[Polynikes]

The main character is loosely based on a Viking named Ragnal. It looks like the producers used the Norse sagas for character development so historical accuracy may suffer a bit. The little blond son Bjorn is probably going to turn out to be Bjorn Ironside who will out strip his father Ragnar in deeds of raiding and plundering even raiding into the Mediterranean and plundering the south of France and the Italian coast.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bj%C3%B6rn_Ironside

In episode 3 when Ragnars wife Lagertha goes along on a raid Ragnar puts his priest captive in charge. Before Lagertha leaves she cautions the priest if anything happens she will rip the lungs from his body. She is referring to the rite of the Blood-Eagle.

[Ax]

I’m waiting for the series of episodes that will depict the Vikings heading west to Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland and into the North American Midwest.

[beebuster2000]

yes, the rite of the blood eagle. gruesome. but reading up on it, some doubt that it actually existed, or was dreamed up by the vikings terrorized victims.

when you read it, doesnt seem medically possible.