Floki: The Motivation Behind Athelstan's Assassination

In the popular historical drama series “Vikings,” gripping storylines and complex characters have captivated audiences worldwide. One of the most intriguing characters is Floki, a boat builder and devout pagan. Floki’s journey throughout the show is marked by various motivations, and one of his most controversial acts was the assassination of Athelstan, a former monk turned advisor to the Viking warriors. In this article, we will delve into Floki’s motivations behind the fateful assassination.

To understand Floki’s motivations, it is essential to explore his deep-rooted loyalty to the Norse gods and his unwavering faith in pagan beliefs. Floki sees the presence of Athelstan as a direct threat to the Viking way of life, as Athelstan represents the Christian faith that the Norsemen vehemently oppose. Throughout the series, Floki embodies the struggles between old and new belief systems. For him, Athelstan embodies the Christian encroachment on Viking culture, posing a danger to the traditions he holds dear.

Moreover, Floki’s motivations go beyond religious beliefs. At the core, his actions are driven by a sense of betrayal and jealousy. Athelstan holds a prominent role within the Viking community and enjoys the trust and respect of many, including Floki’s closest allies, Ragnar Lothbrok and Lagertha. This jealousy festers within Floki, intensifying his feelings of resentment towards Athelstan and motivating him to take matters into his own hands.

Another important factor contributing to Floki’s motivations is his exceptional skill as a boat builder. Floki takes immense pride in his craftsmanship, viewing it as a sacred duty handed down to him by the gods. When Athelstan dedicates himself to learning and understanding boat-building techniques, it adds fuel to the fire of Floki’s jealousy. Athelstan’s newfound knowledge poses a direct challenge to Floki’s status as a respected boat builder, and he perceives this as yet another betrayal.

Furthermore, Floki’s strong emotional attachment to Ragnar plays a significant role in shaping his motivations. Throughout the series, Floki’s loyalty to his best friend and leader knows no bounds. Athelstan’s close relationship with Ragnar threatens Floki’s position as the most trusted confidant, causing further turmoil in his psyche. Floki’s motivations stem from a deep desire to protect his friendship with Ragnar and preserve their shared vision of the Viking way of life. To achieve this, Floki believes that eliminating Athelstan is necessary.

The assassination of Athelstan not only sets off a chain of events that alters the course of the show but also reflects the complex nature of Floki’s convictions. Although his motivations are primarily driven by religious beliefs, they are also intertwined with his personal insecurities and sense of betrayal. Floki’s actions highlight the extreme lengths one can go to protect their cherished beliefs and to secure their position within a community.

In conclusion, Floki’s motivations behind Athelstan’s assassination in the series “Vikings” are multi-faceted and deeply rooted in his unwavering faith, jealousy, and loyalty to his Viking roots. By understanding the complex nature of Floki’s character and the various motivations at play, we gain insight into the intricate dynamics of the show and the struggles faced by its captivating characters.