The Historic and Fictional Kattegat
Kattegat, the legendary city central to Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla, has long captured the imagination of fans. But is it a real place or a creation for the shows? Let's delve into the truth behind this intriguing location.
Ivar and Prince Igor on the cart during the battle of Kattegat against the Rus
Created by Michael Hirst, Vikings originally debuted on the History Channel in 2013 and was initially intended to be a short miniseries. However, due to its immense popularity, it was renewed for multiple seasons, captivating audiences with its portrayal of Kattegat, Norway. The spinoff series, Vikings: Valhalla, further expanded the lore, showcasing a very different version of Kattegat set 100 years after the events of Vikings.
Ragnar Returns To Kattegat
After the conclusion of Vikings season 6, Vikings: Valhalla took center stage on Netflix, reigniting the interest in Kattegat and its significance in the shared universe. Many viewers have pondered whether this iconic city is real or merely a product of fiction. The answer, as it turns out, is quite intriguing.
Travis Fimmel as Ragnar Lothbrok with a sword in Vikings
The Real Kattegat
Surprisingly, there is a real Kattegat in Norway, but it differs significantly from its portrayal in the shows. In Vikings, Kattegat is depicted as a city in Norway, while in reality, Kattegat is a sea area situated between Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It spans approximately 12,000 square miles and is characterized by its shallow waters, reefs, and treacherous currents.
The Real Kattegat
The actual location of Kattegat presents a stark contrast to its fictional counterpart, with its portrayal in Vikings: Valhalla aligning more closely with its geographical attributes. The transformation from a small town to a massive trading port ruled by Jarl Haakon reflects the evolution of this historically significant area.
Vikings Valhalla Jarl Haakon Caroline Henderson standing in Kattegat
Despite the show's adaptation of Norse myths and history, it takes inspiration from real-life places such as Kattegat, which holds a central place in both the fictional and real-life Scandinavian area. This connection to reality adds an intriguing layer to the portrayal of Kattegat in the series.
Vikings the battle for kattegat ragnar and bjorn
The Enigmatic Figures of Kattegat
Ragnar Lothbrok, a prominent figure in Vikings, is depicted as hailing from Kattegat and Norway. However, the historical origins of the real Viking legend remain shrouded in mystery. While the character's association with Kattegat adds to the show's allure, the true origins of Ragnar Lothbrok are still unknown.
Haldan's Death in The second Battle of Kattegat
The enigmatic nature of Ragnar Lothbrok's origins is further compounded by the amalgamation of various historical figures in the Viking sagas. The legend of Ragnar Lothbrok is believed to be a composite of different real historical figures, blurring the lines between myth and reality.
Similarly, the portrayal of Jarl Haakon, the ruler of Kattegat in Vikings: Valhalla, introduces a fictional character with historical inspirations. While no evidence supports the existence of a female Viking ruler, the character draws parallels to Haakon Sigurdsson, a historical figure who ruled Norway in the late 10th century.
In the world of Vikings, the intertwining of fictional and historical elements creates a captivating narrative, weaving together the enigmatic figures and the iconic city of Kattegat.
