Your analysis and thoughts about this made me realize something… Christians see a film where they take inspiration from the Bible, but tell the story slightly differently to explore certain themes in a different way, and hate it. In some cases, like Last Temptation of Christ, they sometimes ban the film altogether (as Chile did for a while). Meanwhile, pagans, or at least more prominent ones like you, see this, where likely much of the same is being done, most likely with even greater deviation from the source material, and think “oh, this is cool. Let’s see what they do with it, it’ll probably be interesting”. I don’t know if this is widespread amongst pagans. But it’s definitely refreshing.
I have noticed the same thing, but Hollywood bastardizes everything it gets its hands on. The first time I saw the trailer I was quite excited and then I saw Nicole Kidman and immediately decided that Hollywood would be bastardizing this as well.
Single edged blades were definitely a thing. "While most Viking-Age swords are of the classic straight two-edged design, about 20% of those found in Norway are single-edged (Geibig XIV). These weapons cannot really be classified as long-saxes as they had orthodox sword-hilts. Single edged Viking swords were still in use at the end of the 9th C and early 10th C. Their nearest Medieval equivalents would be the Falchion and the großes Messer. An interesting weapon, the single-edged sword is worthy of study." Also he's holding a Langseax in the ice pick grip. Probably means to use the axe as a primary weapon while using the seax to parry.
Yes, single-edged blades are definitely a thing!!! Also, you could definitely use the seax with an icepick grip to stab downwards with, especially in tight spots, but it's much better to parry with a regular grip, increasing your range and manoeuvrability.
Also the blade in that scene isn't single edged. If you pause it, it looks like the usual double edged sword that was normal for the time. The light at that moment is just reflecting off of one edge. And, to be fair, the trailer cuts that part cut very quickly so the mistake is understandable.
This looks very good. Robert Eggers is a fantastic storyteller. He is ultra-methodical in his research, so this should be no different. He takes sources and uses them to create his own tale. The setting of the VVitch and Lighthouse, the language, the props and costumes and structures are all quite authentic, but the stories of those films are not historical. "Inspired By" is a good way to explain it. Eggers is one to keep your eye on.
That's what I love about Eggers, he's one of my favorites. He does "period pieces" that aren't exactly historical, but they bring the period to life in a way that feels authentic to what the characters in the story believe.
His films are like entering in another view of the world, an ancient one, where the sirens and the witches were real to that people. So in this film we will see magic and other beliefs of that era
The sword he holds in an ice pick grip is actually a longseaxe, which translates to "long knife" which has a single edge and a thick spine. In scottish dirk fighting the ice pick grip wood be used to block strikes and grappling.
yeah we were over-analyzing it in the discord last night. But even the proper way to use a seax is upright. It's meant to go under shields rather than to block. And even blocking is more efficient when holding upright. BUT it looks cool and has its uses. Therefore the cinematic look wins out. Which isn't necessarily bad, it's just a little overdone.
@@varangjar1544 Sadly. Seax and shield fighting is so interesting. BUT another thing that's interesting is seeing Seaxes being used in a reverse grip with a shield in late viking age art and Norman period art.
The BBC did a miniseries called Battle for Middle Earth, about the invasions of England in 1066. During one of the battles, they include a Norse warrior catching a thrown Saxon spear and throwing it back
You were asking about Olga and magic. She admitted such by saying, “I have the cunning.” Like we would call practitioners of folk magic ‘cunning folk.’
The oldest mention of the name 'Amleth'/'Hamlet' is actually a runic inscription in proto Old Frisian from the 6th century found in Fryslân, the Netherlands. It is spelled 'Amluþ'. The Frisians of the early middle ages show strong cultural and economic ties with Danmark. Together they founded the oldest Danish city of Ribe (from proto Old Frisian 'Ripa'). This said, the story seems generic, but the details and athmospere fantastic. Rooting to see it!
I love how much research and attention to detail Eggers puts into his films to tell stories, he doesn't do anything by halves and it shows! Even down to the language and costumes in The Lighthouse and basing it off of an original story allows for a much better in depth and intimate telling of the story visually. He's a genius for bringing to life stories that exist on paper and I think that ability is one of the reasons for his quick and well deserved success.
The Welsh Viking just did a review of the trailer, too! His take is much more based on the costuming as he’s a historical reenactor, but it was fascinating to watch both of your break downs of it!
Yeah some people are pointing that out. The story would likely be taking place in Jutland / Daneland, however. Amleth’s father united Jutland and Fengi is the jealous brother.
@@OceanKeltoi Did the movie start with them returning from Norway? Could stand to reason his brother picked the sword up there. A trophy of sorts. Doesn't excuse the lamellar armor of course.
I'm excited to see how the movie turns out as well! I appreciate how thorough your video is with sources for the details they seem to be using. Any mentions of Hrof Kraki means it might be a good time haha. Great job as always, Ocean.
I'm not sure what I was expecting from The Northman, but suddenly all this other content comes into it, "shamanic" fire rituals lead by dudes with horned helmets, and valkyries reading towards a tree of light, and suddenly I think this is going to be my favorite movie of 2022.
Once more, a shot of the spear catch.... Ok, maybe one more time... 3 more times isn't gonna hurt anyone... Ok, just once more and I swear, after replaying it for the 300th time we can call it a day and move on. No more spear catching... until tomorrow...
People have died falling into Latrines,escaping down latrine chutes! Not hygenic ( but it's amazing what you do ? To save your Ass) And remember this was in the days of no deodorants, sails soaked in Rancid Butter?! You get it! A strong Stomach, strong period,if you were ? Shure Helped!
I think the man leading the ritual at 15:10 is supposed represent Odin because all the men present at the ritual appear to be wearing animal skins and attempting to get ready for battle. I think that’s the case because it’s said Berserkers specifically worshipped Odin before battle and it looks like he’s missing a right eye too, but that could just be the lighting from the fire covering his eye in shadow. Also thank you for freaking out about the spear catch because damn that was badass, I hope the fight choreography in this movie is top notch, great video as always Ocean. 👍
I remember reading an Intervew of Robert Egger after he did the lighthouse. he was asked what his next project was going to be and he said he doesn't want to do another horror but really wants to make an action adventure Viking movie! I'm so happy he was able too. I don't know if you watch anime or not but have you ever watch the anime vinland saga? I would be really interested in a heathens take on it.
I think the reason the Seax is being held in a reverse grip (blade down) is due to the way it is sheathed on the belt (handle end rightside in the front). You can see that in his dominant hand is his axe, it seems far easier to draw with your support hand. Plus, axe fighting with a support blade in the opposite hand reversed and forward are both common axe fighting techniques.
Robert Eggers spoke quite specifically about making a few important geographic changes to the original story. One of which being Amleth's exile to England changing to the Caucuses region, (Ukraine, Sweden, etc.) called "Rus" in the context of the film, (where he encounters Olga) for storytelling purposes. (Because of how often we've already seen early middle age British Isles in movies, TV, etc. before.) (I'm just sayin' ✌)
Apparently it was Alexander that actually suggested to change it to Rus. Which I think is a great choice to do something different. I still hope we get a story of the Varangian guard.
on the part where they dance around the fire, i believe that what you see here is the spear dance. this is the ritual where they would consume mushrooms to get into the berserker state. they would chant/dance with their weapons as seen in the trailer. the old man you see is Odin, the mushrooms can create halucinations and i believe that we are watching that ritual through the eyes of the participants. although i do think this story is set somewhat before the viking age between 650-880, just by the fact that you have a full warband of ulfhednar/berserkers because they where outlawed during the viking age and quite rare.
@@OceanKeltoi Indeed! N then redirects the cast in a different direction... !? Wow! In battle, things are done, n later, if you survive, you try to replicate...n it's often very tough! Been in hand to hand...n by the good blessings of the gods, I'm still here...! How/ why...still a mystery ! ? Looking forward to the movie! Thanks for sharing!
If one were to catch a spear in flight, that's exactly how it would be done. Not stopping it as it comes to you, but following its path and turning to catch it as it passes. One would probably use the momentum to turn and then recast it.
I would say you'd be better off using a shield to bat at it at an angle it wouldn't burry itself in the material, then you can grab it much more easily as the pace is taken off it.
Great Breakdown. Eggers and Co-writer may have first intended the film to be about brothers. Bill Skarsgård was also listed in cast. There's a clip where he laments having to pull out due to schedule and covid restrictions.
Beserkers being drained is most likely due to hyperinsulinemia. When one has this, eating too much carbs without protein to counter them can lead to the body pumping adrenaline into the body and the person going into rages only to later to being "drained" after wards. It was stated that the Beserkers often refrained from bread and ETOH in peace times, but always ate bread and drank prior to battle.
I also watched the spear throw multiple times. It was awesome, interesting to know there might also be some (albeit slightly less awesome) historical accuracy to it!
This is my third time watching this video because you did such a good job! 🙌🏼 the Viking teeth carving was actually something I didn’t know, especially about the revenge stories. Thank you 🙏🏼
Yes, so glad you talked about this trailer. I’m so excited to see this movie. I never go into a movie for accurate historic or comic depiction-I go to be entertained. 🖤🤘🏼🖤
Absolutely fascinating. As a Shakespeare nerd I had no idea of the origins of Hamlet. So that was exciting to hear about. But also just how you do your break down on how the old stories relate to the trailer has me wanting to learn more about these stories and myths.
An Epic time in the offing! You stoked the fires of interest n curiosity to a bonfire level!!! Thanks! The content n explanation were spot on n finite,to a " T"! Wow! That " spear segment" ...Damn awesome !
Okay WOW this is my First time watching your channel, very professional scripted well. and your thoughts are expressed well. not just a slapped together show. thumbs up
Considering how much research Eggers does to be very detailed it's great to hear a breakdown from someone who knows historical texts. I swore I'd never go back to a theater but I think I have to for this
I think this trailer embodies what Robert Eggers does a lot (and brilliantly I might add) and that’s taking the different versions of mythology and stories people create through time and putting it into one movie. Like he’s making the movies he’s been wanting to see. The Witch does this but even more so with the lighthouse. Taking from Greek mythology, showing mermaids and even modern lore from certain lighthouses that are still up today. Can’t wait to see this movie, I’ve been watching other RU-vidrs who have a broad knowledge of this kind of history and it’s always interesting to see what y’all have to say. Awesome vid!
That was an amazing analysis! You gained a subscriber and now I’m going down a rabbit hole with all your videos! For once, the algorithm has served me well!!!
I also notice in the "odin" character leading the ritual. Hes wearing a helmet that looks a lot like one found on a stone relief that is accompanied with a berzerker.
Fantastic analysis.. I saw this movie at a test screening back in august 2021 in Dallas, TX and when he caught that spear and hurled it back it was one of the greatest gasps and cheers I’ve ever heard in a movie theater… you have to remember back then there were no stills or footage of the trailer so that part came as a complete shock. I remember people looking around at one another when it happened. Can’t wait to see it again opening night
The single edged sword was apparently a Norwegian thing look up the sword geibig type 14. As far as catching a spear… i hate too say it but its really easier too step aside and pick it up but here he was saving somebody so its not just showing off.
Hey Ocean! The Odin guy in the "helmet" is a horned spear dancer! Archaeological evidence suggests this may have been a ritual used to specifically invoke or honour Woden/Odin, as we have a lot of amulets, carvings and other artistic depictions of people dressed in such a way. The believed association of Odin comes from the fact that: a) These guys are SPEAR DANCERS. Woden/Odin was heavily associated with spears, i.e. Gungnir b) Looking at older depictions and amulets, it can be seen that the helmet is actually a head dress, and the horns actually often have eyes, beaks and wings carved into them; these are birds, believed to represent Huginn and Muninn whispering into the ears of the spear dancer, who is representing Woden. It should also be noted that this is likely one of the sorces of inspiration for the commonly depicted horned helmets on vikings. I own a small horned spear dancer amulet I was able to buy for cheap from eBay, and I wear it daily alongside my Mjollnir. It's really interesting and worth looking more into, although I have to sadly say that I know of this due to watching STJ when I was new to the community and didn't know of his problematic nature. It would be cool if you could make a video on this instead, so others can find out about this awesome depiction of the Allfather without having to jump through hoops dodging STJ's content.
@@corkibuchek the welsh viking suggested that the spear dance ritual depicted here was strictly a western germanic anglo saxon practice that predated the viking age and that it was odd to include it here. the torslunda plates found in sweden, while still predating the viking age, depict the same exact ritual, thus proving that this was not strictly western germanic/anglo saxon. upon informing him of this, he responded to me saying "cool story bro". i guess some people who act like they are an authority on a subject dont like being corrected.
Considering spear catching/redirection: The biomechanics of spear catching would, among extreme proprioceptive interaction elements, require something only trained in martial combat & rock climbing; explosive grip strength.
Truthfully the greatest and most entertaining trailer reaction I’ve ever seen. I almost didn’t click on the video because trailer reaction videos are stupid, poorly edited and just down right lame. Not here! Not this one! You killed it! Then filleted it, seasoned it and served it with a garnish! Perfect my friend! Perfect!
I'm from Iran and it's been months since I followed this channel.(just so you know youtube is banned here) To be honest as an ex-muslim atheist guy who is fascinated by stories of old, you my friend are a very eloquent and charming storyteller.
Oh man, indeed I did not know that Iran firewalls RU-vid access!! 😵 Yikes. Is it the same with other platforms like Instagram or Facebook as well? Very glad you were able to find a way to circumvent and access...
Love the review, thanks for the references too. I keep in mind any questionable scenes are most likely for sheer entertainment quality or emphasis of a given moment.
15:00 - he is representing a "weapon dancer" of Odin . You see them in Germanic art across Europe a good example is on the sutton hoo helmet AKA the newly named Odin Helmet. It is said that a man will represent Odin in a ritual dance to bestow good fortunes before a battle. They are distinguished easily by their horns and spears / swords in art. The horns are actualy birds - Huggin and munnin
The only problem i have about the trailer breakdown is about the berserkers. While yes there were 2-3 berserkes in the spear catching scene, i dont understand why there wasnt an explanation about the differences of the berserkers and the úlfhéðinn.
I have just come from the Theatre, and wow this is an amazing Film, is a mix between Hamleth, Conan The Barbarian, Vikings , directed by Mr. Eggers with such a Historical Accuracy (from my perspective... ) I would really love to see a movie review in this Channel
I just got out of the Chicago premiere, and I must say this video is a marvelous companion piece post viewing. The word EPIC is overused in Cinema so often and so is VISIONARY...but not in the case of this movie. Eggers has outdone his other great works with this one. I am already predicting this to be the best film of 2022 without much doubt. I cannot wait to see it again and I will see it in a different light now having seen your great breakdown and insights into it.Bravo.
Just a few days ago, I was witness to a real authentic Viking raid on Hollywood and the treasure that was plundered was a war chest full of golden Oscars!
I'm hype for anything Robert Eggers. Hes said he wants to make an Alchemist movie, and a western. We know he has a knight movie, a Nosferatu remake, and a Rasputin project floating around.. and those are just the ones we KNOW about... The Lighthouse and now The Northman came literally out of fucking nowhere. I'm fine with it and I'm really happy to see him working on a larger canvas
The severed head imo looks just like Willem Defoe. Maybe Willem is the seer in the past when Amleth is young? And the severed head scene js from when he's older ?
Having seen the movie now there is an interesting detail connecting seiðr & the male seer who had the preserves head. The seer is actually wearing a woman's apron with the two oval broaches near the shoulders that were common in Viking times. Given seiðr's connection to the feminine it was a subtle detail that shows the depth the filmmakers went to.
Welsh Viking's analysis is amazing, dont get me wrong. I think the guy forgot more information about the Vikings this morning, than I have read in 20 years. I dont want to come off as a Debbie Downer, but if theyre playing fast and loose with physics, theyre not really trying that hard to get all the details correct.... I do love his channel though, and suggest it to everyone
Who are you and why have I not come across you before? This is awesome content. The algorithm should've sent me your way before. I've watched practically everything Skall, Shad, Schola, Tod, Metatron, Lindy and the others have put out
