Ragnarok, A Norwegian 6 episode series.
This six-episode Netflix commission is the balmiest show on this list: It was filmed amid the magnificent scenery of Odda, which is practically the tropics where Norway is concerned. Its also, surprisingly, the only one with an overt environmental theme. The villains of the piece run the towns paper mill, contributing to the climate change thats shrinking the local glacier (and in the process exposing old secrets fundamental to the plot).
And then theres the biggest difference, which may help to explain Netflixs interest: Its a Scandinavian spin on a teenage superhero story, with a hunky but awkward high schooler (David Stakston) moving to his moms hometown and suddenly discovering he can throw a hammer for very long distances. This puts him on the radar of the towns alpha family, an unusually polished and attractive bunch who are not, we soon find out, strictly human. Thats where the title Ragnarok in Norse mythology, the apocalyptic final battle of the gods comes in.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/03/arts/television/new-nordic-tv-series.html
The 1st season is only 6 episodes. I didn't think I would like it, but it almost immediately captured my attention. Just the beauty of the Nordic landscape. It's in Norwegian with subtitles. It's timeline is current, but references old Norse mythology. The underlining theme is a fight between polluters and young people trying to save the environment. Filmed in Odda Norway. By the end of the 6th episode, it really began to delve in to the whole Thor mythology.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(121,000 posts)because I'm studying Norwegian and I was able to watch it with closed-captions in that language. So, because the story was fairly simple it was very easy to follow in that language, and I kind of enjoyed it. The scenery is spectacular. It's also apparent that high school is the same everywhere.
Fla Dem
(25,716 posts)Just hearing it spoken, it would seem to be a very difficult language to learn. And yes, somehow there is always an "In Crowd" in high schools who makes life for the "others" difficult.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(121,000 posts)The grammar is pretty simple, very similar to English. It's not hard at all to pick up the basics.
Fla Dem
(25,716 posts)FarPoint
(13,645 posts)Is he Loki?
I struggle with the names of the characters...getting them down better...I enjoy this series...
Cuthbert Allgood
(5,170 posts)My guess is that we will find out in the 2nd season that he was either adopted from the giants or that Magna's mom had an affair with that guy, so that he's half giant.
There is WAY too much showing that he's Loki: trickster, likes Thor but still gives him shit, the cross dressing, the sexuality.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(121,000 posts)I'm waiting to see if Sleipnir the 8-legged horse shows up. The old guy in the electric scooter was obviously Odin, since he was missing one eye, and the old lady at the store is Frigg, the prophetess.
Cuthbert Allgood
(5,170 posts)And still had a soft spot for Thor to some extent.
100% agree on Odin and Frigg. Loved the Garmr. Waiting for ravens, too.
FarPoint
(13,645 posts)Hahaha..I'm terrible with their names....I'll catch on eventually. I agree with your findings as well ..Hope Season 2 could meet out this fall at least.... I'm ready for more. !
Pachamama
(17,014 posts)After Vikings I was craving more and so I watched this yesterday....
Its like Twilight meets Vikings
I enjoyed it and I listened to it in Norwegian with subtitles - loved the scenery
The Velveteen Ocelot
(121,000 posts)Voltaire2
(14,724 posts)eleny
(46,166 posts)I enjoyed them both.