#Jarl Haakon

[emma-ofnormandy]

your rage is fuel. your rage is the fire you need. no more swallowing it until you are ill. you are allowed to be angry. --Nikita Gill

[ivarthebadbitch]

vikings/vikings valhalla/the last kingdom + red

[miss-madness67]

Warm Welcome (Harald Sigurdsson)

You are the welcome committee for Prince Harald.

You dreaded being the designated welcome committee for Prince Harald. Jarl Haakon, your mother, was too busy playing hostess for the rest of the travelers to care for a man with no crown. And thus, it became your duty to wait for the Prince’s arrival. You briefly remember meeting him a few years back when you were a kid, but your memories are hazy and indescribable. If you are not mistaken, he was a cocky kid, not that you blame him considering his social status. Nevertheless, he was too high up his horse that he never noticed the rumors going on about him. Not even now, as people talk about him and the unlikeliness of his brother giving the throne to him after his death. Most of the time, you rather not involve yourself in such matters. You are comfortable enough being a shieldmaiden and staying away from political schemes. It does not help, however, that your mother is the Jarl of Kattegat.

When the boat from Ringerike finally docks, you are chilled to the bone from the harsh winds. All you want to do is curl up in your bed after a long day of training. So, it is not surprising to say that you are angsty at the Prince for unknowingly forcing you to give up on your comforts. He does not come alone, but with a small fleet at his side. There is a clear air of royalty coming off him as he approaches you. Harald looks at you up and down, that cocky smile you remember too well adorning his face. He is handsome, and you can openly admit it; his face is masculine and pretty in an almost painful way to watch.

Once he is a few feet away from you, he greets you happily. You give it to him, Harald is charming. “Prince Harald, it is a pleasure to see you after all these years. I take that you are well?” You try to muster your best smile, but it is not an ounce like his.

His response is smooth as ever. “It has been a while indeed. You look as beautiful as ever.” You are surprised he recognizes you.

“My mother has asked me to accompany you to your lodging, she is quite busy at the moment, but she will greet you as soon as she is free.” You want to get this over with as fast as you can.

Apparently, you are not as good at pretending as you think you are, because Harald sees right through you.

“Very well, I thank you a lot for your hospitality.” Instead of sounding angry, though, he seems amused. “I will follow you to my chambers… and perhaps after we can both rest, you look tired. I have heard a warm bath always helps.” That is probably not the first time he has used that line, but you have to admit the look in his eyes makes you consider the proposal.

This was likewise my first Vikings Valhalla writing. Would you like me to write more of that fandom?

[bumblesimagines]

Under The Moonlight

Part 7

Request: Yes or No

~~~

Many days had passed since they had returned to Kattegat from London. Freydis settled into her new position, Leif and Liv into their blossoming relationship, and (Y/N)... Well, he settled into Harald's bed on most nights.

He hadn't intended to, truly. The third time they had found themselves giving in to their desires, (Y/N) had slipped away from Harald's slumbering body and left his lodgings, going back to the room he'd been freely given by Jarl Haakon for his part in the war efforts. The following morning, Harald had easily found him during breakfast. But he simply sat down beside him as if all was well and picked up conversation with Leif. (Y/N) had told himself he'd make a point to Harald: that they were far better off as friends. But Harald was good with words, and even better with his hands.

So when he found himself waking up in an all-too-familiar bed, he merely buried his face in the feather-stuffed pillow and wished the day away. His movements, however, caught the eye of the waking Viking beside him. Fingers danced up his spine and soft lips kissed the back of his shoulder. When (Y/N) didn't stir, Harald pressed his palm against his back and slipped his hand underneath his body, scooping the Greenlander into his arms and pulling him against his chest. His response came in the form of a disapproving groan. Harald chuckled softly, nuzzling his nose into the crook of (Y/N)'s neck. (Y/N) couldn't understand why Harald insisted on being so affectionate. How the man remained unwed was still a mystery to him.

"You must want to meet God, Harald." (Y/N) grumbled. Harald laughed against his skin.

"Did I wake you, love?" He asked and (Y/N) grew still. Harald continued to nuzzle into his neck, burying his face into his skin and tickling him with his beard. He was testing him. (Y/N) could tell. Harald would've lifted his head to look at him properly otherwise. (Y/N) shut his eyes and sighed deeply. He could tell. Gods, he'd been spending so much time around Harald that he had picked up on his habits. His face warmed considerably and he wanted to desperately bury his face in the pillow until slumber took him away.

"No," (Y/N) answered, shoving down the eruption of butterflies in his stomach. 

"Good." Harald rested his chin on his shoulder and ran his hand down (Y/N)'s arm. Slipping his fingers between (Y/N)'s, he pulled their hands to his face and kissed the back of (Y/N)'s. "I wanted to speak with you."

"What about?" (Y/N) shifted, laying on his back and gazing up at Harald curiously. Harald ran his lips over (Y/N)'s hand in concentration- or perhaps deliberation- before sighing softly. (Y/N) pressed his lips into a line, eyes flickering all over Harald's face.

"Us," Harald whispered.

"Us?" (Y/N) repeated breathlessly, brows furrowing. Harald nodded and pushed himself up with his arm, his other hand slipping under the covers to nudge (Y/N)'s legs apart. Heat bubbled in (Y/N)'s stomach but it soon faded once Harald lied down on top of him, his weight pressing him into the bed in an oddly comforting way. Resting his head down on (Y/N)'s chest, Harald allowed his eyes to flutter shut, one finger softly stroking the beginning of his scar while (Y/N)'s fingers slipped into the wavy brown locks brushing against his chin, gently scraping Harald's scalp and eliciting a soft rumble of contentment from the prince. 

"I feel strongly for you, (Y/N). More strongly than I've ever felt for anyone else." Harald revealed quietly, listening to the sound of horns blowing in the distance. (Y/N)'s gaze rose up onto the ceiling, running over the woodwork and beams keeping the structure up. He wondered if Harald could hear his heartbeat quicken. "I know our people would judge us and you deserve more than to be hidden away. But, I cannot help how I feel and... I needed to know if you felt the same."

Feelings... such bothersome things. They made his skin burn hotter than the sun and nauseated him until he could no longer think straight. His heart would threaten to burst out of his chest and his lips would pull into a smile, no matter how sour of a day he had. He hated it. He hated not having control over his own body. It reacted so wildly to a man, a Christian prince, who had a cheeky smile and kind eyes. (Y/N) hated the invisible rope that drew Harald to him over and over, hated how easily his eyes found Harald in a room, and he loathed the fluttery feeling that sunk its teeth into his stomach. Loki must've been having a field day with him, that mischievous little God. Or perhaps... Freya had bestowed him with a gift.

"I don't know how I feel." He answered honestly after a beat of silence. "I... I've never felt anything for anyone before." Greenland had a habit of isolating her islanders, keeping them contained to their lands in a constant state of survival, even more so when one lived far from the villages. (Y/N) had been raised in the wilderness, only seeing others when they traveled into the village or were visited by their neighbors. Romance in Greenland was rare, especially if one wasn't actively seeking it, and it certainly never crossed (Y/N)'s mind before. 

Harald propped himself up onto his elbows, tenderly gazing down at him. He ran his thumb over (Y/N)'s jawline and then his lips, his eyes sweeping over every detail on his face. "I want you to know I would give anything for my love. I would do anything for them. I'd even toss aside my quest for the throne. But only if my love feels the way I do." 

"All you've wanted since we met is to be King of Norway, Harald. I don't believe you'd give it up so easily."

"It won't be easy, you're right. But if it's what my love wants..." Harald trailed off and then inhaled deeply, nodding to himself and smiling down at him. "I will gladly do it. I can prove it to you." 

"Why?" (Y/N)'s hand slipped down from Harald's hair, traversing over back muscles that flexed slightly at his touch. "I'm just a Greenlander. I am not someone you toss away the crown for."

"But you are." Harald objected, lips ghosting over (Y/N)'s chin. "And if you do not wish for me to leave my destiny, then I beg of you to be with me in court. When I am King, I will follow in Jarl Haakon's footsteps. Norway will turn into an open country where any and all faiths can be worshipped. No more hatred, no more violence." 

"That's an honorable plan, Harald." (Y/N) mumbled, brushing back one of Harald's curls. 

"What do you say?" Harald asked, tilting his head to gently kiss (Y/N)'s hand. "Will you be mine?"

"Yes." Laughter soon followed as Harald leaned back onto his knees, pulling (Y/N) along with him and peppering kisses all over his neck and shoulders. And then, the kisses turned needier and hungry, and (Y/N) knew he'd be stuck in bed a little while longer.

Later, when the day began to slip into the afternoon, Freydis informed them of a disturbance at the harbor that had unsettled the townsfolk and those visiting Kattegat. (Y/N) and Harald followed Freydis and Leif through town as the morning fog began to lift, allowing them to see much clearer. But when they stepped on the beach, (Y/N) wished it hadn't left. 

A boat had neared the shore. Empty. Unless you counted the multiple spiked heads littered around the boat or the body of a woman tied to the mast, her arms outstretched to either side in the form of a cross. White and red traditional paint covered the faces of a few of the deceased, telling those on shore that they were priests and priestesses, or more specifically, worshippers of the Old Gods. But it hadn't been the heads or the body that truly made bile rise in the back of his throat. It'd been the piercing wails of a baby.

Trudging into the cold water with his brother, he stood by the boat and inhaled the smell of dried blood. He avoided looking at the faces of the deceased and instead whispered a prayer for them. Leif carefully boarded the boat and stepped toward the mast where a basket sat, gingerly picking up the swaddled baby and handing them off to his brother. (Y/N) mimicked the way he'd seen his mother hold a child once and held the baby close to his chest, lightly bouncing the baby to keep them from fussing. The cold had turned their cheeks and nose rosy pink, a startling contrast to their pale skin and the red cross painted on their forehead with blood. If starvation didn't take them first, the chill certainly would. With that in mind, (Y/N) turned and walked back onto the beach, allowing Freydis to take them into her arms and gaze upon them.

"I know this child." She grimaced and looked up at Jarl Haakon. "Kåre did this."

At her words, Jarl Haakon's breath seemed to hitch. "Uppsala..." She whispered in cold realization, her eyes moving away from the baby and onto Freydis.

"Go. Now."

                    ➸        ➸       ➸       ➸       ➸       ➸

Riding over the hill, (Y/N) tugged on the reins of his horse and saw it in the distance; gray smoke rising through the trees. Jarl Haakon's suspicions had been right. Freydis didn't think twice in clicking her tongue and applying pressure to the sides of her horse with her calves, making it run forward toward the treeline. The others followed, the smell of burnt wood filling their senses within minutes as they arrived at the remains of the temple. Scattered around the ground were debris and bodies. Some appeared to have been cut down while fleeing, others had been tied up to posts and trees, their clothes soaked in blood and their heads limp. Nobody had been spared. Not even the children, women, or elderly. But the sight that made Freydis stop was the sight of the temple itself, nearly burned to ashes but parts of it still stood, unbroken by the rage of Christians. 

"Spread out," Leif instructed, watching his sister solemnly. "Look for survivors."

Tossing one leg over the horse, (Y/N) landed firmly on the ground and walked forward, placing his hand on Freydis's thigh to break her out of her thoughts. She glanced down at him, eyes glossed over with tears, and slipped off the saddle. (Y/N) sighed heavily and followed her up the trail leading to the temple. His gaze roamed over the carnage. The bodies seemed endless. Whenever he looked away from one, he spotted another, and then another. So many lives. So many innocents who had visited the temple seeking the wisdom and love of the Gods, only to be slaughtered. Breaking away from Freydis and Liv, he caught up with Harald and Leif, grimacing at the sight of more bodies. Crows and bugs had already begun to scavenge the remains, taking their fill. 

"Have you been here before?" Leif asked Harald, gazing at one of the bodies. It appeared smaller than the others around it. A child. They continued on, searching- hoping- for survivors. 

"No." Harald shook his head, voice soft. "I'd only heard stories."

"All of these lives lost... and all they'll be to their killers are distant memories." (Y/N) whispered and looked at the temple as they neared it. The pillars that remained had turned black from the fire, smoke still rising from the structure. He could see what remained of the inside. Just more broken and burnt debris. No longer a place of prayer and worship. 

Crouching down by the corpses of a couple and their child, Leif swallowed thickly and shook his head. "Who could hate something so much?"

"They're not killing people," Harald spoke, fingers curling into fists. "They're cleansing the land. Rubbing away all signs of our pagan past, like a stain." 

(Y/N)'s jaw clenched, unable to tear his eyes away from the fallen boy. His mother's arm had been draped over him, almost as if she had attempted to shield him from the incoming attack. Beside them, the father's hand lay stretched out toward them, perhaps reaching for them in his last moments. The sound of a twig snapping turned their attention away from the gruesome sight and Harald stood in front of (Y/N), sliding his sword out of his sheath. The three cautiously approached the large tree where the sound had come from, eyeing the disturbed branches laying on the ground. Leif reached out toward it, grasping it and quickly moving it, only to hear soft gasps from the people hiding. Three young girls. Suvuiors covered in dirt and ash. They trembled and flinched, avoiding the eyes of the men in fear.

"It's alright. We won't hurt you." Leif assured softly and offered his hand, helping the girls out of the hole one by one. 

"Come, you're safe now." Harald sheathed his swords, hands hovering over their backs to avoid further discomfort for them. They took the girls back toward the temples, stepping into the rubble of the building and toward Freydis and Liv. The two women sat on a fallen beam and stared forward at the single totem pole still standing. The Allfather. 

Jumping to her feet at the sight of the girls, Freydis breathed a sigh of relief and offered them comforting smiles. "Do not be afraid." She cooed at the youngest girl, reaching a hand out to gently touch her arm. "We are friends here."

"You are Freydis?" The little girl asked timidly.

Freydis blinked, brows furrowing. "How do you know my name?"

"Their leader told us you would come. He only spared us so we could give you his message." She explained softly and the other girls nodded to confirm her words. 

"What message?" 

"He said that God has ordered him to destroy Kattegat," She paused briefly and looked up at Freydis. "And to kill you."

Freydis leaned back and stared down at the girl, inhaling sharply. Her gaze fell onto the burnt wooden boards beneath them, a million thoughts racing through her mind no doubt. (Y/N) lifted a hand to his necklace and ran his fingers over the bones, unable to stop himself from fidgeting with them. They'd just returned from one war only to be forced directly into another. Would the violence ever end? The question repeated itself in his head when Altora, the leader of the shieldmaidens of Kattegat, approached them and shook her head. The three girls were the only survivors.

"What are we waiting for? I say we ride after Kåre and make him pay!"

"From his tracks, he has at least a hundred horsemen. We must be smart." Harald objected, glancing between the siblings. Taking his words into consideration, Freydis nodded and turned back toward Altora and the others.

"Go back to Kattegat and tell Haakon what we've found. We'll take care of the dead and follow up with the survivors." Freydis told them and Altora nodded, clicking her tongue and riding away with the rest of the shieldmaidens. 

"We need to know where Kåre is. I'll track him and meet you in Kattegat." Leif piped up, meeting his brother's eyes and giving him a reassuring smile. (Y/N) couldn't find it in himself to return it when Leif was going off on a risky mission. Kåre and his people had slaughtered a whole temple and its worshippers. Only the Gods knew what would happen to Leif if he were caught.

Noticing the look on (Y/N)'s face, Liv placed a hand on his arm. "I'll go with him. We'll watch each other's backs." She said, giving his arm a squeeze before turning toward Leif and taking in a small breath. Together, the two headed off toward the last spot they'd seen tracks. (Y/N) and Freydis watched them go before turning toward each other. 

"We camp here tonight," Freydis said, reaching out to gently cup her brother's cheek. Her eyes shifted onto Harald and they turned cold. "Build fires for the dead." Dropping her hand, she moved to walk past them.

"Freydis." Harald frowned, catching Freydis's arm and gently pulling her back. "Kåre will pay for this. I promise you justice."

"I don't need your promises. I can deliver justice myself." She muttered bitterly, ripping her arm from his hold and walking towards the girls to take them elsewhere. (Y/N) sighed and stepped toward him, resting his hand over Harald's chest and gazing into his eyes. Despite playing no hand in the slaughter, he still appeared guilty. 

"She doesn't hate you, Harald. She's hurting and taking it out on you because-"

"I'm a Christian. In her eyes, we are all the same." Harald muttered, eyes closing when (Y/N) pressed his hand against his cheek. He leaned into (Y/N)'s touch, nuzzling his cheek against his palm. 

"Well, I believe you're different, Harald." (Y/N) smiled softly and Harald's eyes opened, a small smile spreading across his face. Glancing over his shoulder, Harald surveyed the area for any eyes before looking back at (Y/N) and leaning in, giving him a kiss. When he pulled back, he pressed their foreheads together and looked deep into his lover's eyes.

"It pleases me to hear you say that." He whispered.

"Good. Come now. These people deserve a proper funeral." 

It took hours to gather the bodies as only a couple were light enough for one person to carry. The rest either had to be dragged or heaved onto the wood by two people. Slowly, fires were lit and prayers for the deceased were said. The smell of burnt meat began filling the air, drawing ravens and other scavengers that began picking at the bodies that hadn't been moved yet. It'd been a tiresome yet necessary feat. Even if the people were with their Gods, their bodies on Earth still deserved to be treated with respect. Harald kept his distance from Freydis during the funeral rituals, fearing her patience with him would snap and she'd bury her sword in him for the acts of Kåre. (Y/N) didn't blame him. He knew his sister well enough to know the thought probably crossed her mind every time she looked at him. But she refrained from hurting Harald because when she looked at her brother, she saw happiness. And that was enough for her.

                    ➸        ➸       ➸       ➸       ➸       ➸

Standing amongst the others in the Great Hall, (Y/N)'s head turned toward the doors as Leif and Liv entered, the people parting to let them pass forward. Jarl Haakon turned to look at them expectantly, but from the look on her face, she hadn't been expecting good news. 

"Olaf joined forces with Kåre," Leif revealed as he stopped before them, chest heaving. Harald's head snapped in his direction at the mention of his half-brother, brows furrowing in disbelief. (Y/N) couldn't say he was surprised when Jarl Olaf had made his distaste for them clear in the very hall they were standing in.

"Olaf?" Harald repeated and Leif nodded.

"We recognize his banners, but there are many other clans I do not know. It's a large force and growing." 

"What about appealing to friendly cities for help?" Freydis proposed, frown growing when Jarl Haakon answered her with silence.

"We have." Altora glanced at Jarl Haakon. "But many have already been crushed by Kåre."

"Then we should prepare immediately, and learn what we can about their numbers and strength."

Turning to Altora and the other shieldmaidens, Jarl Haakon ordered, "Send spies and see what they can find." But her gaze didn't remain on the women for long. Instead, it drifted onto Harald and she arched a brow. "Prince Harald. I am glad you have chosen to stay and fight with us, but it has placed you against your brother." 

At her words, (Y/N) turned his head to look at Harald. Harald's features hardened and his back straightened, hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "My brother has made his choice. And I have made mine." His eyes briefly flickered to (Y/N). "I am not fighting for the throne of Norway. I am fighting for Kattegat." Harald assured her. Jarl Haakon stared at him for a moment longer, eyes squinting slightly as she searched his face for any hint of deception. When she found none, she gave a satisfied nod and turned away from him, heading deeper into the hall to speak with some of her people. 

Turning to look at them, Freydis pressed her lips together and sighed heavily. "There's much to be done." 

Preparations for the incoming invasion included many things; setting up a line of spikes in front of the tall wooden gate leading into town, arrows and bows being prepared on the wall along the gate, and food and supplies being stocked. With mountains looming on either side of Kattegat, it only left the harbor and gate as points of entry. Many of Kattegat's protectors were primarily experienced in two weapons: bows and swords. As a result, there was confidence the archers would hold back the first wave of attackers, and hopefully the second and third. (Y/N) worked alongside the others on setting up the spikes, ensuring the ropes would hold no matter how many bodies pushed and crawled over them. 

"You should take a break, (Y/N). There are many available hands to help with defenses." 

"You didn't come here to tell me that, Harald." (Y/N) murmured and rose up, giving the wooden spike a shake and humming when it proved sturdy enough. Tilting his head up to look at Harald, he spoke, "What did you wish to speak about?"

"If my brother sets eyes on you, he'll go after you. I don't want you getting hurt because of him." Harald stepped closer, glancing at the others working around them. "Olaf will surely try to kill you or your brother and sister. He's a vain, self-centered, power-seeking man. He'll do anything to get the upper hand, even if it means hurting me."

"Vain, self-centered, and power-seeking... I can see why you're brothers. You've got a lot in common." Patting Harald's chest, (Y/N) headed back into town, approaching the large logs set up to be shaped into spikes. Harald followed after him, picking up one of the axes laying beside the logs. 

"You're not taking this seriously." Harald hissed softly.

"I am, Harald. Kattegat is in danger and your brother has joined forces with the enemy, and they just so happen to share the same hatred toward my family. But I am not going to worry about what could happen." Placing the log to lean against the table, (Y/N) took the axe from Harald's hands. "If you're so worried about me, just stay by my side."

Gaze softening, Harald brushed his hand against (Y/N)'s. "I always do." 

A horn sounded off and their attention turned upward to one of the men stationed on top of the gate. "Riders approach! Our scouts are returning!" He bellowed. (Y/N) stepped forward with Harald, his grip on the axe tightening as the horses passed through the gates. Their riders were limp against them, arrows sticking out of their backs. Harald stepped in front of the horses, calling out softly to the frightened animals. They came to a slow stop in front of him, huffing and whining. (Y/N) looked over each rider, checking for signs of life but finding none in all of them.

"We must find out their strength. If they are weak, we should not be waiting in here, but attacking before their forces grow stronger." Harald voiced, staring after the horses as they were led to the stables and their riders were dragged off them.

Freydis nodded. "I'll go with you."

"We can spare neither of you." Leif gave them both hard looks and the two frowned but remained silent. "Let's get back to work."

Despite his disappointment and irritation in being denied, Harald resumed work with (Y/N), silently cutting the logs until they sharpened enough to cause damage. While his unusual silence worried (Y/N), he didn't wish to press on the issue and irritate Harald further. Their relationship was still fresh and while (Y/N) lacked experience in romance, he knew Harald would need some space and a distraction. They worked until the sun began to lower down and Jarl Haakon called a gathering for everyone to meet her in the center of town, asking someone to serve as a messenger to Odin and when someone offered, Harald's nerves only increased. So, after some convincing, (Y/N) and Harald returned to the inn and settled in for the night.

Harald, however, waited for (Y/N) to fall asleep before getting dressed again and sitting down beside the bed. He watched him peacefully sleep, occasionally sighing into his pillow and shifting around. The sight made a smile tug at his lips and his worries ceased for a second before he remembered what loomed over them, what loomed over him. There was so much to lose for him. And so much to possibly gain. With his mind made up, he stood up from the bed and fastened his sword to his hip. Slipping off his necklace and setting it on the bed near (Y/N)'s hand, he whispered an apology and kissed his temple.

Then, he left Kattegat.

[canirove]

Vikings: Valhalla (2022 - 2024) | s01e02 | 46/54

[aitiuilghrain]

[historicalreusedcostumes]

This Gold and burgundy gown is worn on unknown Actor as Lady in Your Highness (2011) and many years later worn on Claudia Bassols as Queen Elena in Knightfall: Hard Blows Will Banish the Sin (2018) and worn again on Caroline Henderson as Jarl Estrid Haakon in Vikings: Valhalla (2022)

[bloodshotjuggernaut]

Haakon Jarl turns away Harald Bluetooth’s Christian missionaries

[vinecine]

And OF COURSE they turned HIM into a black WOMAN.

[merovingian-marvels]

A few thoughts…

I’m so conflicted about this. There are different ways to include characters which are people of color into “Viking” series and movies.

Yes trade and travel were the basis of everything, but if you want to diversify a cast, try to give credit to actual cultures from the time. The Arabs were crucial in Viking welfare because all silver and gold was imported through the Middle East. Ahmad Ibn Fadlan, a Baghdadi historian is credited as the only historical source about the Vikings that is trustworthy. Nordic people went to the Eastern Roman Empire to work as elite guards and soldiers. Scandinavians in modern day Turkey.

It’s very likely there was contact with tradesmen from the entire Mediterranean (and Africa?) so they would likely have known each other’s existence. If not, they would have met through Arab tradesmen as cities like Baghdad connected the known world.

Proof of this can be found in artifacts such as an East Asian Buddha statuette found in Birka, Sweden.

I would love to see things like things happen in Hollywood. You’ll have the diversity AND you can give credit to the cultures equally responsible for each other’s golden age.

[hiding1ntheforest]

Blood for Wotan: Animal & Human Sacrifice

As Christianity spread throughout Northern Europe, a crucial component to the culture and religion of the Germanic tribes was stomped out: sacrifice. Moreover, this practice became immensely demonized during the medieval period and continues to be so today. Sacrifice was no longer an act performed out of love and reverence for the divine, but rather an act demanded by a merciless, savage God who’s insatiable appetite could only be appeased with mortal flesh. In today’s post, I will be disputing some misconceptions and illustrating what sacrifice actually looked like among the Anglo-Saxons and other Germanic peoples of pre-Christian Europe.

Animal Sacrifice

Sacrifice was so prominent among the Anglo-Saxons that Pope Gregory specifically mentioned it (along with human sacrifice, but more on that later…) in a letter to Priest Mellitus who was sent to preach to them during the 6th century. In this letter, he detailed the slaughtering of oxen and the consumption of their meat in worship to the Gods. This description was actually not too far off, excluding Gregory referring to the Gods as the devil. Firstly, Bede explicitly stated that the Anglo-Saxons made sacrifices during Hrethmonath (March) and Blodmonath (December), however it is very likely that they sacrificed all throughout the year, such as during Eostremonath (April), Modranecht (Mother’s Night) and Yule. Snorri also noted that the Germanic peoples would make sacrifices during the beginning of winter, the middle of winter, and during the summer. Once more according to Bede, the Anglo-Saxons would slaughter cattle during Blodmonath. Cows were a particularly common animal to sacrifice. For instance, a number of cattle skulls have been uncovered in Iceland. Analysis of the remains indicate that they were beheaded with a type of axe, leaving some scholars to speculate that this method of killing was used due to it producing a large stream of blood in a theatrical fashion. Furthermore, the Germanic peoples were also known to collect the blood of sacrificed animals. Axes have been uncovered at several Anglo-Saxon settlements and it is very likely that they also used the axes for this purpose. An ox’s head has also been excavated in Cambridgeshire where it had been buried in a seemingly ritualistic fashion. Sacrifices could take place in a number of locations in dedication to a number of different beings. Among the Anglo-Saxons, they were most commonly performed in sacred groves, burial mounds, and in halls. In some cases, they took place at temples. They were also most often dedicated to the Gods, but one may also carry out a sacrifice for the different spirits such as the land wights or house wights. There was always a distinct reason behind these sacrifices. Haakon the Good’s Saga describes a sacrifice in which toasts were made to Odin for power and Njord and Freyja for peace. I highly recommend this saga for further readings on sacrifices as it truly describes it wonderfully and sagas are generally always an excellent source. Sacrifices were initiated by a variety of different prominent figures within the community in various parts of Northern Europe. It was customary for a king or jarl to host the sacrifice, though priests may have also led them. Upon slaughtering the animal, the priest would redden his golden arm ring with the blood of the sacrificed animal. As previously stated, this blood was collected and referred to as hlaut. Throughout various texts, you may encounter the word hlaut in conjunction with another word, such as hlaut-staves, or bundles of twigs that would be used for sprinkling this blood around the altar and on participants. The blood may have also been drank during the feast of the animal’s flesh. After the sacrifice and other festivities, the animal’s skull may have been displayed at whatever hall or location the sacrifice took place at. One of these such halls is Hofstadir in Iceland where over 20 skulls were excavated. The unique removal of certain parts of the skull as well as the location of erosion suggests the skulls could have been arranged outside of the hall for display purposes. An animal could have also been sacrificed and buried in its entirety such as in the case of accompanying the dead into the afterlife and there are many excavations similar to this.

Human Sacrifice

There is actually little to no evidence that the Anglo-Saxons ever practiced human sacrifice. The little evidence could perhaps be ritualistic human burials and the fact that human sacrifice is documented amongst the Germanic peoples. Most notably, Tacitus wrote of human sacrifice among the Semnones during the 1st century. He also noted that Mercury, or Woden, is whom they most often made their sacrifices to. Additionally, there is literary documentation of the Norse-Rus peoples sacrificing the most prized slave girl during the burial of her master. There are many, many other attestations of human sacrifices among the various Germanic tribes, but there are also some archaeological findings that may provide some insight into the subject. The bog bodies of Denmark are the first thing to come to mind with many scholars believing that the rather brutally injured bodies uncovered belong to individuals who were sacrificed. Despite no literary records confirming the existence of human sacrifice among the Anglo-Saxons, there are several rather peculiar burials which do appear similar to the human sacrifice recorded among other tribes. The first of which somewhat aligns with the documentation of the Norse-Rus burying a slave girl with her master. In Surrey, a grave containing the remains of two men and a woman were found. It is questioned whether or not this was a slave girl, or more broadly, if this woman was killed as a sacrifice to the men due to her body being positioned in an intentional downward facing direction. Sutton Hoo is one of the most important historical sites of Anglo-Saxon England, and it is even debated whether some of the bodies located there were hanged as a sacrifice. We cannot definitively say that the Anglo-Saxons practiced human sacrifice, though we have great evidence that many other tribes did. Finally, it’s important to note this: most often, these individuals who were sacrificed were not necessarily sacrificed against their will. It is well known that the Germanic peoples did sacrifice prisoners, but many viewed being sacrificed as a great honor and gave themselves up to the Gods. The idea that our ancestors sacrificed one another out of any reason besides love and reverence for the Gods is false.

Goals

There is a very clear answer as to why our ancestors performed sacrifices. When researching sacrifice, you begin to notice that the discussion or records of sacrifices can most often be placed into two camps: those out of necessity and those out of worship. Also, it isn’t necessarily black and white as these purposes will overlap in almost all cases. It is well known that the Germanic tribes would initiate a sacrifice for a good harvest, or as mentioned previously, victory granted by one of the Gods. However, a large problem in the contemporary study of paganism is too much of an emphasis on the Gods. Our ancestors venerated a plethora of other beings and likely viewed themselves as interacting more closely in day-to-day life with them. We had briefly discussed the sacrifices made to land and house wights, though they were also made to one’s ancestors and any topographical feature which may have been significant to the community. By reading up on these various entities, it becomes more understandable why sacrifices were made to them and you can learn more about these beings here. To put it simply, the Germanic peoples loved the Gods. In some instances, they wished to gain a favor for the Gods by doing a favor for them. In others, they simply wished to express that love.

Conclusion

Although often highly misrepresented in the secular world, sacrifice was a beautiful rite performed by the Germanic tribes out of love for the Gods. They were dedicated to both the Gods, deceased ancestors and other spirits, while occurring for a variety of different purposes which were important to the tribe. Human sacrifice is also recorded among many of these tribes, most often killing a prisoner of war or a volunteer. Moreover, there was always a thought-out goal of the sacrifice whether it be crop fertility or to express one’s admiration to the Gods, with the two frequently blending. Sacrifice is a ceremonial and deeply metaphysical interaction with the divine.

[emma-ofnormandy]

@vikingsevents Fall Equinox Event Day 7: Free Choice- What Men, We're Here For Strong Independent Women (favorite female characters)

[ivarthebadbitch]

vikings valhalla + religion

[therealvikingstrash]

555 Follower Celebration

Hey there! I have the feeling we haven't done one of these in a while and since I like repdigit numbers this might as well become a thing on this blog.

For this Follower Celebration, I will be making stuff for you guys! You can choose characters (please tell me if you want a specific pairing of the listed characters or with an OC, no readerfic) from Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla. And for this one you can pick a trope or prompt of your liking. It'll be a surprise if I'm creating art or perhaps write a story ranging from drabble to longfic. It really depends on how inspired I will be. (list under the cut)

Vikings: Valhalla Characters:

Jarl Estrid Haakon Emma of Normandy King Canute Gytha Earl Godwin Agnarr Altörra Freydis Eriksdottir Harald Sigurdsson Liv Yrsa Skarde Njal Toke Ulf

Vikings Characters:

Hvitserk Ubbe Aslaug Gunnhild Aud Amma Þórunn Yidu Ingrid Helga Floki Rollo Ragnar Æthelred Alfred the Great Halfdan the Black Harald Finehair

Prompt Lists:

Tropes

Little Romantic Gestures

Sparring Prompts

Bittersweet

Smutty

Tropes and Prompts can be combined, if you want to, but you don't have to. Hope some of you will find something you'd like me to create! 💕

[bumblesimagines]

Under The Moonlight

Part 8

Request: Yes or No

~~~

Sunlight peered into the room, its warm rays caressing his face and coaxing his eyes open. A soft tired grunt escaped the young man and he squeezed his eyes shut, rolling over onto his back and stretching out. His hand gently knocked against something that fell onto the wooden floor with a soft thump. Squinting into the room, (Y/N) searched for the brunette prince who remained by his side most mornings, only to find the bed empty. 

Humming to himself, he brushed it off and pushed himself up before leaning over to look down at what had fallen. His brows furrowed and he reached down, picking the necklace off the floor. His thumb brushed over the familiar tooth. Harald hadn't taken the necklace off since he'd been gifted it. His brows furrowed further. Had Harald taken it off to avoid losing it during battle? (Y/N) couldn't think of any other reason. Unless...

No. Harald had been clear about his feelings. He wouldn't do that to him.

Shaking his head, (Y/N) set the necklace down on the bed and got up, collecting his clothes and slipping them back on. He tried ignoring the nagging feeling hovering in his mind, poking and jabbing at him with needless worries. Once dressed, he picked up the necklace again and wrapped the thread around his wrist, tying a knot to ensure it wouldn't slip off. He'd hold on to it until the battle ended. 

Leaving the lodgings and stepping out into the cool day, (Y/N) took note of the large clouds drifting through the sky that covered the sun for long moments, leaving the town in a gloomy haze. The morning reflected how most of the townsfolk felt. He could sense their nervousness, their anxiety. If Jarl Haakon's words had rung true, it meant Kattegat hadn't faced a large threat in years. From a peaceful trading port to a war camp. (Y/N)'s heart felt heavy for the children. But he couldn't mope around when there were things to be done and a prince to be found. The necklace felt heavy against his wrist. (Y/N) ignored the thoughts that plagued his mind. 

Checking on the defenses during his search for the prince, his worry grew each time he looked around and couldn't spy Harald in the crowds. It didn't help that with each failure at locating his lover, the nagging thoughts grew, taking shape and rearing their ugly heads. But Harald had been so good to him. Surely, that meant something? Or... maybe he'd been a conquest. A challenge Harald had defeated with flirtation, cocky grins, and sweet words. (Y/N)'s hands grew clammy and he headed toward the gates, spotting Leif and Liv stationed beside the wall. Freydis sat with them, using a small knife to cut an apple into slices for herself and Liv. 

"Brother." Leif greeted him with a smile but it fell upon seeing the look on his face.

"Have you seen Harald? I cannot find him anywhere." 

"Maybe he went to spy on Kåre's forces?" Liv suggested, setting an unfinished arrow on her lap to take an apple slice from Freydis. 

"He would've told me." (Y/N) muttered and craned his neck to look at the gates, teeth biting down on the inside of his cheek. He didn't wish to give into his doubts but the longer Harald remained missing, the more they grew.

"He'll be back." Leif stood up, retrieving half a loaf of bread and offering it to him with a reassuring smile. "Now, sit with us and eat." 

The Greenlander sighed, breaking off part of the bread and popping it into his mouth. He remained silent as the others chatted, looking over his shoulder every so often for any signs of Harald. But the prince didn't appear through the gates and his mind began to struggle focusing on the conversation, to the point he hadn't noticed Altora approach them and speak to them. It wasn't until a hand grasped his arm that his train of thought broke and he looked up. Freydis offered her hand and he took it, getting himself up on his feet.

"Our messenger is ready." She informed him, hand slipping down to his forearm. The blonde wrapped her arm around his and leaned her head on his shoulder, her presence and touch grounding (Y/N), even if just for a couple of minutes as they walked toward the Great Hall and entered. Jark Haakon sat at the back on her chair with the priests and other shieldmaidens at either side. In the middle of the room stood a tall log kept up by the metal on either side of it that would collect the blood. It had a hole near the top with straps and a small sharpened metal spike on the other side that could be cranked to pass through the hole. Freydis detached herself from him to take her spot among the women and (Y/N) slipped into the crowd. The messenger, a young man by the name Audun Hoskuldsson, entered the hall dressed in a single white robe, led by a priestess.

At the sight of him, Jarl Haakon rose to her feet and walked toward him, her eyes sweeping over the room before she stopped in front of him. "Kattegat is in peril. An enemy surrounds us. We call out to the Gods for help." She explained before smiling sweetly at the man. "State your name so that the Gods may know you."

"My name is Audun."

"The Gods will whisper the name Audun among themselves in the halls of Valhalla!" The priestess declared and Jarl Haakon stepped aside, nodding to Audun with an encouraging smile. Audun walked forward toward the contraption and pressed his back against the log. His head and waist were fastened to it by the priests and the sleeves of his shirt were pulled up. Audun stared forward and extended his arms to either side of him as the priestess began cranking the metal while chanting. 

"Your courage is our courage." Jarl Haakon told him, the spike appearing on the other side of the hole and inching toward the base of his neck. "Take our prayers with you. You are our messenger." She spoke soothingly, keeping Audun calm. "Your journey begins now."

The spike pierced his neck and stopped when his arms fell limp to his sides, yet his eyes remained open and his chest continued to rise and fall. "May Odin and Freya look upon this sacrifice and acknowledge Kattegat's loyalty." The priestess spoke, picking up a dagger and stepping closer toward Audun. Dragging the blade down his right arm, blood spilled into the metal bowl beside him and one priest held his arm so all the blood would be collected. Freydis's leaned forward slightly, eyes wide with awe at the ritual. As the priestess repeated the action on Audun's left arm, his legs began to twitch but his face remained blank. The priestess dipped a chalice into the blood once enough had been collected and tilted her head back as she drank it, the red liquid coating the edges of her lips. Leif grimaced at the sight, glancing at his siblings but finding them equally calm. The people gathered began chanting softly.

"The Gods invite us to make ourselves strong for battle." The priestess said, wiping the blood away with the sleeve of her white robe. The chanting continued, allowing for those present to pray for the Gods and hope for Audun's sacrifice to be seen and well-delivered. But the moment of prayer was suddenly interrupted by a horn in the distance, alerting the town. (Y/N) and Leif glanced at each other and quickly exited the hall, following Jarl Haakon and the shieldmaidens toward the gates. Before the gates, a Christian man waved a white flag back and forth.

"A parley?" Altora frowned. "What if it is a trap?"

"If they desire of speaking peace terms, I will hear it. We have far too many innocents here." At Jarl Haakon's words and nod, Altora turned to fetch a horse for her. (Y/N) headed toward the stables with Leif and Freydis, taking a spare horse and mounting them. He gently pressed on its sides with his leg and the horse began trotting, joining the others in following the Christian man to neutral ground. He silently led them into the forest where a group of men stood waiting. (Y/N) felt his body tense.

Harald stood among them. No chains, no injuries. He hadn't been captured. He had willingly joined his brother. He had willingly joined Kåre.

The bracelet grew heavy again, almost feeling as if it were prickling into his skin and the noise around him faded into nothing. (Y/N) wanted to rip the damn thing off his arm. He wanted to sink into a tub and scrub away at his skin until it grew raw and red. Until all memories of Harald on him faded. Foolish, foolish boy. He had stepped on foreign land and allowed the first stranger he saw to weasel his way into his carefully guarded heart. Freya hadn't given him a gift, no, he'd been thoughtless to even dream of it. Pathetic. His mother would be disappointed to see him so easily played, so easily toyed with. 

Hot tears stung his eyes but he blinked them away quickly. Only the dead deserved his tears. Releasing his iron grip hold on the leather reins, he slipped off his horse, fallen leaves crunching under his boots. His body grew hot with fury rippling through his veins and his heart threatening to burst through his chest. Funny how rage could feel so similar to love, he realized. Taking in a deep inhale through his nose, (Y/N) walked alongside his brother toward the men. He settled his glare onto Jarl Olaf and the man stared back at him but after a few minutes, he shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot and averted his eyes. 

"Shieldmaiden." The stranger beside Olaf and Harald spoke, lips curling into an amused smirk. Jarl Kåre. He was a tall and muscular man with an aura of uneasiness around him. He was bald but his bread covered his mouth and reached down to the top of his stomach. His eyes, a blue as dark as the ocean, widened as he regarded Freydis. His face only showed amusement but his eyes held a certain bitterness. "You've come a long way, girl."

"And you are still a murderer," Freydis responded, face stoic and deprived of emotion, even when Jarl Kåre growled. Turning her head in Harald's direction, she narrowed her eyes at him, fingers tightening around her arm. "And what are you doing here?" She nearly sneered. Finally, (Y/N) looked away from Jarl Olaf and met Harald's gaze. Harald swallowed thickly, eyes flickering to Leif. The eldest sibling only stared at him curiously, not an ounce of anger on his face.

"Seeking peace," Harald answered, and the way (Y/N) smirked at his words made every hair on his arms rise. "Jarl Haakon, thank you for agreeing to parley. I seek to broker a peace and have brought my brother, Jarl Olaf, and Jarl Kåre, so that you may hear their proposal." 

"As you know, we have brought the armies of the Christian clans to your walls. But we are here to offer Kattegat salvation, both immediate and everlasting. If your people agree to the sacrament of baptism and willingly renounce their pagan past, we are willing to spare your city and welcome you into the brotherhood of Christ." Jarl Olaf explained his proposal and with each word, (Y/N) couldn't help the smirk from growing. It'd only been a couple months prior when he had asked Harald if he sought to convert the Greenlanders, and there he stood, proposing conversion. 

"Kattegat is more than my city, Jarl Olaf. For as long as snow has fallen, my people have worshipped the same Gods. Gods your family once knew. They walk among us on Earth. They bring us joy and give us courage. They fail and remind us of our humanity. My people do not fear death. They know if they fight till their last breath, they will have earned a seat at Odin's table. We all die, Olaf. If my people die in this war you have brought to my door, they die with honor, not shame." Jarl Haakon stood with her head held high, her eyes never leaving Olaf's as she spoke, even when he smirked and shook his head. 

Before turning around and walking back toward his horse with the others, Jarl Olaf replied, "Then may God's will be done." 

"Thank you for trying, Prince Harald." Jarl Haakon nodded to the prince who lingered behind and turned, heading back with her shieldmaidens. Harald watched her climb onto her horse and stepped forward, catching Leif's arm. 

"Friend, think clearly. Woe betide you go to your fate as Njal and Skarde did, consumed by fire. Look to the heavens and sea, to know where your salvation lies." Harald told him and (Y/N)'s anger subsided, being replaced by confusion. Harald had been at the bridge to witness Njal and Skarde be shot down by arrows and drown in the murky river. Ripping his arm from Harald's hold, Leif glanced back at the Christians.

"You've made your case. Now return to your madman." Leif stepped back, turning his back on him despite the desperate stare Harald gave him. Leif placed his hand on (Y/N)'s shoulder and turned him, arm subtly pushing him back toward the horses. Freydis glared at the prince one last time before she scoffed and followed her brothers. (Y/N) stood by his horse, fingers coiling around the reins and eyes watching Harald leave with his brother. 

"I cannot believe he would darken the memory of Skarde and Njal." Freydis hissed.

"They didn't die by fire, Freydis. They drowned in the river." At (Y/N)'s words, Freydis blinked and stared at her brother in confusion. Her brows furrowed and she leaned back.

"Harald just told us how they plan to attack." Their heads snapped in the direction of Leif. "Olaf intends to invade Kattegat by sea."

"Not possible." Altora dismissed with a shake of her head. "He cannot get ships close enough to shore."

"He can on a wolf moon on the high tide." Jarl Haakon breathed, turning to Leif with wide eyes. For the first time since meeting the typically cool and calm woman, (Y/N) saw a hint of fear in her eyes.

Leif nodded and grabbed the reins of his horse. "Which is in two days. We must move quickly to prepare." 

(Y/N) felt dazed. Harald hadn't betrayed them? All the things Harald had said and done had been true? But, if he still remained on their side, why hadn't he told (Y/N)? Was there no trust in him? (Y/N)'s mouth felt dry and he could hardly think straight as he got on his horse and returned to Kattegat.

                    ➸        ➸       ➸       ➸       ➸       ➸

Securing the docks hadn't been easy. They had built large wooden catapults by the water that would take care of most boats approaching the harbor. But not all of them. The same spikes that had been built in front of the gates had been built in the sands of the beach. Whether their plans worked or not, they knew Kattegat would be swarmed. Keeping the numbers of the armies small would guarantee a victory. But (Y/N) knew deep in his heart, that it'd be futile. But still, he prayed both nights by a fire and slept in his lodgings, his finger tracing the bracelet as thoughts ran rampant in his mind. The morning of the wolf moon, (Y/N) tightly hugged his siblings and Liv before taking his position at the docks. 

He stared forward at the water, watching the fog of the morning drift out into sea. His eyes combed the horizon for signs of ships, fingers drumming against the hilt of his dagger. He heard distant shouting by the gates and felt every muscle in his body tense. Squeezing his eyes shut, he whispered one last prayer to Allfather, the sound of the horn echoing through the town. The army had arrived.

"Whatever happens, Brother," He opened his eyes to look at Leif as he stopped beside him. "Know that I love you." 

"And I you." (Y/N) whispered, looking back at the water as the catapults began being loaded. The fog slowly began to clear out and revealed the boats sailing in. Slipping his dagger out of its sheath, he thought of his parents and their lessons. He thought of his father and the tales of his slaughters, and he hoped he'd have an ounce of his father's bloodlust and will. Another horn sounded off, signaling the archers outside the gates had retreated into the town. At Leif's command, the catapults launched forward heavy piles of rocks and stone, the speed and weight of them destroying ships and causing them to sink. The second wave launched through the air and (Y/N) frowned. 

"They aren't attacking, Leif. There are no archers on those boats and nobody's swimming to shore." (Y/N) pointed out, staring at the boats floating closer to the docks. No weapons either. The few men on the boats wore little to no armor.

"Because they aren't attacking here." Leif's eyes widened and he turned on his heel. "Fall back into Kattegat!" He bellowed, motioning with his arms for everyone to run back into town and toward the gates. Cursing softly under his breath, (Y/N) raced back into town with his brother and Liv. But it'd been too late. The army had already slipped inside and with a war cry, Leif ran forward to meet them head-on with the rest of the town.

Focusing on the first Christian he saw, (Y/N) ran toward them, tucking one arm to his chest and slamming into them before bringing his dagger down on their skull. An arm slipped tightly around his neck and (Y/N) quickly moved backward whilst struggling until he and his attacker slammed into a wall, knocking the air out of the Christian and forcing him to loosen his grip. Coughing, (Y/N) stumbled forward and spun around, the tip of his dagger cutting across the man's throat. His throat ached and he was certain he would've had a crushed windpipe if he hadn't gotten loose. The battle raged on around him, the ocean of men and women making him lose sight of his brother and Liv. But he didn't have time to think about them for long before another person charged at him. 

His new attacker slammed their shield against him and knocked him onto the floor, their foot stomping down on his wrist. (Y/N) cried out in pain and glared up at the man, rolling out of the way before their sword could impale him. He picked up his dagger with his other hand and slammed it repeatedly into their leg, getting them to stagger back and release his bruising wrist. Blood splattered on his face and he scrambled to his feet, though he didn't have to finish the attacker off and instead watched them get cut down by someone else. A soft whimper escaped him as his wrist throbbed. He tried ignoring the pain and continued forward, picking up a discarded axe and using it to continue fighting. 

Slowly, the wave began to diminish, bodies scattered everywhere and people fleeing for their lives. Pain shot up (Y/N) spine each time he breathed and he felt relief seeing the battle nearing its end, even if Kattegat lost. He winced and stopped, taking a moment to try to mitigate the pain in some way. His eyes rose from the ground and toward an alleyway, finding Harald sitting on the ground leaning against a wall. With his bloodied hand pressed to his side. Injured. Harald met his eyes and perked up, the rising and falling of his chest quickening. 

"Brother!" (Y/N) looked forward and breathed in relief only to groan and almost lean over when Freydis attempted to embrace him. "(Y/N)? Are you alright? Where are you hurt?" Freydis's panicked voice reached his ears, her bloody hands cupping his face. The side of her face had been stained red from a head injury but she otherwise looked okay.

"Horses... Get two horses." (Y/N) whispered, trembling hand sheathing his dagger and tossing the axe aside. 

"Yes, of course."

"And come help me with Harald." (Y/N) grunted and turned toward the alleyway, head tilting back toward the sky as his nose scrunched up from the pain. Harald's gasps of pain filled his ears and he collapsed at his side, immediately regretting it and slamming his fists against the dirt when more pain spread through his body. 

"(Y/N)-"

"Shut up." (Y/N) gritted his teeth and looked down at Harald's side, hands carefully prying Harald's away from his wound. Harald whimpered, squeezing his eyes shut and digging his heel into the ground. The layers of clothes made it difficult for (Y/N) to see but from the blood seeping out, his side had gotten a decent slice by either an axe or a sword. Though considering his insides hadn't spilled out, his injury wasn't too extreme. 

"(Y/N), come on!" Freydis called and (Y/N) looked over his shoulder at the horses. His sister reached down, helping him pull Harald onto his feet. (Y/N) got on one of the horses first and reached down, grabbing Harald's arm and pulling him onto the horse. Weakly, Harald wrapped an arm around his waist, using his free hand pressed to his side. Harald leaned against (Y/N)'s body, resting his head on his shoulder. Clicking their tongues, the siblings got their horses to quickly retreat out of Kattegat and into the forest, hoping to put as much distance between themselves and Kattegat. 

"We need to find water. You and Harald must clean your injuries." Freydis glanced at Harald and frowned but remained silent, simply nodding at his words. They moved up the mountainside and paused, staring down at the destroyed town. Smoke rose from a few buildings and Vikings still ran down the streets but even from his spot, (Y/N) could see Jarl Olaf's flags being set up. The bastard. 

"Leif is strong," Harald whispered, wincing with each word. "You'll find each other again."

"Save your strength, Prince of Norway." (Y/N) muttered. "We've got a long way to go."

[canirove]

Vikings: Valhalla (2022 - 2024) | s01e07 | 51/54