomaracev]

I completely agree. I was looking for more lyricism or introspection than I saw in the film. To be honest, it was a real disappointment because I expected more from Robert Eggers. Oh well, I need to be more cynical when going into films!

[@Wermutzel]

I feel like I am going crazy, because to me this was Eggers' most lyrical and introspective movie so far. An utterly heart-wrenching affair about the meaningless of vengeance, the fragility of life, etc... I am so absolutely freaked out that people could watch this and come to the conclusion "oh, it's a movie for people who want to be Vikings" How do you come to that conclusion when one of the main twists of the movie is that Fjölnir was not some two dimensional crazy greedy figure, but rather a man who out of love for his wife would kill his domestic abuser brother?

[@gadpivs]

​@@Wermutzel It's not an issue of the message of the film, or character depth, but the obvious emphasis on action, gore, mean-spiritedness/one-dimensional-ness among "villain" characters, and "badassery." These things are clearly taking precedence over poetry, ecstatic inspiration, complex political diplomacy, etc. When the "I want to be a Viking" crowd watches a film like this, it's not to take away wisdom, or to understand the socio-political context in which these people found themselves, or to get a glimpse into the bizarre and very un-modern approach to achieving a sort of spiritual fulfillment; they want the killing and destruction, without a care for the motivations behind the killing (beyond very superficial revenge motives), or all the nuance that would either abort or lead up to the violence.

[@elanmorintedronai9562]

If every person just follows that: 'I don't know much about it, and I would not talk about it', internet would be a healthy place. All in all, professor, great to hear an expert :)

[@LiamsLyceum]

The lack of "cross pollinate" point is something very unsurprising to me. This has been a complaint of mine since I started studying Germanic philology and likewise taking an interest in early medieval England's archaeology. I think Tom Shippey does a decent job of connecting the two, but at the same time, he is no archaeologist.

[@PizzamudGames]

I imagine elder furthark was used on the sword deliberately since the helmet indicates that it’s a vendel era chieftain. Which doesn’t make sense in its own right since the Norse had not colonised Iceland at that stage. But the runes seem deliberate.

[@TheJMundy]

Love this honest take on a cinematic piece by an academic. Funny enough, I too noted the nocturnal raven activity and thought that was a bit uncharacteristic. Otherwise, I enjoyed the film for what it was, a nice entertaining piece worth a few hours of my time.

[@Julian_The_Apostate]

Well they're clearly not mundane ravens. They seem to follow him from the east, they harrass his mother and untie his bonds after he was caught. Being active at night is the most normal thing they do.

[@Redfield70]

I didnt get the impression that they were normal ravens either. They clearly seemed to be mystical beings in nature, maybe following Amleth until it was time to play a role in things. Same with his connection with the Gray Fox as well as his connection with his own inner wolf. I love Jackson's content but I feel he was being too focused on academics and not really seeing the entire film for what it was: a fantasy story.

[@ms.doomer5623]

It's mythological dude

[@standunitedorfall1863]

Animal totems play a big part in this movie, and Norse belief systems as well. The ravens were clearly supernatural, and could function 24/7. Also Amleth's uncle, and men with him were fearful of the ravens when they came in to get Amleth, and ran away in fear. I'm sure they wouldn't do so if they were just natural ravens. What do ravens represent in Norse religion, and mythology?

[@justin9744]

The ravens are VERY CLEARLY Amleth's father's spirit. I do not understand how you could watch this movie and not get that simple concept.

[@peterkurg8169]

Mate, I thought the same thing!!! You incurred the wrath of The Duke - nice one, love what you bring

[@anarchclown]

I think most of the language things where people were saying things differently was because the cast and the people working on it behind the scenes were in large part from the nordics as well. For Alexander Skarsgård saying Valhall when he is Swedish makes sense because he knows the actual word in Swedish. Also his character has been hanging out with swedes raiding eastward for a long time so it even kind of makes sense in character. We know that icelandic is probably the closest to what old norse sounded like, but considering danish and swedish are on a different branch than norwegian and icelandic, it's not necessarily true that the pronounciations that we think are right for the sagas are the way all the people in the nordics spoke the language at that time. So while I agree it was confusing. I as a person from the nordics understood why they all had such different accents even though it didn't make a lot of sense.

[@Dusty-p9n]

Just now found your channel. It obviously showed up in my feed because of the content I've been consuming as they say. Very interesting. I will say thus far, you know your history. I will be watching more.

[@Dusty-p9n]

The dead head buried by the arse is similar to what was used in Vikings. Which borrows stories from the sagas and apply them to the sons of Ragnar. Very inaccurate.

[@Dusty-p9n]

From Norway like over a thousand years ago on that line.

[@Dusty-p9n]

Sorry for all the comments but the topic of slaves and trade had me thinking. Lookout. Slaves were money but worth more sold asap vs transport. Yet at some point many ship's would be needed. Makes me wonder if that might have played a part on raids around the Baltics and Frisians. Capture slaves that have an idea of ship building and a closer language to teach if they didn't know how. Just thoughts. It took many ship's for the great heathen army. Lots of work.

[@Sindrijo]

The movie does allude a lot to what/how people believed back then. The gods ever-present just out of sight. When I saw the ravens gathering around the window to draw Amlóði's attention to Guðrún it definitely felt like it was supposed to be supernatural didn't feel weird at all, same thing at night. Someone or something is tampering with the tapestry of fate and ensuring a certain outcome, nudging Amlóði along towards his ultimate death. In the end he is his own undoing, he is beholden to his oath and his fate. The subtitle of the movie 'conquer your fate' turns out to be ironic.

[@mustplay7212]

Meh the movie is overexaggerating alot for dramatic effect. I do feel we do attribute alot towards viking culture that maybe wasnt like that. It doesnt reflect the viking mentality, imo, but it worked as a fantasy movie. Some of the scenes were just awesome. But the movie is clearly doing the same things like many other viking movies did. (except for the magic part)

[@georgefreemon2935]

@@mustplay7212 Like what? You give 0 examples.

[@christosmpourazanis9284]

Any sources for proto norse? the part where you where talking about the anachronism made me want to learn more about that

[@prescribedfire1953]

Outstanding and honest. Rare these days. BTW I love this movie.

[@heathercarlson799]

Thank you for the great content, time and all of your efforts! We are lucky to have an expert giving back to the community. In the Northman movie/trailer the Valkyrie looks like she is wearing braces. This is only a misunderstanding. At 2:09 of the Northman trailer, the Valkyrie has modified teeth. A form of teeth tattoo and only worn by certain members of society. A finding discovered 15 years ago. Mostly found on men. The Valkyrie however is associated with a different gender, different world and a servant of war. The teeth were filled using a black or red resin from trees. Some Vikings would file horizontal grooves across the front teeth. Sometimes one, sometimes several. The Valkyries teeth depicts one or two that are chevron (V-shaped) while the others are mostly horizontal lines. For more information on the practice please check out Neil Price, a archaeologist, how has written several books on the subject.

[@danieldyson1660]

I am admittedly a massive fan of the film, it's become one of my favourites for various reasons but I will say, as a writer myself who enjoys creating norse themed works, your channel and my own personal study into the literature of this period inspired by your fantastic work has been far more valuable than The Northman will ever be to me. You're 100% right that we focus too much on the violence and depravity of the past these days and forget the humour and love that has always been present and makes us equally human, and that mix, a mix that is ever present in the sagas and eddas is something I will always try to capture, almost entirely because of how your work draws attention to it with these videos and the way you approach translating the literature of the era and region. So basically, while yes, the film has had an influence on me in how to present a darker tone so to speak, thanks to your work, it's something that I know wasn't all that the viking age people were about.

[@bacicinvatteneaca]

That being said, the stories have always been about the violent and spooky parts. It's a common Indo-European tradition to tell spooky stories to children around a fire, except those spooky stories used to be certainly impregnated with supernatural elements, but based on the stories of soldiers, conquerors, or common criminals. Even when the society around them was relatively happy and had a positive outlook on life.

[@danieldyson1660]

@@bacicinvatteneaca oh I’m not saying my stories don’t involve violence and spookiness, and more that I have a constant awareness that human stories have that as well as the other things that are often neglected.

[@bacicinvatteneaca]

@@danieldyson1660 yeah, I'm sure that, although the core elements of those stories were entirely grim, the narrator would generally make light of the situation based on the response of their audience

[@margomaloney6016]

Thank you for your movie review, Doc! I appreciate your thoughts about the language, runes and story line! After hearing and viewing your serious side - I LOVED SEEING YOUR HAPPY LAUGHTER AND SMILE while contemplating your interaction with John Wayne's ghost! What a wonderful segment! Tack så mycket !! :)

[@Reginmund]

What sets the movie apart is that they have tried to root it in primary source material and hired (and listened to) specialists to get the trappings right. Most viking or medieval movies feel more like a kind of generic fantasy based on popular myths and prejudices. I think a big reason why a lot of people are hung up on material culture is that so few movies get it right. We're not talking about nitpicking either, because a lot of movies will miss by several centuries or use generic stock equipment that has nothing to do with the period at all. It would be an immersion breaker to everyone if you're watching a movie about Napoleon and the trooops are wearing WW2 uniforms. The only difference is less people will notice when you do this with medieval movies due to a simple lack of knowledge. Of course getting the material culture right is not more important than getting the culture and mentality right. A lot of medieval movies will have the characters dress more or less accurately but think and act like modern people. That's where drawing on the literary sources comes in handy and it's clear when watching this movie the people behind it did some reading or at least consulted people who have done so. One reference that's not mentioned by Crawford here is the animalistic ritual Amleth goes through in the beginning. I'm pretty certain this is taken from the Volsunga Saga, which describes a similar ritual where the characters are wearing animal skins and acting like wolves.

[@kristimariemorales8218]

You've angered the John Wayne Gods😂😂😂 Thank you so much for your videos💜

[@Pengalen]

I am mildly more focused on craft history in my personal hobbies, though not so much arms and armor, nor specifically Nordic things, but I couldn't help but notice how sloppy their wattles and thatch were. I also wasn't quite sure how authentic some of the jewelry was to the period. They seemed to use an excessive amount of those circular pin brooches, including some very tiny ones like a button at the top of the shirt. I also had the impression that a lot of the "shamanic" clothing was just kind of made up, even if it had the right general "look-and-feel". On the burning of the people in the house. I had the impression that the group of people doing that were not just vikings, but berserkers. Would that make a difference in their level of ruthlessness? Edit: I think I also noticed a number of their uses of textile methods, though I don't remember a lot of specifics, but I did wonder about that one loom in the inner room of their Iceland farm, that had a red and black fabric weaving on it, and I distinctly remember that no progress was made on it between the various times it was shown.

[@Celebrinthal]

Jewelry: authentic with minor slip-ups. Shamanic clothing was made up, there are no sources for that really. I'm not sure what you want to say about the loom, I myself am very glad that such crafts were present on set.

[@Pengalen]

@@Celebrinthal Yeah, I appreciated the presence of the loom and other craft implements insofar as they enhanced the period feel, I just kind of felt like they were very set-piecey and weren't incorporated much into actual activity. I seem to recall there was one scene near the beginning where there were several maids doing a bunch of stuff with various textile implements, and then there was another scene where Kidman was theoretically card-weaving, but barely touched the thing and then it was taken away. IIRC, they also had a Norn spinning from a distaff with a drop spindle, and that was cool.

[@sourcream9180]

"Also the name of my Ska band" Was not expecting that and almost spit out my coffee!

[@ibbi30]

Thank you for the review. I am just a history buff and a fan of the Sagas, not an expert in those fields. I however think this movie was a wonderful ode to the Sagas and I am not sure we are going to get another major movie that is truer to the Sagas than this one, at least any time soon. Yes there are liberties, errors and some things are not in the spirit of the Sagas, but there is a lot that was done right. With the references to what we see in the Sagas, like the knattleikr, the seiðmaðr, the spear catching, the haugbúi and the magical sword with the strict rules and themes like revenge and the rigid fate, we saw a Saga on the big screen. It was not perfect, I f.e. found it cheesy that they went to the volcano for the final fight. In the end though, if you don't like a movie you don't like a movie and I like a good western as well.

[@robbabcock_]

Love your channel! I really appreciated this thoughtful review. I'm not an art school guy but I am a lifelong movie buff. There is an element of escapism to film but that's not the sole reason for inhabiting worlds not our own. It's kind of an expansion of mind to imagine these places even if we wouldn't last an hour there! Nothing you say about the movie is wrong of course but it's probably not realistic to expect investors to fund a film that appeals to the handful of PhDs in old Norse vs the legion of reenactors and medieval enthusiasts. In a sense it's amazing they tried as hard as they did to bring true elements of the past into the film. Now admittedly I'm biased as I'm a fan of most of those involved from the cast to the director and some of the consultants, but I get the impression from interviews with Skarsgård that this was a labor of love for him. Beyond that, a film is not a lecture. A movie has to stand on its own as a form of art, and Eggers is certainly an auteur. Just as the Sagas were of their times film is of our time. So yeah, there are stylistic choices that go into making a cohesive work of art that executes the director's vision. I certainly won't say this was a "great" film or even enjoyable in the conventional sense. It's brutal to be sure. But I don't think the violence is all gratuitous and I think it exists in the context of a broader theme that Eggers was trying to embody. Or maybe I'm just a pretentious idiot!😂 I found the film to be very interesting and at no point was I bored. Maybe that's the best thing I can say about the film. Thanks for your insightful commentary! Your work is greatly appreciated by some of us.🙏

[@NLDlover]

Always important to remember with films like this: historical accuracy and a film's quality are *two separate and distinct things*. Just because a film has historical inaccuracies does not make it "bad".

[@jdsalvador3]

Been waiting for this, thanks for taking the time!

[@Mr.Bobcat1776]

The Northman is an awesome movie!