To Go Viking

Film review

GEIR MÆLAND
Films of Norway

I know there are a lot of people interested in Viking history.

I also know there is interest in movies and TV series about this topic (Norsemen being a good example). However, I did not know that there are people today who travel to almost any remote place they can find to participates in Viking festivals to live the Viking culture for weeks on end!

To Go Viking is a documentary that takes us “behind the scenes” in what goes on during these festivals. I must say that I was curious to learn more about it.

Who are these people, what do they do there, and what kind of atmosphere is it there?

The film is narrated by various people who participate in the Viking community. It is obvious that these people have tons of knowledge about the topic.

They know what went on in the Viking day, and they are taking their passion and interest to higher level to more than just a hobby. Participating in “Viking wars” in various festivals, and dressing up, living like Vikings is definitely becoming a lifestyle that seems to be almost like a mission.

I am impressed by many things in this movie. First, the production level is high compared with the rather low budget. Kudos to the production team for that.

Secondly, the story is told in way that keeps it interesting for the viewer and never gets boring, so there we go again … kudos to the editor and director.

I was surprised to learn how rough the sword-fights are and how many people participate in them. Lots of people team up in different groups and bash together in a manner that ends up in real injuries.

It is a game, yes, but at the same time it seems so real and dead serious.

It is also fascinating to see how they engage in heavy battles in the daytime and then unite in great friendships in the evenings.

The locations of the Viking festivals in To Go Viking are in Denmark, Germany, Poland, and the United States, uniting people from many countries. It strikes me like a fun fact that they all look like Vikings. Maybe the reason for the Viking passion is based on the explanation that they are all reincarnated from another life, another age … and you know which one I am talking about.

This article originally appeared in the April 9, 2021, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.