Vikings series 2

[Captain Blood]

Okay chaps, calm down. Please keep it civil and constructive

Like I said at the top of the thread, I very much enjoyed the series. But like most TV historical dramas, there will be lots of things experts like us can find fault with.

The interesting thing about this programme is that it's made by the History Channel, not a drama producer like HBO, and - for me anyway - even though it's done through the medium of drama, it does feel very 'educational'.
You can almost spot the bit in each episode where the producers are saying 'and this is how the vikings did justice; this is how they did religion; this is how they did shipbuilding; this is how they did warfare' and so on. Each episode covers off some aspect of culture and life in Viking society... Given this thinly-veiled educational thrust, it would be surprising if the producers hadn't done their homework pretty thoroughly - although of course, that doesn't mean they've got everything right.

As far as chainmail goes, I'm not sure what the historical evidence is for so many vikings wearing chainmail in this early period. To my (semi-educated) eye, the mix of leatherwork, furs, and occasional bits of metal looks pretty convincing. I know we wargamers have been taught by wargames miniatures companies to like our vikings of all denominations almost uniformly clad in nasal helms and mail shirts, but I don't imagine that's really how it was at all. Armour, even mail armour, almost certainly was the preserve of the wealthy few - same as in most medieval cultures from 500 - 1500.

[LeadAsbestos]

Easy for you to say, it's not your cultural heritage they are messing with.

Maybe I'm just an American maverick.

[Captain Blood]

Thank you for your thoughtful contribution.

Since people seem determined for some reason to turn this innocuous topic about a TV programme into an argument, I think we'll leave it there.