Fierce and Fearless: Unveiling the True Identity of Thusnelda, the Savage Germanic Warrior

Summary

The character of Thusnelda in Netflix's Barbarians draws inspiration from a historical Germanic noblewoman belonging to the Cherusci tribe. However, her representation as a formidable warrior and influential figure is a fictionalized element created specifically for the show.

In Barbarians, real historical figures like Thusnelda, Arminius, Segestes, and Segimer are included to lend an air of authenticity to the story, despite some factual inaccuracies. However, while the true Thusnelda suffered as a casualty of war and violence, her fictional counterpart in Barbarians is portrayed as a powerful and impactful character, playing a pivotal role in the portrayed historical events and interpersonal connections.

In Netflix's Barbarians, the character Thusnelda, a Germanic warrior portrayed by Jeanne Goursaud, is based on a real historical figure. Barbarians is a German-language historical war drama that takes a fictionalized look at the Roman Empire's invasion of Germania during the early first millennium. Arminius, played by Laurence Rupp, is a member of the Cherusci tribe who was sent to Rome as a hostage when he was young. Upon returning to Germania, Arminius witnesses the Roman soldiers' atrocities and leads an uprising with Thusnelda against the invaders. This epic drama, reminiscent of other acclaimed historical TV shows, intertwines myth and reality.

Barbarians prominently features real historical figures from ancient history. Arminius, with his strong character and natural charisma, appears more like a video game character than an actual historical figure. However, he is indeed a real person. Alongside Arminius, characters such as Thusnelda, Segestes (Bernhard Schütz), and Segimer (Nicki von Tempelhoff) are equally historically grounded. Their inclusion, combined with the impressive production and costume design, adds a striking sense of authenticity to Barbarians, despite some inaccuracies in the portrayal of historical facts. Thusnelda, as one of these real-life figures, plays a significant role in the depicted history and contributes to the plot and relationships within the series.

Thusnelda Was A Germanic Cheruscan Noblewoman

Thusnelda Is A Germanic Warrior In Barbarians

Thusnelda, a real woman hailing from Germania, belonged to the noble Germanic Cherusci tribe (British Museum). She was captured by Arminius, who compelled her into marriage and fathered a child with her. However, Germanicus Julius Caesar, the leader of the Germania invasion, captured the pregnant Thusnelda, leaving Arminius in an inconsolable state of sorrow (World History). Thusnelda's father, who collaborated with the Romans, allowed his daughter to be transported to Rome. It was in the grand city that Thusnelda and her infant son, Thumelicus, were paraded through the streets during Germanicus’ triumph, serving as a symbol of his triumph in Germania.

In Barbarians, Thusnelda's narrative diverges significantly from her historical counterpart. Within the series, Thusnelda emerges as an esteemed warrior within the Cherusci tribe, revered for both her unrivalled fierceness and sagacity. She fearlessly exploits the rumors surrounding her alleged clairvoyance to her advantage, emulating Odin by even sacrificing her own eye. Despite Arminius' return from Rome as the Reik of Cherusci, lingering skepticism prevails due to his Roman lineage. Thusnelda, cognizant of the unique opportunity to rally the Germanic tribes against Rome, strategically weds Arminius to establish an unshakeable bond between him and the tribes, leveraging her respected position amongst them.

Thusnelda and Arminius initially enter into a political alliance, but as their story unfolds, they develop genuine romantic feelings for each other. They become parents to a child named Thumelicus. However, in Barbarians, it is suggested that Folkwin Wolfspeer, a fictional character, may be the father. In the conclusion of season 2, Thusnelda and her son are forcefully taken to Rome.

Although there are some similarities between the real-life and fictional Thusnelda, they are fundamentally different. The portrayal of Thusnelda in Barbarians presents a formidable and fictionalized version of the Germanic noblewoman. However, in reality, during that particular era, Thusnelda would not have had the autonomy to independently make decisions. Sadly, she ultimately became a victim of war and violence.