Page - 115 - in JRFM - Journal Religion Film Media, Volume 06/01

Season 1 – Episode 8: Athelstan and Pagan Religion (Ominous howls) CULT LEADER: Have you come here of your own free will? (Wind gusts strongly) ATHELSTAN: Yes. CULT LEADER: At first, I was suspicious of you. I sensed something, so I spoke to lord Ragnar. He told me your story: That you were a priest, that you were a Christian, and worshipped a god called Jesus Christ. Is that true? ATHELSTAN: Yes. CULT LEADER: And do you still worship this God? Are you still, in your heart, a Christian? ATHELSTAN: No. CULT LEADER: Say again. ATHELSTAN: No. CULT LEADER: And a third time … say it. ATHELSTAN: No. (whispered) CULT LEADER: You know why you’re here, don’t you? You have been brought here as a sacrifice to the gods. ATHELSTAN: (Gasps) (Frightened gasp) (Running footsteps) SEER: I have come to tell you that the sacrifice of this man will not please the gods. He is neither willing nor is his faith acceptable to Odin. His heart is cor- rupt. He has not renounced his false god. RAGNAR: Looks like your god finally came through for you. Fig. 2: Film still, Vikings, S1:E8 (00:35:07). 114 | René Erwich www.jrfm.eu 2020, 6/1, 103–126