Warning: Spoilers for The Northman
The Northman is a gritty revenge film following Alexander Skarsgård's Viking prince on a hate-driven quest to avenge the murder of his father at the hands of his brother. As the third film from director Robert Eggers, this epic historical drama follows in the footsteps of many ancient stories of heroes on a quest for revenge against their oppressors.
This film features plenty of compelling characters that intersect with Amleth's quest for vengeance. While some of these men and women prove their might and courage, others come away looking rather weak next to the warrior prince around whom the movie centers.
Finnr The Nose-Stub
Finnr the Nose-Stub is the quite-literal name of the most prominent of Fjölnir's housecarls, who served his master prior to his ascension to his brother's throne. Finnr was among the men involved in the insurrection that left King Aurvandil dead and was the one who was sent after the fleeing Amleth, who would be the one to slice off his nose during his escape.
This minor character has few scenes, yet even in this limited screentime, he reveals his true cowardice. Finnr was nothing more than a lowly house servant who believed himself to be far fiercer than he was, eventually failing in his mission of killing a child, only to lie about his success thereafter. His failure and subsequent deception would allow Amleth to embark on his bloody quest for revenge.
Thorir The Proud
Thorir is the son of Fjölnir and the stepson of Gudrún who has grown haughty and proud over the years, letting his guard down when it comes to legitimate threats to himself and his family. Though not entirely unlikable, Thorir proves to be an easy kill for Amleth in the end, for he had few redeeming qualities.
The heir to Fjölnir's throne was spoiled by a wealthy and trial-free life, yet seemed unaware of his own weakness. While Thorir certainly seemed to believe himself to be quite courageous, his courage was nothing more than the self-delusion of an untried child. In the end, he is the only member of his family not given a warrior's death, as he is unceremoniously killed in his sleep.
Seeress
The Northman sees singer-actress Björk make her return to film after a 17-year absence from Hollywood as the mysterious Seeress. Amleth encounters this prophetess mysteriously in the night shortly after a raid on a nearby village. She tells him that the time has come for his revenge, sparking the beginning of his quest.
Though she only appears in a single scene in the film, the Seeress plays a pivotal role in Amleth's quest, speaking the prophecy that would kick off the entire adventure. While she isn't given many opportunities to prove her courage, merely delivering news of such import to a man as fierce as Amleth requires a great deal of tenacity.
Gunnar
Gunnar is the young son of Gudrún and Fjölnir, who was born after Aurvandil's death and Amleth's subsequent exile. Very much the product of his two parents, Gunnar is proud and somewhat arrogant, often putting honor before his own safety.
Despite his young age, Gunnar proves himself to be remarkably resilient, if rather unwise. He is unafraid of charging into battle, especially if he feels his family's honor is being trampled upon. Unfortunately for Gunnar, his skill and wit did not match his appetite for battle, and he was dispatched easily by his half-brother.
Heimir The Fool
The Northman truly puts together an impressive cast with long careers in Hollywood, including Willem Dafoe, who had appeared in director Robert Egger's previous film The Lighthouse. Dafoe plays Heimer the Fool, a jester in the court of King Aurvandil who is tortured and executed after Fjölnir takes the throne.
There is something inherently courageous about a Fool in the court of a king, whose primary job is to walk the thin line between telling jokes to make the court laugh and insulting the king to the point of losing one's head. Heimer walked this line fearlessly under the rule of Aurvandil and apparently did the same with Fjölnir, who clearly did not find his jokes very humorous.
Fjölnir The Brotherless
Fjölnir the Brotherless is the uncle of Amleth who killed his own brother in order to take his throne and marry his queen. After losing his kingdom to a more powerful ruler, Fjölnir lives as a wealthy farmer until the return of his forlorn nephew, who is determined to gain revenge for his father's murder.
As a Viking warrior, Fjölnir possesses copious amounts of courage, willing to charge into battle whenever necessary, even at the risk of his own life. However, as a usurper of the throne, he proves to be less brave, allowing his men to injure Aurvandil beyond resistance before revealing himself to his brother.
King Aurvandill
Ethan Hawke appears briefly in The Northman as King Aurvandil, the father of Amleth who is betrayed and killed by his brother, who was in cahoots with his own wife. Aurvandil is shown to be a mighty warrior before his death, constantly seeking entrance into Valhalla.
Aurvandil was the definition of a true warrior-king, actively seeking a death that would grant him entrance into Valhalla itself. He openly states his intention to be killed in battle and, though this goal is perhaps foolhardy, he fully accepts his death with honor and bravery.
Olga Of The Birch Forest
Anya Taylor-Joy, who previously appeared in one of director Roger Eggers's best films, The Witch, portrays Olga of the Birch Forest, a slave of Fjölnir who assists Amleth on his path of vengeance. She and the hero fall in love over the course of their time together, leading to her becoming pregnant with his children.
Olga often finds herself thrown into situations that would cause many other people to cower in fear. However, not even once does the sorceress stoop to such a level, meeting any semblance of a threat eye-to-eye, ready for death should it come for her. Despite not possessing the brawn of the warriors around her, Olga makes a mark on her enemies in her own way, using her courage and cunning to do so.
Queen Gudrún
The iconic actress Nicole Kidman is known for her strong portrayals of complicated characters, the latest of which is the mother of Amleth and former wife of King Aurvandil, Queen Gudrún. She is revealed to have been the mastermind behind her husband's death, for she longed to be with Fjölnir, who, unlike his brother, truly loved her.
Despite having her lover do any dirty work, Gudrún proves to be rather courageous herself, specifically noticeable in her confrontations with Amleth upon his return. She reveals herself as willing to fight even her own son and is found to be rather handy with a sword. Though her final battle ended poorly for her, like her late husband, Gudrún met her own death with a head held high.
Amleth
Alexander Skarsgård plays the mighty Norse hero Amleth who, after witnessing his father betrayed and killed by his own brother, sets out on a mission of revenge against those responsible. Along the way, he contemplates the merits of vengeance and the idea of life thereafter, all the while remaining steadfast on his quest.
Amleth is a beast wearing man's skin, unafraid of any peril, including the very real possibility of death. He is driven by a pure and unadulterated zeal for revenge against those that tore his family apart. Even as his heart softens for the embrace of his lover Olga, Amleth does not allow his ion for justice to be quenched, fighting every battle as if it is his last--until this indeed becomes so.
