Page - 121 - in JRFM - Journal Religion Film Media, Volume 06/01

their own friendship now seems unrealistic. Ragnar and Athelstan may have learned from one another, but their gods will not come together as had the two men. Interpretation Ragnar expresses a longing to be with Athelstan in heaven but is aware of the ob- jections to his presence. Ragnar’s ambivalence in relation to Christianity throughout the series is a deliberate trope, showing the fabled figure torn between two religious realities. From the end of this scene onwards, Ragnar wears Athelstan’s necklace, from which hangs a large cross. Death looked like the best option to Ragnar, but at this point he seems to change his convictions. Ragnar exchanges death as a core metaphor of the Viking religion for life as a core metaphor of Christianity. The sym- bolic, ritual and religious meaning of death has changed. Season 3 – Episode 9: Ragnar’s Baptism SINRIC: How much treasure do you want to lift the siege and go away? (speaking French) 5,760 pounds in gold and silver? He [the French king] urges you to accept the offer. Reinforcements are on their way to Paris. RAGNAR: Tell him I know that no one is coming to save him. (Sinric speaking French) RAGNAR: And the offer is not enough. There is something I also seek that has no tangible worth, but to me is more precious. (Sinric speaking French) I want to be baptized. (Sinric speaking French) SINRIC: He doesn’t understand. RAGNAR: I am a dying man. And when I die, I want to be reunited with my Chris- tian friend, who happens to be in your heaven. (Sinric speaking French) SINRIC: He says you will go to hell, not heaven. RAGNAR: That is not your decision to make. (Sinric speaking French) SINRIC: They will make arrangements for the ceremony. RAGNAR: This is a man of God, is it not? And this is water, am I wrong? You will do it here, and you will do it now. (Priest praying in French)36 Context In the context of the conflict with the French over Paris, we find further evidence of a crossing of religious boundaries and weighty exchange of religious meaning. Here, 36 Cf. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX0HPtXzWFk [accessed 27 September 2019]. 120 | René Erwich www.jrfm.eu 2020, 6/1, 103–126