Are Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla connected? Explained

Audiences have often wondered about the connection between the 2013 series Vikings and the 2022 series Vikings: Valhalla. The latter is an official sequel to the former, and the shows are based in the same universe. However, that is where the connection between the two projects ends.

Despite Valhalla name-dropping several popular characters from the original series several times, the show's characters and plot are unrelated. As resonating from the words of an uncredited character in the show, uttered during one of its initial days, the events are grounded in its "heritage" but are unique to them.

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Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla shares a surface-level connection

Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla does not go beyond surface-level connections. As previously stated, the latter is a sequel to the former, and both are set in the same universe. However, the story of Valhalla is entirely different from Vikings. There are no character or characterization convergences between the two shows whatsoever.

This is good considering some people might not be willing to go through the hassle of watching Vikings before watching the sequel. Since their plots are entirely different, they can be watched separately without the pressure of knowing what happens in the other show.

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Where to watch Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla?

Both shows are available for streaming on Netflix (Image via Netflix)

Vikings is available for streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Plus, Google Play Movies & TV, and YouTube. Vikings: Valhalla is available for streaming on all these platforms, including Fandango at Home.

While some streaming services mentioned will allow users to watch the show directly with a basic subscription starting as low as $1.99/per month, others will require additional costs for renting and purchasing.

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The cast and plot of Vikings explored

The main cast of Vikings comprises:

• Travis Fimmel as Ragnar Lothbrok
• Katheryn Winnick as Lagertha
• Clive Standen as Rollo
• Jessalyn Gilsig as Siggy
• George Blagden as Athelstan
• Gustaf Skarsgård as Floki
• Gabriel Byrne as Earl Haraldson
• Donal Logue as Horik of Denmark
• Linus Roache as Ecbert of Wessex
• Alyssa Sutherland as Aslaug
• Alexander Ludwig as Bjorn Ironside

Created and written by Michael Hirst, the plot of Vikings is inspired by the stories (partly fictional and partly real, mostly word of mouth) about Ragnar Lodbrok, a Viking deemed one of the most well-known Norse heroes.

The show traces Ragnar's rise to power, including the eventual stronghold he exercises in Scandinavia as King. It also highlights the journeys of the next generations as they travel to different parts of the world in search of wealth and power.

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The cast and plot of Vikings: Valhalla explored

The main cast of Vikings: Valhalla comprises:

• Sam Corlett as Leif Erikson
• Frida Gustavsson as Freydís Eiríksdóttir
• Leo Suter as Harald Sigurdsson
• Bradley Freegard as King Canute the Great
• Laura Berlin as Queen Emma
• Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Jarl Olaf Haraldsson
• Caroline Henderson as Jarl Estrid Haakon
• David Oakes as Earl Godwin

Created by Jeb Stuart and based on Vikings created by Michael Hirst, the events of Vikings: Valhalla is set approximately 100 years after the events of the Vikings. It is set against the backdrop of the growing tensions between the Vikings lineage and English-speaking folks in England, which have reached the tip of the iceberg.

Furthering the tensions are the internal struggles among the Vikings, who are divided based on their beliefs. While a faction of the Norse population sides with Christian beliefs, the other faction sides with pagan beliefs, leading to an internal classification in an otherwise unified group.

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To gain more knowledge about Vikings, fans can watch the three-part documentary series Vikings, available on Google Play Movies & TV and Fandango at Home.