In a move that no one saw coming, Netflix has ignited the Vikings fandom by bringing back Ragnar Lothbrok himself, portrayed by the incomparable Travis Fimmel, for an all-new saga titled The Raven’s Oath. Slated for release this fall, the project promises a reunion of some of the most beloved—and most complex—characters from the original History Channel epic.
The return of Ragnar alone would have been enough to stir the internet into a frenzy, but the casting news doesn’t stop there. Gustaf Skarsgård, who brought the eccentric shipbuilder and spiritual wanderer Floki to life, and George Blagden, whose portrayal of Athelstan provided some of the most emotional moments in Vikings, will join Fimmel in this new tale.
While Netflix has remained tight-lipped on plot specifics, the title itself—The Raven’s Oath—is loaded with symbolic meaning. In Norse mythology, ravens are sacred to Odin, serving as both his messengers and spies. An oath, meanwhile, is binding in the Viking world, often sealed in blood. Fans are already speculating that the story will revolve around a broken promise or a fateful pact with the All-Father himself.
Promotional art circulating online hints at a darker, more mythic tone than even the most intense Vikings episodes. A shadowy Odin looms over the three central figures, suggesting that this is more than a mortal conflict. If “Odin’s Wrath” is indeed at the heart of the series, audiences may finally see the gods take center stage rather than operating in the background of human affairs.
The most burning question, however, is simple: how is Ragnar back? His death in Vikings was not only final—it was poetic, cementing his legacy. Fimmel himself once insisted Ragnar’s story had run its course. Theories range from resurrection by divine intervention, to a timeline shift, to a surreal afterlife journey that reunites the fallen characters in a realm between worlds.
Floki’s return offers equally intriguing possibilities. The eccentric shipwright vanished into the mists of Iceland in the original series, his fate left deliberately ambiguous. Known for his spiritual visions and deep connection to the old gods, Floki could serve as Ragnar’s guide—or his tempter—on this new, myth-infused path.
The reappearance of Athelstan is perhaps the most unexpected of all. His death in Vikings was a pivotal emotional blow for Ragnar, creating deep inner conflict between pagan traditions and Christian faith. If Athelstan is part of The Raven’s Oath, will he return in the flesh, or appear as a vision sent by Odin or another divine force?
Thematically, The Raven’s Oath seems poised to explore faith, loyalty, and the cost of defying the gods. Where Vikings balanced historical realism with hints of mysticism, this new chapter could fully embrace the mythic, showing the Norse deities as active participants in the fate of men.
Fan theories are already exploding across Reddit, TikTok, and dedicated Facebook groups. Some insist that this will be a spiritual sequel to Vikings, others suggest an alternate timeline where history takes a sharp turn toward legend. A popular notion is that the series might show Ragnar after his death, navigating the trials of the afterlife on his way to Valhalla.
From a production standpoint, reuniting Fimmel, Skarsgård, and Blagden is a brilliant move. All three actors have gone on to varied roles since Vikings, but their chemistry on screen remains unforgettable. Netflix’s track record with historical-fantasy hits like The Witcher shows they know how to blend rich lore with binge-worthy drama.
Whether The Raven’s Oath delivers brutal battles in the mortal world, surreal voyages into the spiritual realm, or a mix of both, one thing is certain: the return of Ragnar will spark passionate debates. For some fans, his death was a sacred moment not to be undone. For others, his reappearance is the ultimate gift.
As the fall release date approaches, anticipation will only grow. Will Ragnar defy Odin’s will or fall under the All-Father’s command? Will old friendships heal or shatter under the weight of divine judgment? Whatever the answers, The Raven’s Oath looks ready to carve out its place as Netflix’s next epic saga—and fans are more than ready to follow Ragnar into the storm once more.
