Eivor Varinsdottir: Fact, Fiction, and Viking Inspiration in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Eivor Varinsdottir, the charismatic protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, isn’t based on one specific historical Viking figure. Instead, Eivor is a composite character, drawing inspiration from various aspects of Viking culture, mythology, and the historical context of the Viking Age. While Eivor is a fictional creation of Ubisoft, the character’s design, motivations, and experiences are deeply rooted in the Viking ethos and the historical realities of the era. This allows players to immerse themselves in a world that feels authentic, even though the central character is an original creation.
Deconstructing Eivor: More Than Just a Character
Eivor’s appeal lies in the blending of historical accuracy with narrative freedom. The game developers have expertly crafted a character that embodies the spirit of the Viking Age, even if a direct historical counterpart is absent. To understand the inspiration behind Eivor, we need to consider several elements:
1. The Shieldmaiden Archetype
Eivor can be played as either male or female, though the canon gender is female. The female Eivor draws heavily on the myth and legend of the shieldmaiden. While historical evidence of female Viking warriors is debated, Norse sagas and mythology are filled with powerful women who took up arms. Characters like Brynhildr and Lagertha represent the fierce and independent spirit that Eivor embodies. The game taps into this cultural fascination with female warriors, offering a compelling and empowering narrative.
2. The Jarl and Clan Leader
Eivor’s role as a jarlskona (female jarl) or jarl (male jarl) and leader of the Raven Clan is crucial to understanding the character. Vikings were not just raiders; they were also settlers, farmers, and organizers. Eivor’s leadership, strategic thinking, and concern for the well-being of their clan reflect the importance of community and governance in Viking society. The game accurately depicts the challenges and responsibilities associated with leading a Viking settlement, requiring players to make difficult decisions that impact the lives of their people.
3. The Blend of Paganism and Belief
The Norse pagan beliefs are deeply woven into Eivor’s story. From consulting with the Seer Valka to undertaking vision quests, Eivor’s life is permeated with spiritual practices and a reverence for the gods. While Assassin’s Creed Valhalla takes creative liberties with the depiction of Norse mythology, the core tenets of the belief system – fate, honor, and the afterlife – are ever-present in Eivor’s actions and motivations. The game explores the clash between paganism and the rising influence of Christianity in England during this period, adding another layer of complexity to Eivor’s journey.
4. Historical Context: The Great Heathen Army
Eivor’s story unfolds against the backdrop of the Great Heathen Army’s invasion of England in the 9th century. This historical event provides the foundation for the game’s narrative, with Eivor and the Raven Clan playing a role in the conflicts between the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons. While Eivor’s specific actions are fictionalized, they are set within a historically accurate framework. The game features real historical figures, such as King Alfred the Great, and depicts the political landscape of England at the time, grounding Eivor’s story in a tangible historical reality.
5. The “Wolf-Kissed” Identity
The title “Wolf-Kissed” speaks to Eivor’s wild and untamed nature. The origin story behind this title, involving a childhood encounter with a wolf, emphasizes Eivor’s connection to the natural world and their resilience in the face of adversity. This moniker also links Eivor to Odin, often associated with wolves, reinforcing the Isu reincarnation aspect of the character within the Assassin’s Creed lore. This title symbolizes the inherent power and primal instincts that drive Eivor’s actions throughout the game.
Eivor as a Reflection of Viking Values
Ultimately, Eivor represents a distillation of Viking values and ideals. While not directly based on a single historical figure, Eivor embodies the courage, ambition, and resourcefulness that characterized the Viking Age. The character’s journey of exploration, conquest, and settlement reflects the historical expansion of the Vikings across Europe and beyond. Eivor’s story serves as a compelling entry point into the world of the Vikings, offering players a chance to experience the challenges and triumphs of this fascinating era through the eyes of a memorable and original character. By intertwining historical elements with a fictional narrative, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla creates a rich and engaging experience that resonates with players long after they put down the controller.
Consider visiting the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how games are used for educational purposes and explore the many benefits of game-based learning. Games such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla provide players with knowledge through interactive gameplay and cultural immersion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Eivor and Viking History
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the context and inspiration behind the character of Eivor in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla:
1. Is Eivor a real Viking name?
Yes, Eivor is an authentic Norse name. It’s a gender-neutral name meaning “good luck,” adding a layer of depth to the character’s identity within the game.
2. Was the Wolf-Kissed a common Viking title?
While “Wolf-Kissed” isn’t a widely documented historical title, it aligns with the Viking tradition of giving nicknames based on traits, skills, or significant events.
3. How accurate is AC Valhalla’s portrayal of Viking culture?
AC Valhalla strives for a high degree of accuracy, drawing on historical sources and expert consultants. However, it takes creative liberties for narrative purposes, blending historical reality with fictional elements.
4. Did Vikings really believe in reincarnation?
The concept of reincarnation wasn’t central to Norse paganism. The game uses the reincarnation element to integrate with the Assassin’s Creed overarching storyline involving the Isu.
5. What are Isu and their connection to Norse Mythology?
Within the Assassin’s Creed universe, the Isu were an advanced precursor civilization to humans. Some Isu are seen as the basis for Norse gods in Valhalla.
6. Did Viking shieldmaidens actually exist?
The existence of shieldmaidens is debated. While archaeological evidence is limited, Norse sagas and mythology feature female warriors, inspiring Eivor’s character.
7. What historical events does AC Valhalla depict?
The game focuses on the Viking invasion of England during the 9th century, specifically the activities of the Great Heathen Army and the reign of King Alfred the Great.
8. Is the settlement in AC Valhalla based on a real place?
The settlement of Ravensthorpe is fictional. It does reflect the type of fortified settlements Vikings established in England, blending historical accuracy with creative design.
9. Why is Eivor sometimes seen drunk in the game?
This can be a gameplay element allowing Eivor to gain certain advantages, or a funny glitch that the game has sometimes.
10. How does Eivor lose their eye?
Eivor loses their eye twice during the game: once in a symbolic sacrifice as a representation of Odin, and once in battle. The game also implies this connects them to Odin’s myth of sacrificing an eye for wisdom.
11. Who are some of the historical figures in AC Valhalla?
Notable historical figures include King Alfred the Great, as well as various Viking leaders and Anglo-Saxon nobles who played a role in the conflicts of the 9th century.
12. Why did Eivor choose to be buried in Vinland (North America)?
The reason for Eivor’s burial in Vinland isn’t explicitly stated in the game. It suggests a connection to exploration, a desire for peace away from conflict, or a symbolic return to new lands.
13. Is Basim a villain or a misunderstood character?
Basim’s motivations are complex. He acts as an antagonist due to his past life and desires for revenge, but the game explores his perspective, making him more than a simple villain.
14. How much research went into Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
Ubisoft dedicated extensive research to ensure historical accuracy, consulting with historians and experts to recreate the Viking Age as authentically as possible within a fictional narrative.
15. Does AC Valhalla offer educational value?
Yes, AC Valhalla can provide educational value by exposing players to Viking history, culture, and mythology in an engaging and interactive way. The Games Learning Society recognizes the potential of games to foster learning and critical thinking.