Erik the Viking Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sensitive viking gets existential dread after accidentally killing a woman, so he drags his mates on a road trip to yell at some bratty kid gods about the weather.

🍿 Erik the Viking: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Viking’s Discontent

Erik, a young Viking, grows weary of the endless cycle of raiding and pillaging during the age of Ragnarok, where the sun is perpetually hidden. Haunted by the accidental killing of a woman during a raid, Erik seeks guidance to end the violence and bring back the light.

The Quest for the Horn Resounding

Guided by the wise woman Freya, Erik learns that he must journey to Asgard and petition the gods to end Ragnarok. To reach the gods, he must find the Horn Resounding in the mythical land of Hy-Brasil. His quest is opposed by those who profit from war, including the scheming Loki and the ruthless Halfdan the Black.

Hy-Brasil and its Doom

Erik and his crew arrive in Hy-Brasil, a peaceful and sunlit land ruled by King Arnulf. Erik falls in love with Princess Aud. However, they learn that bloodshed will cause the island to sink. Despite their best efforts, treachery leads to a death, and Hy-Brasil begins its descent into the ocean.

Journey to Asgard

Escaping the sinking Hy-Brasil with the Horn Resounding, Erik’s crew blows the first note, sending their ship over the edge of the flat Earth and into space, landing in Asgard. Erik blows the second note, awakening the gods in Valhalla, ready to present their plea.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Erik (Tim Robbins): A disillusioned Viking who seeks to end the age of Ragnarok by awakening the gods.
• Halfdan the Black (John Cleese): A ruthless Viking leader who opposes Erik’s quest because he profits from war.
• Princess Aud (Imogen Stubbs): The princess of Hy-Brasil who falls in love with Erik and aids him in his quest.
• King Arnulf (Terry Jones): The oblivious and eccentric king of Hy-Brasil, who denies the island’s sinking.
• Loki (Antony Sher): The scheming assistant to Keitel Blacksmith, who tries to sabotage Erik’s mission to maintain the demand for weapons.
• Freya (Eartha Kitt): A wise woman and goddess who informs Erik about Ragnarok and his destiny.
• Harald the Missionary (Freddie Jones): A Christian missionary who accompanies Erik, unable to see the Viking gods due to his beliefs.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• King Arnulf: “Everyone stay calm! This is not happening!” – Said by King Arnulf as Hy-Brasil sinks, humorously denying the obvious impending disaster.
• Halfdan the Black: “Now you see me, now you don’t!” – John Cleese’s reaction to Robbins when Robbins *believes* himself to be invisible.
• Japanese Slavemaster: “You incomprehensible. horizontal-eyed western trousers wearers/How I abominate your lack of ancestor worship!” – The Japanese slave master berates his subjects with racial slurs.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,932,642
• Worldwide Gross: $1,932,642

💥 Erik the Viking Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this as a kid and being totally confused, but also strangely captivated by the absurdity of it all. Tim Robbins as a sensitive viking? John Cleese as a villain? It’s so weird, but the sinking island scene and the bratty kid gods in Valhalla stick with me even now. It’s not laugh-out-loud funny all the time, but the surrealness makes it a unique experience. If you like Monty Python and don’t mind a movie that’s a bit of a mess, give it a try. You might just find yourself strangely enjoying it, too.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Monty Python humor”
  • “Those interested in Norse mythology parodies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate fantasy-adventure films with a comedic twist”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief depictions of violence and implied sexual assault”
  • “Some scenes may be disturbing for sensitive viewers”
  • “Potentially offensive stereotypes”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “While marketed as a Python-esque comedy, ‘Erik the Viking’ explores themes of belief and denial. An eclectic cast, including Tim Robbins and John Cleese, play their parts well. The comedy might not always land, but the film offers food for thought and a quality look with fine location work and visuals.
• AllMovie: “Director Terry Jones offers a farcical fantasy with Tim Robbins starring as an angst-ridden Viking. While not always hilarious, the movie offers witty comedy, even if the effects and narrative structure don’t fully support the endeavor. A valiant attempt at historical comedy!

Audience Reactions

The special effects are great for the time.: I really enjoyed the way Tim Robbins acted in the film.

I thought it was funny and witty: It’s just an enjoyable film.

Overall Consensus: A mixed bag of Monty Python humor and Norse mythology, ‘Erik the Viking’ has its moments but may not appeal to all viewers. Fans of Terry Jones’ style might appreciate the absurdity, while others may find it uneven.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Cleese replaced Jack Lemmon on short notice as a favor to his friend Terry Jones.”
• “The film features numerous references to Norse myths and Viking culture, reflecting Terry Jones’s deep interest in the European Medieval period.”
• “Terry Jones allowed the cast to retain their natural accents, with Tim Robbins and Mickey Rooney keeping their American accents, and John Gordon Sinclair maintaining his Scottish accent.”

🖥️ How to Watch Erik the Viking?

As of today, ‘Erik the Viking’ is available for rent or purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast availability. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) can often be found online or at retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Erik the Viking, you might like these similar films:

• Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975): Shares the same absurdist, irreverent humor and historical spoof elements as a classic Monty Python film.
• Time Bandits (1981): Another Terry Gilliam fantasy film with a similar blend of historical settings, adventure, and quirky humor.
• Jabberwocky (1977): Directed by Terry Gilliam, features a similar blend of dark humor and medieval fantasy.
• Norsemen (2016-2020): A modern TV series that offers a comedic take on Viking life with similar satirical elements.

🛒 Erik the Viking Related Products

• Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman: A modern retelling of classic Norse myths, perfect for fans of the movie’s source material. Features stories of Odin, Thor, Loki, and Ragnarok. Great for anyone interested in diving deeper into Viking lore.
• Viking Drinking Horn with Stand: A handcrafted, authentic drinking horn with a stand. A great accessory for a Viking-themed party or to display as a unique collectible. Channel your inner Erik the Viking!
• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: An immersive open-world RPG set in a Nordic-inspired land. Explore vast landscapes, battle dragons, and fulfill your destiny as the Dragonborn. A perfect game for fans of Viking culture and epic adventures.
• Viking Axe Toy: A safe Viking Axe toy, great for children and play.

🎧 Soundtrack

Erik the Viking features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Erik the Viking – Main Theme” – performed by Neil Innes
• “Hy-Brasil” – performed by Neil Innes

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Viking Longship

Ever wondered about the real history behind Viking longships featured in movies like Erik the Viking? This video dives into the details and compares its portrayal to other films and historical accounts. You’ll be surprised what you discover!

✨ Rate