Vikings Costume Review (and Rant)

It's here! It's finally here! Join me in a review of the costumes of hit TV drama "Vikings". This is a "blind" review of some of the clothing in the show that has been sent in to me by subscribers, without actually having seen more of the show than a couple of episodes.
Ok fine. It's a Vikings rant. Let's not pretend it's not a Vikings rant.
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Photos courtesy of Alison Offer, the National Museum of Wales, the British Museum, the National Museum Scotland, CBS, Netflix, Universal, and the History Channel.
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[@TheWelshViking]

I know, I know, it's Rollo, not Borg. Listen, they all look the same to me after a while. And my criticism stands regardless.

[@swinn1967]

I do enjoy your critique though.

[@TheWelshViking]

@@swinn1967 Thanks! I noticed after a bit that I'd goofed. Honestly, after a while they just become "beardy man in leather 1, 2 and 3" to me! XD

[@Necron-ez2cc]

@@TheWelshViking To be fair, "The History Channel" is better known for Ancient Aliens, The Search for Bigfoot, and other nonsense pablum... not actual history. I know, I know... to call it The History Channel is false advertising in my opinion.

[@user-jy2sj4ed4i]

@@Necron-ez2cc used to be different

[@Necron-ez2cc]

@@user-jy2sj4ed4i Yes... once upon a time, long ago... before it became about pawn shops, truck drivers, fishermen, UFO's, monsters, and supernatural drama.

[@LetsDanceRedding]

It has made my entire week to know that a real viking walked this earth rocking a pink faux-fur cloak. Why do they have to make up a bizarre fake viking aesthetic when the truth is a million times more interesting?

[@jenniferbunge346]

Probably because general populace would be all like they are men! No! I refuse!!! :| Because people nowadays don't really understand the concept of expensive fabric being colorful. But I think it would be great.Doesn't seem likely to happen anytime soon though.

[@TheWelshViking]

They wore such wonderfully outlandish stuff in these mad colours. But alas! Modern masculinity seems to still be lagging in the “wear black be muscular” tropes of the 20th century.

[@LetsDanceRedding]

@@TheWelshViking could you possibly do a video showing what costumes you would dress the characters in? Or just a video showcasing some of colorful outfits a viking might wear?

[@agypsycircle]

I second the chaotic neutral!

[@darklymoonlit]

Right? I feel blessed.

[@jwolfe1209]

Man, if she was trying to portray Vikings as "not barbarians" I would think the first step would be to refrain from hanging badly tanned pelts over your characters like macabre doilies. Also, in the encampment scene that gambeson is so clearly the wrong size for the actor. You can see the strain and puckering in the stitching channels that it's far too tight to be functional, much less comfortable. I mean, how can you fight if you can't even lift your arms?

[@TheWelshViking]

This. All this. All of this here.

[@annameme1834]

"macabre doilies" - a very tragically accurate description that has me I'm dying of laughter

[@halu959986]

I do wonder if the gambeson was deliberately made too tight to show that he's *so manly and muscular*. Because afaic that gambeson wouldn't actually protect him in any way (I'm convinced the designer didn't think such garments could protect the wearer) so just make it tight, because "sexy"

[@darklymoonlit]

Knowing she won literally any award for The Tudors is physically painful.

[@darklymoonlit]

@@SimonWoodburyForget Because nominations and wins help increase the audience and therefore the amount a project makes. Having a former nominee or winner, depending on how well known the award is, on the bill for a new project can also increase its audience, meaning that awards are important for both projects and individuals. I suppose it depends on your definition of "meaningful", but they are important for the industry and individual careers.

[@darklymoonlit]

@@SimonWoodburyForget Awards affect people's livelihoods, which makes them objectively meaningful even if it doesn't tie them to artistic merit. I'm not sure why you assume that a statement about the overarching effect of awards on an entire industry is me talking specifically about what media I do or don't choose to consume. I don't particularly keep up with them but I did work in costume design in the past so I keep track of that a bit more because it's an interest of mine. I'm also not sure what makes the idea of awards influencing people's watching habits so offensive to you. If you want to ignore awards then do it. If others want to pay attention to them then that's up to them, they don't deserve to get grilled about their preferences, their tastes, or how they choose what to watch.

[@Gnarlyboi]

I can't believe that. This seems far too egrigious when there are literally people who have their PHDs in what she claims to know and replicate who can correct her.

[@jaywright514]

As a long time Rennie and fabric specialist I cringe at her costumes. I can't even watch that kind of inaccuracy

[@darklymoonlit]

@@jaywright514 I was a Rennie, too! Life just sadly got in the way for me.

[@stephenmonkemeier9464]

I think the most insulting aspect of all this is the idea that, in order to make something look *handmade*, it must look shitty. It's shorthand for a modern audience that covers up the fact that skilled craftsmanship was better in literally every other era of history than our post-industrial world.

[@riverAmazonNZ]

The idea that men can’t wear colours and be taken seriously really grinds my gears

[@serptimis1552]

When in reality , it'd be the guys turning up for battle in their thin leather chest piece with metal studs that'd be laughed out of it

[@valkyrie1066]

Or that everyone wore black, specifically. Wasn't a color that was easy to get; and wasn't colorfast. Like....any other colors?

[@Bexahlia5933]

Jfc. I've done more research for fanfiction than she did for that show.

[@TheWelshViking]

Same! It’s grim.

[@sophroniel]

I just choked, cos yep, same haha

[@thatcrazygremlinchild1644]

WHEN I SAY I SPIT EVERYWHERE

[@ZeLeninovoMasoveRizoto]

I mean, I only looked up what little I needed to understand the general construction techniques of the period and even so I think I made more research than her...

[@kmaher1424]

But even better research might have been wasted by showrunners wanting actors to look sexy.

[@Mark-hf6uf]

I actually don't agree with the statement that "people want entertainment and not boring historical accuracy". Firstly, accurate clothes are not boring. Colourful tunics and cloaks looks so much better than this biker gang look they had in one of those pictures. Secondly, I think it is a dangerous thing to try and separate education and entertainment. You are implying learning something is necessarily boring and can't be fun. Really? Come on... Nice video, and keep up the good work! :)

[@TheWelshViking]

Hear hear! Well said, Mark :)

[@jennifercourtemanche9793]

I know it's been a while but we have this problem with writers and our writers group looking at what is published and letting it limit them. Thinking that people can't accept an unlikable protagonist or an unusual - generally more archaic style - or or or. NO! Give people a chance and you would be floored by what people will enjoy (of course we also have the caveat that "execution is everything").

[@timmadison5410]

The notion that somewhat rigorous historical fidelity in historical fiction is going to smother all the entertainment value is frankly a little depressing. If you choose to produce historical fiction--which for many is going to be their primary, perhaps only source of information about a period--playing fast and loose because entertainment! seems like a cop out. Why use history if it doesn't serve your creative needs. If it's too restrictive for your storytelling, then do fantasy or something else. Yes, a higher standard of historical accuracy can raise the difficulty and expense a bit (although not necessarily) but this idea that making an effort to reasonably represent what we know about the times as being antithetical to making entertainment is--ironically enough--unimaginative.

[@timmadison5410]

​@@SimonWoodburyForget I'm not saying historical fiction is supposed to pretend to be some attempt to represent absolute historical truth, if such a thing could ever exist. Ultimately, it's storytelling. Story and the shape of story takes primacy. I'm a writer myself so I appreciate the idea and necessity of creative liberties. I get how fiction works and I have some understanding of how film and television work. I'm not remotely suggesting that a production should ground to a halt because somebody doesn't have the right kind of hobnail on their boots. And I know that directors, art directors, costume designers and the like have concerns beyond pure historical fidelity. I'm also not suggesting that historical fiction that is incredibly well-researched can't be crappy storytelling. A recitation of research is not storytelling. What bugs me is there is a certain strain of intellectual laziness in deciding to create historical fiction and then demonstrating only a passing interest in our actual body of knowledge about a period. The notion that trying at least a bit harder to incorporate what we know will murder the entertainment value in its sleep is to my mind an imaginatively impoverished point of view. Some creators do. Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World is one example of a production trying harder. It tells a great story--about entirely fictional characters and mostly fictional events--and it makes a real effort for historical accuracy. And that effort, I believe, does elevate the overall product.

[@zebraskin]

@@timmadison5410 For me being a history nut when a show puts in a little effort into historically accuracy it really makes a show for me. Granted a lot of shows, like Vikings, Tudors and Brigington I don't exactly expect accuracy. However when I see a show like Gentlemen Jack that had hand finished thread grommets on a corset in the opening I knew I would be hooked. Hell wearing a shift under stays/corsets alone let me excuse a lot of color wrongs that Halots had. I think there is also a shift happening that is making more shows spend a little more time with costume designs, so I think we will be seeing this pop up more and more. My partner makes fun of me a bit because when ever I find a show with some accuracy they know I'm going to get inspired and be adding many more clothing items to my "to make" pile.

[@joiadevita]

I personally don’t mind when historical dramas make costuming/hair/cosmetic choices that aren’t historically accurate. Like, there’s nothing *inherently* wrong with making choices just for the sake of appealing to modern audiences. But... be honest about it??? “Yeah we thought the black bear rug cape thing with the elf clips looked more badass than the historically accurate pink option” is fine, in my opinion. But “I did a lot of research” implies that the choices made are actually accurate, and that’s clearly not true in this case.

[@TheWelshViking]

Right? Just be honest with it. Sheesh!

[@ash0546]

Yh this guy knows he shit but I don’t care if its not that accurate because to the average person this is how vikings look

[@TheWelshViking]

@@ash0546 Then I'll keep making content until the average person knows how Vikings really looked :D Also, if you don't care, why comment?

[@ash0546]

@@TheWelshViking Do it it’s your channel. I don’t care if Vikings is not accurate doesn’t have anything to do with me commenting?

[@TheWelshViking]

@@ash0546 Just wondering what prompted the comment is all :) Thanks for stopping by, anyhoo! Hope you enjoyed the video regardless!

[@TheSylda]

Anyone with half a brain knows that the History Channel is currently as accurately named as MTV

[@laurap.2550]

Lololol!! So true!

[@TheWelshViking]

I miss when it had Daria :(

[@janehollander1934]

🤣👍🏻

[@TheStitchinWitch]

LOL This comment made my week. :P

[@ELCinWYO]

That could be said of any TV channel anymore. Travel, Food, News....

[@doctorjrk43210]

Ah. Yes. “I did research” so often code for “I watched a couple clips of GoT and LotR”.

[@katelynpatterns9611]

Or it’s an attempt at justifying spending too much time on Pinterest

[@jackodonail1980]

Ironically, according to the text, the clothing in the Lord of the Rings should actually look like historical migration period dress.

[@kadartcostumes9842]

Well, that being said; the Rohirrim in LotR are probably the closest to Vikings in any mainstream/popculture depiction :,D

[@DoinItforNewCommTech]

@@katelynpatterns9611 I would bet GOOD money that the costume designer just went on Pinterest for her research. Not one book, not one museum trip. Guaranteed.

[@mercianthane2503]

@@kadartcostumes9842 They're meant to be anglo-saxons tho.

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

It always makes me worried when you hear that the costume designers did extensive research... and you see the final costumes and wonder where did they do their research... I did most of season 1 and didnt continue, partially due to the costuming and partially because it was obvious they had no real concept of how important people were in small communities, I mean killing the blacksmith because you were annoyed? Really then how is anyone going get tools mended or repaired? Oh and the camera wobble wasn't an issue in this one :)

[@TheWelshViking]

Right? So dumb.

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

@@TheWelshViking given my husband is a blacksmith.... yeah there were words, lots of them! I think it took us weeks to come back to it after that!

[@2Ten1Ryu]

I feel this soo much. It was outraged at this strange blue fur coat of the jarl's wife, but later on she basically wore a silk night gown with modern lace on it like a sexy housewife.... what?? I didn't even finish the episode. I am so done with this show, for the reason I mentioned and many many others more.

[@DoinItforNewCommTech]

The fact that Vikings just lumps together all these people who lived hundreds of years apart and puts them in situations they were never in, does it for me. WHAT is Ivar the Boneless doing in Kiev!? The man should be in DUBLIN.

[@baldrickthedungspreader3107]

I reckon a lot of it is studio meddling, if she did actually come up with some authentic designs from her research, the ignorant money hungry producers would probably be like, “meh, to colourful, people want faded dirty looking barbarian biker gangs, because it sells” and it’s not like there wrong either unfortunately, because with the exception of the historical community, people think of Vikings as biker gang savages, not the highly cultured sophisticated traders and warrior poets that they actually were,

[@MarySanche]

That stripy black and white weaving looks incredible! Your friend is genius

[@TheWelshViking]

She is! This is known!

[@NotUlpoadingAnything]

It's disappointing that The Witcher, a magical fantasy show taking place in a completely fictional setting, has more historically accurate costumes than something on the History Channel. Tim Aslam, the costume designer, even has a whole mood board section on his website showing which historical and cultural fashions inspired all the characters' costumes. One of the character's brooches even looks similar to the second one you showed from near Dublin at 22:35.

[@eazy8579]

Tim Aslam is a proper costumer; he deserves the award she got from the Tudor

[@johng7003]

@@Niobesnuppa Yeah the Witcher 3 has some very historically accurate costumes which of course some have a dose of fantasy in it but still practical and closely historical. Also many of the NPCs have even late middle ages costumes and stuff (since doublets first appeared in he very late 1400s too) that fit more the supposed depiction of the era (even though the era in the Witcher universe is late 1260s and the Witcher 3 specifically is 1272), the appearance of people and armour is Late Middle Ages and Renaissance mostly at least.Of course as you pointed out they also have late 1500s and 1600s costumes and that is also amazing. I really love that the Witcher universe is a good balance between realism and fantasy.

[@grimesdaughter9042]

I somehow love the fact that in the creator's attempt to make the characters clothing more masculine by modern standards, they historically speaking (the brooches, showing your chest, etc.) have made the clothing more feminine 😂😂😂 The irony

[@thrownswordpommel7393]

"Bondage gear has its place, but it's not early medieval England" goes right into my collection of "sentences I never thought I'd hear".

[@scouttyra]

Yeah, it's more 19th century than 10th

[@zxyatiywariii8]

@@jl2280 Yeah, that's the one thing I don't like about working at "medieval" faires. . . The BDSM community already has their own dungeons and events, I wish they'd please leave faires alone.

[@TwoMikesProductions]

Ragnars facepaint is literally Road Warrior Hawk from the Road Warriors in 90's WCW

[@TheWelshViking]

IT IS AS WELL!!

[@TheWelshViking]

Ooooh what a RUSH!

[@daveboggs1439]

"He looks like a black wicker dustbin" 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheWelshViking]

Well, I mean!

[@melissaduncan9988]

Thank you, as a Norse re-enactor now when we do events for the public we spend 75% of our time with the public explaining that The Vikings is SO not historically accurate and why.

[@TheWelshViking]

Same. It’s just exhausting after a while!

[@janehollander1934]

Ohhh it must difficult to keep your responses "civil" after the 10th time...BUT at least you & your Norse comrades are educating your public. Keep up the good work👍🏻

[@gadgetgirl02]

"Where's this set in, Quebec?" Bonus points for a non-Canadian knowing some Canadian history 😃

[@isabelledescarries5593]

But I don't see the link between the big leather belt and fur trade...

[@gadgetgirl02]

@@isabelledescarries5593 Think of a cartoon voyageur.

[@vincentbriggs1780]

I hate it when people say they "did a lot of research" and then just produce the same kind of inaccurate costumes you see in countless other movies and shows! Theoretically I am ok with people taking creative liberties with costumes, as long as they don't claim it's accurate, and have a decent reason... but usually the only reason is modern beauty ideals and foolish gender roles. (I see SO MANY riding boots and baggy trousers in 18th century movies, it's awful! Show off your calves you cowards!) Such a shame. The accurate costumes you described sound so much more interesting! It's nice to see mens costumes discussed in detail! A lot of costume review posts just focus on the womenswear, which is fine and makes sense when that's what the person doing the review studies, but it does bug me when they say "yeah the menswear looks pretty decent I guess" when it very much doesn't.

[@giacomomontanari4985]

ah yes research, done on the three main resources about vikings: LotR, GoT and Skyrim

[@TheWelshViking]

The “Trifecta of Norse Knowledge”

[@HearthandSickle]

It absolutely kills me that so many of these "history" shows have absolutely SLAUGHTERED the costuming. Shows like Tudors and Vikings had so much potential. I can't stand it the costumes and characters in historical dramas are "sexified" to sell it to viewers because they likely don't have any interest in history and wouldn't watch otherwise. I cringe and run under my rock when costume designers like that get awards for their designs when they weren't even close. For example, I am a student of the American Civil War in the 1860's. I don't claim to be an expert, but I do know what the fashions should/could look like. I shed large and uncontrollable tears when the costuming in the 2019 version of "Little Women" (I believe this was done by an American...which translates into having lots of access to historical documentation) won an award for best costuming! UGH! You are not alone in your woes my friend. Ms. Rebecca

[@TheWelshViking]

You have my sympathies, Ms Rebecca. I’ve heard nothing but bad about the costuming in “Little Women”, which is such a crying shame.

[@2Ten1Ryu]

My dear friend, please go watch Bernadette Banner, I think she is the woman for you. She has had quite some words to say about the costume design on Little Women. :)

[@HearthandSickle]

@@2Ten1Ryu I have seen the video where she talks about the costuming in Little Women- as well as several other costumers who spoke about it.

[@lazarusmorgenstern2536]

"WOAD mate. Woad blue" nearly had me crying with laughter So much disdain and indignation in one sentence, it's perfect!

[@dianesawyerdooley4424]

I was on a longship at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut, and people were asking me if I loved Vikings. I told them that I couldn't watch it -- my blood pressure couldn't take the costuming.

[@waynepurcell6058]

My wife and I drove from North Carolina to Mystic to see the Harald Harfagre. It's a beautiful ship. I still couldn't take my eyes off that damn windlass though. Even the tour guide noticed that I kept looking at it. He sighed and just said "we had to have it because we weren't allowed to sail out of Norwegian waters with enough crew to raise the sail without it". There always has to be something lol.

[@glowgurl777]

Ohhh cool!! When did they have a longship there?

[@waynepurcell6058]

@@glowgurl777 My wife and I saw the Harfagre in May 2018 (if I remember correctly). There are several videos of the ship here on KZbin ranging from construction and launch, sailing North Atlantic, all the way to the ship being power washed while in dry dock at Mystic in 2019. Just type in Draken Harald Harfagre. Also do some investigating, the Harfagre may still BE at Mystic. I know they had plans to tour the East Coast of the US but I believe they were running into finance issues so I don't believe the tour happened. I've not heard any more news since our visit. I also don't know if they had any plans to sail it back to Norway. It may just stay at Mystic. I need to look into it myself, I'd like to see it again.

[@glowgurl777]

@@waynepurcell6058 great to know! I'm very familiar with the area but moved way out west before then. I'll need to go check that out if it's still around! I have fond memories of boarding the whaling ships when I was a kid.

[@AnnoyedKitten]

This was pure comedy gold. When you break down over the penis flap... I almost spit out my tea. 😂

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

I was honestly waiting for the shot with Jimmy spraying his tea over everything!

[@AnnoyedKitten]

@@asilverfoxintasmania9940 Lol! Me too. This has HIGH entertainment value, as well as important historical facts. 🤣

[@TheWelshViking]

You guys are so kind, thank you! XD There may have been some minor, unrecorded tea spillage...

[@DawnOldham]

Totally agree. Here in America it was my early morning coffee I was trying not to spill as I laughed watching Jimmy laugh and laugh and laugh and.....

[@christineherrmann205]

Thanks for the warning. I was about to grab a cup.

[@icidiots13]

"Bilberries, Joan? Bilberries?" Dead. I am dead and will not rest in peace.

[@TheWelshViking]

“Yes, I accept the death was my fault. Bilberries, officer, that’s correct.”

[@OstblockLatina]

Pink Vikings is something I certainly didn't know I needed in my life.

[@DawnOldham]

Before I read the other comments, I just have to say that I grinned ear to ear much of this video. The fact that you held NOTHING BACK as you scoped each photo is rare in a rant video. I loved it. The long laughter at the “penis cover” made ME laugh. At 8 am. Before I had my coffee. Showing multiple pictures from medieval times totally backed up her lack of research. I’d love to know her thoughts on this video! Thanks for the early morning fun. It was totally enjoyable watching you bash on something that irks you. (For me, the thing that irks me in TV land is a fake southern American accent. I can smell it a mile away. I always wonder why they didn’t just hire a REAL southerner to play the part. Southern actors/actresses are not a rare or costly breed. I’ll stop there before I begin to rant.) Thanks again, Jimmy. I’m happy to be a part of your growing community. I joined in right from the beginning because the “algorithm” put you on my screen due to all of the history bounding type channels I subscribe to. How could I pass up watching a video by a “Welsh Viking”? And Co Co-Vid seems to have bolstered the lot of you! I love it. You all seem to be one of the first in You Tube land who have formed a real community. It’s proving that together you are stronger AND end up having more fun!

[@TheWelshViking]

We have a genuinely lovely and supportive community in Costube, and it’s been so good having them here as I start my KZbin journey. Similarly, I know you’ve been here since day one, Dawn, so thank you so much for being a part of my channel and my journey. We seem to be building up a great little community of our own here, so I really hope you stay and keep feeling that you’re a part of it I really do value. I want you to know I dictated the above in a bad Southern accent, sah. Mint julep, beignets, etc.

[@zxyatiywariii8]

I can't resist -- and I know it's off topic -- but your dog is adorable, Dawn!

[@urbanarielle4131]

"...and one gratuitous sexual assault scene later I was done." I lowkey love you for this!

[@HawkOfKrypton]

“It’s true and you should say it!”

[@Aswaguespack]

It does need to be said. To ignore is to give a silent assent to the evil of the event even if it is on film or tv. Violence of any kind on tv, film and in video games perpetuates a subtle concept that violence (including sexual assaults) can be acceptable and a means of solving differences of opinions using force rather than other peaceful means. All violence is inherently evil and inhuman.

[@Gnarlyboi]

Has anyone done an in depth video on this trope?

[@jaywright514]

All that is vary true and I would just like to add we have historical evidence that sexual assault was extremely frowned upon in Viking culture both as in it was an affront to women and dishonorable to the men in her life who would be expected to avenger her up to and including kiling the rapist. It was such a harshly punished crime that it's rarely mentioned and when it is, it's always in terms of how badly the rapist was punished. They also considered drunken sex without consent as rape btw, something that us "civilized" people don't always get right even today.

[@urbanarielle4131]

@@jaywright514 I love that!

[@heatherelise327]

'Bilberries, Joan?? BILBERRIES?!?' (My partner hasn't gotten sick of me intermittently screaming that yet, but give it time...) Well done- excellent edutainrant 😊

[@TheWelshViking]

🤣 I love it! Thanks very much :)

[@RowanWiccae]

the way he describes the outfits in this show makes me laugh a bit. It sounds like How To Train Your Dragon was more accurate to clothing of the viking era than even the Vikings show was XD

[@TheWelshViking]

Honestly? Kind of not too far off!

[@Tiger89Lilly]

It literally looks like the costume department went to topshop in this seasons "Game of Thrones Viking menswear" Constance Mackenzie should have gone and stabbed the whole team with her pins

[@TheWelshViking]

No holds barred. I love it.

[@DanielleStJohn]

"I have boots, Joan!" Relatable AF.

[@janehollander1934]

Joan left the room totally defeated...but he kept pleading with her 😆✊🏻

[@SigneofHorses]

This was worth the wait! I was shocked to hear she claimed it was even remotely historical based and researched *sigh* I often get questions about my costumes and I say costumes, because only 50% is historically accurate. You are very right if people get into re-enactment based on these shows it damages what re-enactment is trying to do. I, on the other hand, wish re-enactors would stop telling newbies what they do wrong and dis their enthusiastically bought cotton fantasy shirts. I love the moment you describe a Jarl and then bring up the picture..

[@rachelboersma-plug9482]

This lot would've been better off in fantasy cotton shirts.

[@TheWelshViking]

We should all be puling each other up, not putting each other down. It’s so sad seeing people feel like they’re not welcome in our community because they don’t have the funds. If you’re working on a bug budget tv show, though, it’s claws out time.

[@FortuitousOwl]

What I’ve learned from costube is that we don’t talk about The Tudors lol

[@thebratqueen]

I love how the one consistent thing about Vikings is that in all contexts it's obvious that Lagertha's badassery is the only good thing about the show. Also there's a time and a place for bondage and it's called the Victorian era. :D

[@janehollander1934]

😆👍🏻

[@agypsycircle]

ROTFLMFAO!

[@JohnM-cd4ou]

Lagertha is one of the most cringeworthy characters on television, and it doesn’t help that the actress is awful as well. She’s why I stopped watching the show after three seasons.

[@thrownswordpommel7393]

@@JohnM-cd4ou Yeah she's just your average fantasy warrior princess. No depth to her character whatsoever.

[@ah5721]

I know the Victorians were freaks in the sheets and lords / ladies in the streets but bandage is nothing I've heard of.. maybe dildos.. for "cureing " female "insanity"

[@rowanseas4904]

I haven't seen the show either so I had no idea that it was *that* bad. A 5 minute internet search would have given the costume designer more accurate information than whatever "research" she did.

[@annahevrdejs2102]

I enjoyed this so much! Thank you! It sounds like she went to "Viking World" outside Reykjavik for her info. The docent there literally told us that the mastfish/keelson was for a fire. Like a fire pit? On a tar-covered wooden ship? Our class was speechless, to say the least. (She also explained to 20+y/olds that you can't drink salt water. ...? I like to think this is just one individual, but it was a incredibly poor experience. If anyone has the opportunity to go to Reykjavik, I highly recommend the Settlement Museum and the Culture House instead (for manuscripts!) (Sorry for the over-passionate rant!)

[@TheWelshViking]

Thanks for the tip! Sounds like it employs some very questionable people :S Cross that one off the Iceland list

[@Kuhmuhnistische_Partei]

"That would effectively be crossdressing, which was something that a woman could divorce her husband for in the viking period" So... if we know that, there were people who did it, right? I would totally dress as a viking crossdresser. Sounds sympathetic.

[@oldoneeye7516]

Your comment made my day.

[@nellgwyn2723]

I was thinking the same, apparently it was a common enough occurrence for people to have a law about it and social protocols of how to deal with it, which is a rather fascinating thought. I never thought much about crossdressing Vikings before, but that together with the glorious pink faux-fur coat will be on my mind forever. I never found them as interesting before learning more about them being so much more than what pop culture considers them to be, but those two were the first times I was genuinely sad about never getting to know the reality of their lives, because that is fascinating and much more human and likeable than most historical details you ever get on people so far in the past.

[@eazy8579]

@@nellgwyn2723 thing is, for a guy, that pink fuzzy cloak would have been super manly, so it might not be the best choice for cross dressing, unless you normally present feminine

[@scouttyra]

I mean, Odin himself did it *shrugs*

[@chaoscraft7747]

Well I just came home from a tiny let's pretend its not a plague going on and that this is the normal Midgardsblot, viking metal festival and the people who did viking inspired clothing was more historically acurate than this Also: "He looks like a black wicker dust bin" Is the best sentence ever!!

[@mosthighlyintrovertedlady3319]

He does! He does! 😅🚮

[@caterinapicco7316]

So, I'm gonna be honest: i love Vikings. I know that it isn't historically accurate and honestly that is fine for me, i hope that people don't get the impression that it is because...oh boy..Saying that i didn't know about the claims of the costume designer, just be honest about your work please... Great video, thank you for sharing your knowledge with us

[@purpleexplorer2263]

"Don't be topless, it's cold" 🤣

[@JamesRDavenport]

I'll be honest, I loved Vikings back in the day, still like it as fantasy, and never thought the clothes were accurate even though I enjoyed the show, again as pure fantasy. HOWEVER.... I literally just did a .5 second search for "Viking Apron Dress" and found one on Grimfrost for a hundred bucks. You could outfit all the main women on the show in Grimfrosts and it would cost less than this, look better and still be more accurate. Why?

[@TheWelshViking]

See? This! This is what I'm talking about! You could fling a few hundred quid to GF and Get Dressed for Battle and your cast would look 100x more authentic for so little outlay.

[@Nitaka12]

Always thought the half naked Viking troupe made no sense. They'd freeze to death.

[@hockeygrrlmuse]

It depends. I'm halfway through a book called "The Little Ice Age," which discusses climate change from the 13th or 14th century up to the 1800s. There were Viking settlements on Greenland partly because of the milder seasons at the time. But that's a different era and has nothing to do with how accurate the costumes here are.

[@ah5721]

@@hockeygrrlmuse however most Scandinavians have saying "there is no such thing as cold ,only inadequate clothing"

[@hockeygrrlmuse]

@@ah5721 Oh, I like that saying!

[@Blitzcomo]

The educational rage in this video is just delightful (I hope you have less reason to be stressed soon!!)

[@AragornElessar]

oh I love rants on historical accuracy in tv shows.

[@africanlatinochinaman6894]

Are you a meme?

[@AragornElessar]

@@africanlatinochinaman6894 nope.

[@africanlatinochinaman6894]

@@AragornElessar oh wow 😮

[@tasanijanus7092]

"Put some leather on your shield, we can see the planks." I need to watch this a few more times. Wonderful critique.

[@shawnagoddard4999]

I did read some where that the costumes in this show suffered from what the writer called "The Game of Thrones Effect". I never knew the costume designer was claiming it to be accurate. If it makes you feel better the series ended earlier this year.

[@doglover1neo]

Also the costume designer is not the only one who has input on the design. so the producers and directors go' oh those are cool designs but make them better.' And by 'better' they mean modern badass via game of thrones. I have listened to a bunch of movie MTV costume designer panels, and it's obvious that they do the research and the work to create hundreds and hundreds of designs for the whole cast that are relatively accurate to the period that whatever their job is set in, but directors and other people come in and go oh no no no no we need this to happen. And there's also budgetary time constraints random background actors who are not consistent to fit in a myriad of costumes. I remember watching a small clip of the writer who says it's a condensed, slightly fantical, historical retelling. It's very clear it's a retelling that is fantastical. And what it breaks down to is that no one would have watched Vikings if Ragnar came walking out in a fau x fur coat that's pink. Our modern sensibility of what is masculine would reject that, completely, and that show would have come screeching to a halt(let alone leave the pre-production stage). Even though it's 100% authentic, everyone would make fun of it and not in a good way.

[@TheWelshViking]

It’s a sad indictment of the modern age that this is an argument that can be made. Especially considering the idea of masculinity in the Viking age is something many consider an aspiration, when they have a horribly skewed view of what that really was. Considering shows like “Downton Abbey” can use original garments and very accurate replicas, I’m not sure an authentic portrayal would necessarily have been a death knell, especially on the History Channel, but as I say in the video and you mention above, it’s depressing how common it is for historical consultants and designers to be overruled. In this case, though, Bergin fervently sticks to her design guns, and makes no apology for the travesty we have to watch.

[@maryellencook9528]

Thank you for NOT supporting this series' costuming. I was an active member of the Society for Creative Anachronism starting in 1976-1995. I was a member of the first Viking clan here in Ansteorra (Texas and Oklahoma). I am still friends with several Viking groups, and I wanted to cry when I saw the costumes. Such a travesty. P.S. The word "Viking" is a verb, not a noun. The referred to themselves as Norse, Danes, or the occasional Swede. These would go "a' viking" which basically means traveling, not necessarily raiding. It was later people who referred to them as Vikings.

[@baileyruggles7894]

Thank you The Welsh Viking, I really enjoy the care and passion you have for your craft and it's very enjoyable to watch

[@TheWelshViking]

I try, and thank you for the lovely comment :)

[@hdhoven2983]

BRAVO! Way back when I was at a Library Convention holding down the SCA table I had one person ask me "Is Vikings accurate?" I couldn't help it I had to be honest. "It's as accurate as the armor at Party City. If they were going for a film noir version of a Wagnerian Opera, if I take my glasses off and squint my eyes I might believe it." After showing him our collection of various pamphlets, handouts, and vacation photos from the Viking Centers and historical villages he said..." so the producers of the show were afraid of shiny and colorful?" I had to sit down I was laughing so hard.

[@little_punk_doll8975]

Funny thing is I bought a dress on an auction from this tv show :p Luckily, it's made from wool, and dyed purple, so I guess she made one tolerable thing ? :p

[@Moritach]

When I've been to viking exhibitions in sweden there's always been notes on whence items came. Like this came from the roman empire, or was inspired by the roman empire. This came from the irish, this came from the sami, this came from germany, this was made here but were exported as they've also been found here, here and here... The trade part, the wealth they brought home both in actual precious stuff, but also in knowledge and new crafting techniques has always been an important part of the story. How'd she go here to learn and miss all that?

[@rachelboersma-plug9482]

This was glorious. Thank you. Your sound quality is great this time, too.

[@SachiNighte]

When I first saw the trailer for Vikings I thought it was high fantasy and was highly disappointed to find that I was wrong about that

[@TheWelshViking]

It’s a lot less painful to just see it as fantasy, to be honest :/

[@SachiNighte]

The Welsh Viking yes, it was, and I don’t even have all the knowledge that you do! Thank you for your wonderful videos

[@aenorist2431]

18:25 The weird chain-thing between the Tortoise broaches is an actual (probably modern) maille pattern, called half-persian (3-1). Its made with rings of wobbly sizing, probably aluminium from the size of em. Obviously still terribad, but someone in the costume department makes maille (as in the modern hobby / jewelry artform) which I like.

[@beccibot]

I absolutely love this show, but the costumes (as much as I like to look at some of them) are my biggest bug bear. As someone who used to reenact the Viking period, I focused mostly on the clothing, learning to use natural dyes, doing research into the stitches they would use for construction and decorative purchases, and learning how to tablet weave. There are so many sources out there for Viking fashion; I just don’t know how she got it so wrong.

[@hockeygrrlmuse]

Might be my favorite historical costume rant. I love feeling vindicated about what's being roasted & this absolutely deserves it 👌🏻

[@charlie2.048]

I just found your channel and now I'm binging all your videos and I think I'm in love.

[@eazy8579]

Wait, Jimmy is into Historical Costuming? What else is he hiding from us?!?!

[@lynnemcdonald465]

I am aghast that this was shown on the History Channel. There is a place for historical fantasy, and that is not it. Well ranted, that man.

[@janehollander1934]

I didn't know that either. Here it's shown on Netflix...and They don't seem, or want, to know "better"...I'm looking at you 'The King' (2019)

[@yvibeck8730]

I love this kinda videos, they are so so SO important.

[@TheWelshViking]

Thank you so much, I’m glad they’re of use :D

[@persiswynter6357]

Oh, you poor thing! I laughed and laughed and laughed! (My poor cat stalked away in a huff.) ...and those Conquistador helmets were in use in 1521 (Hernan Cortes and the conquest of Mexico, and other parts), but still nowhere near the Viking Age. ...as for the armo(u)r made of leather squares, I saw something similar at the Terracotta Warriors exhibit: but it was made of tiles of stone.

[@TheWelshViking]

Sorry I scared the cat! There is Roman leather armour, but absolutely nothing Viking.

[@janehollander1934]

Persis Wynter, that's where my mind went as well...The Chinese Terracotta Army, in the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang in Xi'an. 👍🏻

[@joanelizabethhall9455]

My SCA life happens in an area where almost everyone does a Viking persona. I'm trying to document a current craze: jet black face paint for women, covering much of the upper face in "tribal symbols."

[@TheWelshViking]

Oh dear.

[@AnnoyedKitten]

Why?! //Fellow SCA-dian that also does viking but never understood this Panda look. On either sex. But then again... I live with rune stones basically in my back yard since I live in Sweden and have 1 h to both Birka and Uppsala viking museums. But still. WHY?!

[@TheWelshViking]

I am jealous of your location. I agree: WHY THO?

[@AnnoyedKitten]

@@TheWelshViking As soon as this plague is done, come and visit. I seriously have 20 min to a huge grave field from viking age, ship settings and also loads of rune stones to look at. :)

[@Nessi-dances]

I love your reaction faces and perfect A:TLA reference! Is it bad that I would love to see a web series done by some SCA chapters? I think I made it through 3 episodes before the really bad kissing drove me away. How did she miss all the museums??!?!?!!!! Even just the National ones in UK/Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, that's like 7, you can do that in a month. Easy! Or ya know, your local SCA chapter, ask them!

[@user-jy2sj4ed4i]

Absolutely! I know there are plenty of period nazis in SCA who would probably do it for free just to point out any mistakes.

[@VirginiaAngstadt]

This is truth!!🤣🤣

[@yuukimare9847]

🤣 Omg... John Snow making an appearance. That make me laugh so much.

[@MrtavGavran]

I'm currently watching "The Last Kingdom" with a friend (after getting a bit ahead with the books), and every second of it I'm thinking it's such a damn shame they didn't contact one of the many knowledgeable historians/reenactors to help with the costume design. There seems to be a general misconception that authentic dark ages costumes are boring and/or they make telling apart the vikings and the Saxons impossible (which, while a topic unto itself, is really not the case).

[@eireanncarter]

The details on so many of the actual historical items are gorgeous. I wish so desperately that current works would include that sort of thing. The intricate patterns on those brooches would be so lovely to see and could do so much to remind viewers of the skills and artistry that existed in those societies. And the inclusion of items that detailed can provide interesting and subtle ways to hint at characterization. Colors can hint at connections between characters, or indicate social class, or personality. Different motifs in the decorations can do similar work. I mean, even if one cares not at all for history, costumes can and should tell you so much about a character when done right and the ones in those pictures seem so uselessly generic. On a different note, thank you for telling us about the differences in how masculine presenting and feminine presenting people of the time displayed wealth. I knew about the bead strands, but people don't talk much about the armbands or the use of silver specifically.

[@betweentheoldandthenew8200]

This was entertaining to watch as always, I had actually no idea that it originally aired on the History Channel... But I would've loved to see a pink für coat! 🌱

[@YlvaTheRed]

I love all of these assessments!

[@curiouslywoven9737]

My undergrad medieval professor would have a medieval movie night at her house once a month during term and the whole point was to identify what was correct and what was wrong - having a good laugh as well. This rant was very like that and so much fun. Please do have a go at some of the other Viking films. We always had a lot of fun with Erik the Viking, 13th warrior, and of course Kirk Douglas in The Vikings. Having fun while pointing out the errors can be a great learning tool - definitely memorable if done with humor. As for the shirtless guys in the horrific trousers - they are supposed to be berserkir. Some well-meaning friends wanted to make a movie night out of watching episodes of the Vikings and did not take it particularly well when I treated it as a source of humor or a game of pointing out the errors. I was able to keep it pretty light for a bit but really lost it when it came to the battle scenes and the berserkir1

[@TracyLynnAP]

Thank you so much for this.. I saw the prevues of this show and thought.. wow this looks like someone went to the costume shop and bought all the "viking" Halloween costumes.. I am glad to know I was not wrong lol

[@Cobra0789]

Preach Jamie! Honestly though, when was the last time anything historically accurate was on the History channel? It's as much of a joke and barely anyone watches it anymore. It's more likely they'll watch it on Netflix. But yeah, boy has journalism gone down hill the last decade. Online and off, no matter the subject. Most of it is regurgitated nonsense written by people who don't know how to research and edited by people who don't give a shit. Typos and misinformation galore -- much like this Joan character's "historical research".

[@LoveThyKitty]

I appreciate your entertaining and brutal honesty.

[@FirstnameLastname-zq4rt]

7:59 The Welsh Viking: your character looks gnc af The costume designer: you’re insane

[@upcyclemichael]

Thank the Gods. I have real problems keeping my rants about woefully inaccurate arms and armour to myself whilst watching films and 'historically' based TV shows. It has been a joy to watch you cringe at the same things that irk me so. Very pleased to have stumbled upon your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@brissygirl4997]

In the group shot with the crotch flap pants Yarl or whatever his name is, was actually the blond guy with the tattoos next to crotch flap guy in the middle who is actually Rolo. The Horrick guy was supposed to be a king too btw. Probably totally butchered their names but you get the idea. Thank you for the video your reactions always give me a laugh

[@v1olante]

I dig the aesthetic and I really love the show but I'm happy you're educating everyone

[@MrsBifflechips]

11:08 I'm a dork, and I would not wear that helmet.

[@tomice]

Thank you for another great video, I feel your pain I have similar pains whilst watching medical dramas!! I am however holding you responsible for 15 minutes of sweary knitting repair as your shout of bilberries joan made me drop several stitches!

[@janehollander1934]

🤭🧶👌🏻

[@sjesson6979]

Wasn't black a really hard color to come by? If so why is everyone in black? And maybe the topless thing was to emulate the Celts during the British-Romanic period, but that would be a few centuries too late and the wrong group either way.

[@rachelboersma-plug9482]

I can only assume the topless warriors are supposed to be berserkers.

[@TheWelshViking]

Yeah, I’m told they’re supposedly doing some berserker thing, but the black leather is total fantasy. In theory they *could* have dyed it blackish, but we have zero proof they did.

[@kmaher1424]

@@TheWelshViking When truly black clothing came in, many centuries later, one of tgevatteactions was that the dye process was long and expensive. So, earlier, the baseline was neutrals, with colors for those with money.

[@rebekahanderson5020]

This was great fun to watch! 10/10 would watch another!

[@TheWelshViking]

Thank you so much, Rebekah!

[@agypsycircle]

Thank you! I appreciate you saying all this, it helps me to stay away from the shows and pay attention to the actual historical information that is out there and keep watching videos like yours where actual historians note what is correct and what is purely speculation!

[@BlameMyMuses]

Your rant brought me life and eased my aches and pains. I especially appreciated your near endless collection of real examples from real history. (Worshipped ANIMALS? Joooaaaan noooooo!) I *do* wish you had looked at more "everyday wear" clothing from the show, not just the armor. I haven't watched the show since the first season, but I feel as if I vaguely recall a few normal dresses on Lagertha, at least, and a simple tunics on Ragnar, but I watched that early season when I was less well versed on the historical side of things, too, so I may be misremembering.

[@TheWelshViking]

Alas! I was sent pictures from a friend after asking for “illustrative” shots of the sorts of thing in the series. I can certainly do another look at everyday gear if it’s different! I’m always looking to provide actual artefacts. What use the critique if I don’t show how it could be done better? Thanks for the suggestion, and the lovely words :)

[@SH-wk6po]

*"Woad mate! WOAD BLUE!!". "He looks like a black wicker dustbin".* Ah ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!! I was not expecting this kind of (well deserved and well aimed) savagery from this cutie Welshman. 😂😊🤣 I will say that the NYT published an article on her, and claims that she isn't a "slave to authenticity" and keeps costumes about 70% accurate to the period... whatever that means. 🙄 I look forward to many more videos of this nature!

[@DawnOldham]

I actually recently watched a You Tube video that taught how to make Woad blue. It looks nothing like the denim the “Viking” woman was wearing!

[@cindabearr]

This comment cinched it for me. I'd not had the pleasure of seeing any previous videos from this channel. I've now subscribed and need to see more of this well-mannered savagery, for this show truly, truly deserves it!

[@SH-wk6po]

@@cindabearr I'm so glad the comment was helpful!! 😊 This channel keeps getting better and better!

[@cindabearr]

@@SH-wk6po This was the first video of his I'd seen, and I knew I had to subscribe to see more of his charm! (Black wicker dust bin... 🤣🤣🤣) If he keeps getting better, I know I'm in for a fantastic time!!

[@christhorpejunction8982]

70% accurate? Is that lady having a laugh? Probably out by err 100%? 🤘

[@horsenroundstudio]

Fellow weaver here, and OMG, that fabric Jane is weaving is AMAZING.

[@janetmackinnon3411]

I've just found you...what joy!Thjank you

[@nikkicafeina]

I also stopped watching the show early on (like many of the others on here), but I will say that Lagertha specifically inspired me to start looking into shield maidens and valkyries as a concept and as folklore so...that was nice. Her outfits were still...not great. Especially when apron dresses and accurate jewelry are so cute and fun!

[@DerJagerlord]

Episode 1: Lagertha in apron dress with brooches Subsequent episodes: less so I feel, like with other shows, as budget increased, they felt a bigger need to do more. Which is a shame, cause after a while it become more about the aesthetic than the story, even allowing for historical inaccuracies. Loved this vid!

[@sentientarugula2884]

Well I found the next hit channel. Thanks for the awesome content

[@PinkythePinkDemon]

Loved the video and the idea that there is nothing wrong with fantasy vikings, just say that's what you're doing. Also, I did not know about using fluffy wool to make brightly colored faux fur. Also, totally unrelated, but I love that green borderware (?) just in the background; may I inquires as to where you got it?

[@keelinhogan8869]

This may be a hot take here, but I love both Vikings and The Tudors. (I know they are both trash TV but I love to see any sort of history brought to life in any capacity.) I did a presentation about Joan Bergin's costume design and I agree that it is absolutely abysmal that it is presented as "historically accurate". I have done a lot of research myself about fashion history with a particular interest in both viking age and early Tudor dress and so personally I can easily see that the costuming is BAD in regards to accuracy. However, I do think she is a good designer, with some pretty glaring exceptions (like the crotch flap on Rollo) I think her designs look cool and they do in some capacity invoke the feelings of the era. I think the major shortcomings of these sorts of designs, is as you said, the fact that they are presented as reality. What is damaging in my opinion is not that the costumes in these series are absolutely fantastical, but that the majority of people viewing them are unaware of that fact. I appreciate so much that you take the time to present the reality in such a great format because it is so important for us to understand the actual truth of history in general and it is something that I feel unfortunately gets brushed under the rug. Particularly in America, history is not something that the system of education focuses on at all and it is so sad to see because it creates these damaging scenarios wherein people accept these entirely fantastical representations of history as fact.

[@christineherrmann205]

Have to say (for me) you clearly laying out your expectations for a Jarl was the most entertaining segment. Jimmy: "If he's a Jarl...." Me: (oh Lord, this is going to be BAD) In that vein, now I feel pretty insecure about the Renn Faire icon...

[@michaelhorton7684]

I really enjoy your insight and historical knowledge. I have some Viking ancestry and am just starting to get into the history and clothing styles. Thank you!

[@TheWelshViking]

Thank you for taking the time to comment :) I hope you enjoy researching!

[@armedvsokord]

I love the language switching at the end it is really cool.

[@fionacreates]

Excellent in depth info. Now I just want to see the characters reimagined in colourful wools and silks not a sea of black! And claiming you have to follow contemporary trends in order to make relatable costume design, is lazy design. Mostly... I just see a lot of heavy handed moneyfolk speaking through the voice of the designers. Not to mention the wild claims that there's no information on what they wore in certain places when there is... is just very baffling... we know a surprising ammount about the Vikings for how long ago it was!

[@elliw.]

"Oh my god, it's Dracula!".... I died 😂 I literally just found your channel (thank you KZbin algorithm) and I absolutely love this video. Same here, I only watched a few episodes and had to stop, the costumes are awful and far far... far from actual viking clothing. Thanks for this, it's been brilliant.

[@fantasyskeep]

A winged spear is very effective for hunting boar. The point is inserted, then turned 90* in order to both open up the wound to increase bleeding but also to prevent the boar from running up the pole while panicking because it won't be able to get past the barbs. That being said, the barbs in the spears shown are very short and probably not very effective. The spear I used as a teen had 5.5" wings and they still got pretty far up the staff.

[@williamstrickland9795]

I like your videos. I appreciate that you voice that it is okay to do an outfit that is not fully accurate (that rarely can happen, cause of time and materials), but that is the standard by which you work. For me, right now I strive for authenticity as much as I can, in order to learn the advances in quality construction of garments, as well as fit and look. If you ever have a reason to come to the University of Michigan, let me know.

[@TheWelshViking]

I will do, thanks! I haven’t many reasons to visit Michigan these days, but an excuse will be found!