Vikingshas been a fan favorite for many years, consistently delivering high-quality TV, along with some incredible and complex characters providing some truly inspired performances. Full of drama, action, and intrigue,Vikingshas had its viewers locked in from the very beginning.
While the show has undoubtedly taken liberties with historical accuracy in its portrayal of the life of Ragnar Lothbrok, it’s undeniably stayed true to the viciousness and brutality that was part of everyday life during this tumultuous period. With Season 6 giving the bloody conclusion, it is time to look back at the deadliest warriors to do battle throughout the series.
Updated May 17, 2025 by Stephen LaGioia:Viking motifs have permeated pop culture of late, between shows likeVikings and its expansive spin-off, historical TV programs, and video games, with titles likeAssassin’s Creed Valhallastoking imagination and wonder. But along with its neat sense of atmosphere and exploration, this culture was often known for crudeness and violence, with rough-and-tumble societies that often thrived on pillaging, battle, and human sacrifice. As such, this culture and era at large saw much bloodshed, and countless fighters varying in strength — as portrayed so well in Michael Hirst’s show.
14Jarl Borg
Battle-Tested
This tough and determined Jarl saw a pretty short run duringVikings, taking his spot as one of Ragnar’s early rivals and a thorn in the side of Lothbrok and King Horik. Still, he managed to make a name for himself in his two-season appearance — right down to his bitter, brutal ending. Jarl Borg shows his strength and shrewdness (as well as stubbornness) right from the get-go.
He strategically commands various fighters, manipulates Ragnar’s brother Rollo against him, and refuses to back down even as Ragnar and the Danish king himself demand he relinquish his claim to lands in dispute. He certainly puts up a good fight and proves to be a seasoned, cunning warrior — despite the actions in his brief show stint soon coming back to bite him.
13Astrid
Has Overcome Many Trials And Hardships
Astrid is a stalwart shield maiden who proves both a loyal fighter and friend to Lagertha, and an independent woman who knows how to fend for herself. She sees more than her share of struggle, heartache, and outright abuse leading to her tragic ending in season 5. She fights well alongside Lagertha, defeating Egil “The Bastard” and the son of an earl.
Astrid deals with much physical and mental trauma, to be sure. She’s (physically) torn apart from her companion Lagertha and forced to marry King Harald, and even brutally raped by some of his men. But while hurt and troubled, she retains her strength and defiance, going out on her own terms. Astrid is an underrated character in this showfullof interesting, dynamic figures — and deserved far better.
12Aethelwulf
A Hardened Wessex King
While perhaps lacking the cunning and strength of his father and former Wessex King Ecbert, Aethelwulf spends much of the series quietly carving out his own path of power and righteousness. He can never seem to quite measure up to figures like Ragnar, Ivar, Athelstan, or his father — who tend to undermine him — but he remains strong and true.
He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty, as it were, and engage in fights on the battlefield. This produces some memorable defeats of his mismatched opponents in the process. The tough, battle-hardened Christian is determined to be a decent man loyal to his family and his people — though he does lean on his faith as an excuse for the occasional atrocity. Still, his rise to kingship is hard-fought and an interesting character arc to watch.
11Halfdan “The Black”
Overshadowed, But Not To Be Overlooked
This aggressive younger brother of Harald knows a thing or two about being overshadowed. While he’s seen ample action through combat and travel — both of which he clearly enjoys — he doesn’t reach the heights or fame of his brother and eventual king.
He is a quick and strong warrior with many kills to his name, spurred by his wild nature and love of fighting. He even claims that combat against his enemies makes him “feel alive”. He becomes a bit more introspective and even borderline thoughtful as he grows onVikings, but he remains a pure Viking; and an unsettlingly violent, unpredictable one at times.
10Hvitserk
Conflicted, Non-Confrontational — But A Survivor
Despite not having learned his trade from Ragnar, Hvitserk proves himself to be abrutal and ferocious warrior, particularly in the later seasons of the series. Not being overly possessed of sword skill, he makes up for it with a fierce love of violence and a chilling bloodlust.
In single combat, Hvitserk is also a gifted warrior, even matching the brute power and relentless ferocity of Athelwulf. Like Ivar, Hvitserk is a true sadist, this side of him always taking over in battle, carrying him through the enemy ranks.
9Ubbe
The Viking Diplomat
There is no doubt that Ubbe has a soft side to him, with a deep love for his family and a genuine concern for the welfare of those around him. Ubbe in battle, however, is a completely different animal.
Ubbe issometimes overlooked as a Vikingwarrior after his defeat at the hands of Heahmund, and his loss of the Great Army to Ivar, but Ubbe is still a powerful fighter. With warrior skills learned from the legendary Ragnar, he deploys a potent combination of strength and intelligence against those who oppose him.
8Heahmund
Loyal, Fierce, And Passionate
Despite his sidelining in the later stages of the series, Bishop Heahmund is still a deadly warrior. Driven by a deep-seated Christian faith and hatred of Pagans, Heahmund is brutally effective with sword and shield.
In the first battle of the civil war, Heahmund stands on the front line, taking down enemies with apparent ease. Heahmund impressed even the implacable Ivar with his fighting prowess, and in yet another testament to his abilities as a warrior, he even defeated the mighty Ubbe in battle, which is no easy feat.
7Floki
Strength Through Sharpness — And Trickery
Despite being a boat-builder, Floki is also an impressive fighter. Undoubtedly a fan favorite with his witty personality and iconic laugh, his skills in battle are not to be trifled with.
Lacking themuscled physique of Rollo or Bjorn, Floki uses skill and cunning to defeat his enemies. With his characteristic snake-like sway, Floki’s axes are viciously accurate and mark him out as a formidable warrior. He is a keen reminder that it is not just muscles that win battles.
6Harald “Finehair”
Charismatic, Unwavering (And Often Stubborn)
Harald has a complex arc through theVikingsseries and isa compelling antagonist. His prowess in battle lies not in intricate planning and cunning intellect, but in sheer ferocity and brutality.
Fueled by a burning ambition, Harald is relentless in the pursuit of his goals and woe betide anyone who gets in the way of what he believes is his destiny. In battle, he is a bloodthirsty and deadly warrior, seemingly taking pleasure in every life he takes. Harald’s skill as a warrior is undeniable, and his mission to be crowned king is unshakable.
5Ivar The Boneless
A Wild Warrior Who Overcomes Hardship — Much To The Detriment Of His Enemies
Ivar is a brutal and cunning warrior, not letting his disability get in the way of achieving his goals. Like his father,Ivar uses his intelligenceto devastating effect in his battles, constantly outwitting and outflanking his enemy.
Anyone who falls into his clutches is dispatched with a swift viciousness, which he matches while riding into battle on his chariot. He is a terrifying presence on a battlefield, even holding a whole army in check with the depth of his rage and the power of his voice.
