Northerner, Robert Eggers is one of the best films of the year. And this is because of the care and painstaking interest that its director has invested in the reconstruction of the historical picture of the Viking world. Far from cliches, platitudes and with a brilliant setting the film is an extraordinary scene of historical reconstruction. At the same time, a journey through the mythology, customs and culture of Iceland in the 10th century and the lifestyle of characters of mythical stature. And all this without creating an embellished, exaggerated, or at least more attractive version for the big screen. For Eggers, Northerner It is a reflection on the quality of the Viking Age to analyze the passage of time, questions of honor and even its intellectual and moral value.
Certainly, such a journey requires an almost obsessive attention to the visual section, cinematic and narrative. Eggers, who co-wrote the screenplay with Icelandic writer Sion, turned the legend of Amlet (the historical predecessor of Shakespeare’s Hamlet) into a reflection of something bigger. The film restores the connection between nature, mysticism and Viking honor, turning it into something more confusing. Also, delves into other Icelandic and Scandinavian sagascreate a sense of a single whole, covering the historical language.
But what’s most interesting about the film is how the plot analyzes the Nordic religion, the beliefs and beliefs within it. The story includes prophecies, visions, predestination, continuous time, and valkyries. Also, the main thread of female magical power build a version of rare good and evil on the big screen. So that Northerner he relies heavily on Norse belief systems and their symbolism to understand the structure. Northerner it is a real feat to look at the time and create its internal tension. At the same time, it is a visually stunning film that punctuates the notion of greatness with timeless symbols.
We will tell you about five cases when northern man brutally, intelligently and accurately recreated Scandinavian mythology. And especially the way he managed to build and rethink his idea of time, the mysterious and the supernatural. Which made it one of the greatest historical dramas of the decade and arguably a cult classic.
Witches, sorceresses and mysterious creatures
AT Northerner, witches and women with magical powers figure prominently. From Siress (Björk) pointing the way to Amleth’s (Alexander Skarsgård) future to Olga (Anya Taylor Joy), they are the link to the character’s destiny. The presence of women with magical powers is an essential part of the plot and how the mysterious is understood in the film.
Moreover, the plot becomes more cruel, painful and perverted. Of course it’s a reconstruction. Old Norse belief about sinister women. The Velvas, the mysterious wise women of Viking mythology, played an important role in the culture. Also in decision-making cities, villages and villages. Eggers’ film contains several highlights of the relationship between women and magic. From the prophecy that Amlet receives from the Seer, to Olga’s knowledge of herbs. Background of the influence of the supernatural world on northern people.
Blood sacrifices to propitiate the Northerner’s gods
At different times Northerner you can see how the characters sacrifice horses and even people to the gods and various entities. This is an accurate depiction of El blot, the rituals that were performed to please the vættir or nature spirits. Such rituals were associated with the Scandinavian belief in establishing a strong connection with time, justice and the need for redemption.
Eggers’ film shows how the rites of passage are performed at various moments of special importance. From assuming office as the young prince of Amleth, to desperate attempts to appease the wrath of the mysterious. Rituals are also associated with death and bloodshed. At the same time, the realization that gods, spirits and even inexplicable beings could receive tribute through the belief in the gravity of the sacrifice. A deep concept that Eggers uses several times in the film.
Time continuum of Norse mythology
At different times Northerner, Eggers uses long shots to show several scenes at the same time. Also situations that occur simultaneously and in one way or another are related to each other as a whole. And while this may seem like an essentially cinematic resource, it is actually a way of storytelling that has direct implications in Norse mythology.
For the mythology of the region, time is a single entity that passes simultaneously. So every fact happens at the same time in the eyes of the gods. Eggers reproduced the idea of one eternal moment with long shots that create the feeling of a single timeline. In fact, several moments of the film seem to take place simultaneously and from different points of view of the same character. A narrative achievement of particular interest.
Ravens of Odin and other ideas of happiness and unhappiness
AT northern man crows abound. So much so that the bird becomes a narrative element that points, indicates, and reconstructs the story. Eggers took the time to use a traditional symbol from Norse mythology to enhance his characters or indicate their inner journeys.
In Scandinavian culture, ravens can symbolize both misfortune and joy. With its beak open and flying in the open sky, it was an omen of good times or prophecies coming true. If they stood still or watched, as in the Eggers film, they foreshadowed the most terrible misfortunes. Certainly, everything imaginary around ravens is connected with the god Odin, which is called multiple times in the movie. And this is done in the traditional way. By carved wood, by blood, or ask to cross it at the time of death.
Gods and great mythical creatures in The Northman
Northerner pays direct and tribal homage to the great mythological figures of the Scandinavians. From ancient carvings with the figure of Odin to references to the gods at critical moments or rituals to appease their wrath. The film is full of references to the magical religion of Scandinavian culture.. But in addition to the broad view, there are also direct references. In at least one scene Odin can be seen in his old wandering figure with the ravens Hugin and Munin on his shoulders.
Also in two cases there is a vision of Valkyries and direct allusions to the gates of Valhalla. In fact, one of the central scenes of the film shows in all its splendor a look into the afterlife, as it was conceived by the Nordics.
Source: Hiper Textual
