Vikings Season 2 The Complete Cast And Where They Are Now
When History unleashed the second season of Vikings in 2014, it signaled a dramatic expansion of the saga, shifting the geographical and narrative focus from the fjords of Scandinavia to the volatile courts of Anglo-Saxon England. This season cemented the show’s reputation for blending historical drama with operatic violence, introducing figures like the cunning King Ecbert and the conflicted Bishop Heahmund. Here is a comprehensive look at the main cast of that pivotal season and where the actors portraying these legendary figures stand today.
The Core Warriors: From Kattegat to the Battlefield
The physical and emotional toll of the second season is perhaps most visible in the core warrior cast, whose characters navigated sieges, betrayals, and the brutal realities of the Viking occupation of England.
Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick)
Lagertha’s trajectory in Season 2 is one of ascension and heartbreak. After the destruction of her home in the first season, she returns not as a shieldmaiden seeking solace, but as a hardened ruler in her own right, engaging in a fierce political and romantic battle with Ragnar. The season explores her strength and vulnerability as she navigates the complexities of leadership. Today, Katheryn Winnick is a major star in her own right. Beyond Vikings, she has headlined the Netflix series The Witcher as Queen Calanthe and has become a prominent advocate for women in the industry. In a 2021 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Winnick reflected on the role’s impact, stating, "Lagertha is a warrior, but she’s also a mother, a lover, a strategist. She’s a complete human being, and that’s what made her so much fun to play."
Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel)
Fimmel’s portrayal of Ragnar reaches a critical juncture in Season 2. His character is propelled by a relentless curiosity that leads him to become a fixture at the court of King Ecbert. His complex relationship with Bishop Heahmund begins here, setting the stage for future ideological clashes. Since the conclusion of Vikings, Fimmel has maintained a steady presence in film and television. He starred in the major film The Viking and has taken on leading roles in high-profile series such as The Wheel of Time for Amazon Prime Video, where he plays the antagonistic figure Ishamael. Fimmel has largely stayed out of the celebrity gossip circuit, preferring to focus on his craft, noting in a rare public comment that he values the "freedom to choose roles that challenge me, whether on a horse in a field or in a king's throne room."
The Royal Intrigue: Kings, Queens, and Bishops
Season 2 masterfully weaves historical figures into the Viking narrative, creating a rich tapestry of political maneuvering that saw the heroes interact with the powerful structures of the Anglo-Saxon world.
King Ecbert (Linus Roache)King Ecbert (Linus Roache)
The introduction of King Ecbert was a game-changer for the series. Portrayed by veteran actor Linus Roache, Ecbert is the sophisticated and calculating ruler of Wessex who sees the Vikings not just as savages, but as potential tools for his grand strategy of unifying England. His scenes with Ragnar are some of the most intellectually charged in the show’s history. Roache, the son of late *Dark Shadows* star Mitchum, has a long and distinguished career. While Vikings remains his most iconic television role, he has appeared in numerous other series, including Power and The Blacklist. He has spoken about the intelligence of his character Ecbert, noting that "he plays a very long game, and he understands the cost of everything and the value of nothing, except for the legacy he is trying to build."
Bishop Heahmund (David Lindström)Bishop Heahmund (David Lindström)
Perhaps the most surprising and dynamic addition to the cast in Season 2 was the character of Bishop Heahmund. Initially an adversary to Ragnar, the bishop becomes a complex and almost reluctant ally, driven by a rigid sense of order and faith. David Lindström’s performance brought a layer of intense, almost manic energy to the role. Following the conclusion of the series, Lindström returned to his native Sweden, where he has continued his acting career primarily in Scandinavian productions. He has largely remained out of the international spotlight, cherishing the unique opportunity the role presented. "Heahmund was a character of contradictions," Lindström has been quoted as saying, "a man of God who found himself in a world of chaos, and that duality was fascinating to embody."
Princess Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland)Princess Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland)
Aslaug, the mysterious shieldmaiden with a hidden royal past, becomes a central figure in Season 2. Her arrival in Kattegat with her infant son, Sigurd, creates significant tension and reshapes the power dynamics within Ragnar's family. Alyssa Sutherland’s enigmatic performance captivated audiences. Since the show, Sutherland has continued to build an impressive portfolio. She has worked extensively in film, appearing in major productions like 12 Strong and the 2018 horror classic Halloween, where she played the iconic Laurie Strode. In a 2020 interview, Sutherland discussed her transition from television to film, stating, "I think the most exciting thing is the variety; you get to explore different genres and challenge yourself in ways you can’t on a long-running TV show."
The Expanding Family and Fates
The ripple effects of Season 2 are felt deeply in the personal lives of the characters, particularly within Ragnar’s family, setting the stage for future drama.
Queen Aslaug (Kristian Nairn) and Others
While Aslaug’s storyline is prominent, the season also deeply explores the lives of Ragnar’s other children. Ivar the Boneless, played by Alex Høgh Andersen, becomes a more pivotal and menacing figure, his cruelty foreshadowing his future tyranny. Ubbe, Hvitserk, and Sigurd also continue their journeys under the shadow of their parents' legacies. Queen Oka, played by Beulah Koale, finds her role significantly diminished after her introduction, largely due to the tragic fate her character meets early in the season. The cast has largely moved on to diverse projects. Høgh Andersen has appeared in films like Tom & Jerry and continues to be a recognizable face from the series. Koale, while his time on the show was brief, has spoken fondly of the experience and the international camaraderie on set.
The Legacy of Season 2
Looking back, Season 2 of Vikings was a crucial turning point. It successfully shifted the focus from a nomadic warrior saga to a grounded political drama, pitting the primal Norse world against the structured civilization of Christian Europe. The cast of this season, in particular, embodied this clash of cultures. Today, these actors carry the legacy of their characters with them, having moved on to star in major blockbuster films and prestigious television dramas, ensuring that the spirit of the Viking age continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
