Ragnar Lothbrok quotes from Vikings

Bjorn

Why is he smiling, Father?

Ragnar

[about the beheaded man] He wants to die well, without fear, to atone for his sins.

Athelstan

[doesn't want to drink anymore but still smiles] Aghhh! Oh! No more.

Ragnar

We don't like those in our house to go hungry or thirsty. [gives him something to drink anyway] I am very curious about England. Does it have one king who rules over the whole country?

Athelstan

There are four kingdoms with four kings. You landed in the kingdom of Northumbria. The king of Northumbria is called Aelle. He is a great king. A powerful king.

Ragnar

Then why did his men not protect your temple?

Athelstan

Before you came, we had no need to protect our monastery. We lived in peace. Everyone respected it as a place of God.

Ragnar

Why does your God need silver and gold, hmm? He must be greedy. Like Loki! We have greedy gods too.

Athelstan

My God is not greedy. His kingdom is not of this world.

Ragnar

Then why is his kingdom so full of treasure?

Athelstan

Christian people give away their riches to the churches and monasteries in order to save their souls.

Ragnar

What are their souls? [pause] I want to learn some of your language. Will you teach me, priest?

Lagertha

Athelstan.

Ragnar

Athelstan, we want to ask you something.

Lagertha

Come and join us, priest.

Ragnar

Come on. Don't you want to? You'll enjoy it.

Athelstan

I am a monk. I have taken vows of celibacy. I cannot touch a woman. I never have.

Lagertha

Wouldn't you like to?

Athelstan

It would be a sin.

Lagertha

Who would know?

Athelstan

God would know.

Lagertha

What if he looked the other way?

Ragnar

Go to sleep then with your God.

Bjorn

She brings unhappiness and difficulty.

Ragnar

I know it is hard for you to accept.

Bjorn

But unhappiness is more common than happiness.

Ragnar

Who told you you should be happy?

So, when do we set sail?

Ragnar

Forgive me, Jarl Borg. But we have decided not to seek your help.

I thought we had an agreement.

Ragnar

It is not my desire to break that agreement. Believe me I wish it to remain intact. But on this occasion...

On this occasion?

Ragnar

On this occasion, the silver thread is slit, the golden cup breaks, and the pail is smashed at the spring.

Ragnar

What do you see?

Bjorn

Power. The power of a king.

Ragnar

Power is always dangerous. It attracts the worst. And corrupts the best. I never asked for power. Power is only given to those who are prepared to lower themselves to pick it up.

Floki

[Grieving over Torstein] This is your fault, Ragnar. Torstein has died for a hill he did not want to own. For something which meant nothing to him. He has died a pointless death. How many more of us must die for your Christians? Or have you, in your heart, already renounced our gods and turned to the Christ God? Is that what your friend Athelstan has persuaded you to do? Look. Here we are... under an English sky... burying our dead... those we have sacrificed for Jesus Christ.

Ragnar

We are all fated to die on a certain day, yes? But, it is our own choice to do as we please until that day comes. I did not force Torstein, or any of you to come for that matter. You all chose to be here. My heart is as heavy for Torstein as anyone's. But, I am sure that I will bump into him again soon. In the meantime, Floki, shut your face.

Ragnar

Do you think you are a good man?

King Ecbert

Yes, I think so. Are you... a good man?

Ragnar

[after a small shrug] Yes. I think so. [pause] Are you corrupt?

King Ecbert

[With a pleased smile] Oh, yes. Are you?

Ragnar

Uh huh.

Lagertha

[to Ragnar, while kneeling over Bjorn who was gravely injured] What happened?

Ragnar

He was proving that you don't need the title to be a leader.

Ragnar

I have something to say. I did not become Earl because I aspired to be one. It came about because of other people's actions. And I did not become king out of ambition, but once again I had no choice as a result of other people's actions. But nonetheless, I am king. King Ragnar, that is my name. King Ragnar! What does a king do, Bjorn?

Bjorn

He rules.

Ragnar

Yes, good... He rules. And as a ruler, I have the last say. Me! Not you, not you and not you.