Vikings: Uprising #4

Previously in Vikings: Uprising #3

Cavan Scott’s and Daniel Indros’ four-issue run of Vikings:Uprising comes to an end with a climatic finish worthy of the complexity and barbarity of the Lothbrooks. The arc has been dense with plot, yet avoided being trite by telling a story with no clear heroes and villains.

Ragnar is forced to come to terms with the ramifications of his life and his dreams for glory, the very foundation of Viking culture is now the contrivance that seeks to destroy his legacy. His quest to Paris, the betrayal of Rollo, and now a lack of respect from his people, all came from his desire to rise higher than those who have come before him, but the consequences have also caused him to fall to even greater depths.

The art and colors by Indro and Enhart do a great job expressing the savage and human moments of Viking life. It’s used to great effect when Ragnar comes to the realization that Ingolf has challenged him, leading to a Holmganga; essentially a duel.

The same brutality Ragnar uses to survive links him and Lagertha in many ways and leaves me wondering what a joint rule would have looked like - but that is not what the bards write of.

Lagertha and her northmen ambush the escaped slaves using a combination of stealth and brute force. Using a method that goes back centuries, attaching kindling to small birds who return home to where the escaped slaves lie which forces a confrontation between Lagertha and Colum.

Through Lagertha and Colum we the conflict that is present in all societies with slaves: the rebellion of those very slaves. Lagertha answers Colum’s complaints like a Viking warrior would; the escaped slaves no match for the seasoned Viking warriors.

This was an entertaining read with a group of characters who are able to evoke a time long gone and draw the reader in emotionally. Lagertha as commander of the northmen and her growing role as a power player becomes apparent. But coupled with societal expectations and Ragnar Lothbrook’s own ego, it paints a marvelous portrait of the human condition.

Note: This story takes place during Season 4 Part 1, episode 10 of the Vikings TV series.