There are some captivating series that combine historical and fantastical elements. They are characterized by complex storylines and epic conflicts that often revolve around power and betrayal. While “Vikings” and “The Last Kingdom” are based on real events, “Game of Thrones” and “The Witcher” take viewers into fascinating, fictional worlds. Together they offer an exciting experience full of drama, action and adventure.
Game of Thrones
8 seasons | 73 episodes | stream on HBO Max
The plot of “Game of Thrones” is based on the extensive book series “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin. Several noble families try to gain control of the Iron Throne, which symbolizes political power in Westeros. The story begins in the harsh north, which is preparing for a long winter. Ned Stark (Sean Bean) is unwittingly drawn into the deadly power games of the reigning royal family, while his bastard Jon Snow (Kit Harington) joins the Night’s Watch to fight a supernatural threat.
Where white walkers, undead and wildlings secretly endanger the peace, among an astonishing number of potential candidates, the exiled Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) as the Mother of Dragons strives to reclaim the throne she once lost. With complex characters such as Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), known for his sharp wit, shocking twists and a detailed fantasy world, “Game of Thrones” delights audiences worldwide. The series combines dramatic conflicts with epic battles, which guarantees viewers a particularly captivating experience.
The Witcher
3 seasons | 24 episodes | stream on Netflix
The series “The Witcher” focuses on Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) in a world permeated by magic and mystical creatures. As a professional witcher, it is his life’s work to hunt dangerous monsters for a fee in order to protect humanity from their supposed threats. At the same time, he tries to find his own destiny as a feared creature in a cruel world. The narrative, based on the book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, likes to switch between different timelines instead of remaining purely linear.
The attractive magician Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra) is actually fighting more with her own inner demons. In the course of a turbulent past, a complicated love story developed with Geralt, who in turn has to take care of his fateful child Cirilla (Freya Allan). She is the princess of Cintra and bears the blood of the ancient elves, which gives her extraordinary powers. “The Witcher” combines action-packed battles with profound character development and scores points not only with gaming nerds and fantasy lovers with the themes of fate, identity and moral gray areas between good and evil.
Vikings
6 seasons | 89 episodes | stream on Netflix
“Vikings” tells the captivating story of the legendary Viking Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) and his family. A remarkable warrior, driven by the idea of expanding the boundaries of the known world on traditional raids. In the series, he pursues irresistible ambitions that ultimately make him a famous leader who helps shape the fusion of Scandinavian and English cultures. Important supporting roles are played by his first wife Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) as an independent shield maiden and his equally ambitious brother Rollo (Clive Standen).
The successful series shows the rites and customs of the Vikings in many drastic depictions and sends its characters on an exhausting journey marked by love, rivalry, fame and setbacks. Impressive battle scenes and a high level of intensity characterize “Vikings“. In the later episodes, Ragnar’s sons, including Bjorn Ironside (Alexander Ludwig) and Ivar the Boneless (Alex Høgh Andersen), also become central figures who carry on their father’s legacy and strive for their own conquests.
The Last Kingdom
5 seasons | 46 episodes | stream on Netflix
“The Last Kingdom” is a similarly esteemed historical series, which in turn is based on the book series “The Saxon Stories” by Bernard Cornwell. Set in the 10th century, it’s all about the battles between the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and Danish Vikings who want to conquer new land. The story follows the strange fate of Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon), an Anglo-Saxon nobleman who is captured by Danes as a child and raised in their culture. Uhtred is caught between two worlds.
Over the course of the series, Uhtred struggles to find his own identity. He tries to reclaim his birthright in Bebbanburg, while being repeatedly misunderstood and exploited as a fighter for a just cause in the service of King Alfred of Wessex (David Dawson). The spectrum on offer is typical of the genre: loyalty, betrayal, honor and the eternal quest to maintain power. “The Last Kingdom” impresses with its honest portrayal of historical events in the exciting, because always conflict-ridden, time of the Middle Ages.
