Michael Hirst, the celebrated creator of Vikings and The Tudors, is set to return to familiar territory with a new epic historical drama titled Bloodaxe. Amazon’s Prime Video has officially greenlit the series, which will center on the legendary Viking warrior Erik Bloodaxe and his formidable wife, Gunnhild, often called the “Mother of Kings.” This marks Hirst’s latest venture into the rich world of Norse mythology and medieval history, a genre he has helped define for modern television audiences.
Bloodaxe promises to delve deep into the brutal, complex, and often misunderstood world of the Viking Age. But rather than revisit the sagas of Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons, Hirst will focus on a lesser-known but equally compelling figure in Erik Bloodaxe. Known in the sagas and historical accounts as both a fearsome warrior and a shrewd political operator, Erik was the son of Harald Fairhair, the first king to unite Norway. His bloody path to power and his eventual kingship in Northumbria make for a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and survival in an era of ceaseless warfare and dynastic intrigue.
At the heart of Bloodaxe, however, is not just Erik’s story, but also that of his wife, Gunnhild. Far from being a secondary character, Gunnhild is expected to be a central figure in the series. Often portrayed in historical sources as a powerful sorceress and political mastermind, she played a key role in Erik’s rise and reign. Her influence over court politics, her reputation for cunning and ruthlessness, and her impact on the Norse legacy have all contributed to her mythic status. The series will explore her multifaceted persona, positioning her as a co-architect of their dynasty.
What makes Bloodaxe even more intriguing is the collaboration between Michael Hirst and his son, Horatio Hirst, who will co-write and executive produce the series. This marks the first time the father-son duo will officially team up on a major project. The younger Hirst brings a fresh perspective, while the elder Hirst’s experience with historical storytelling ensures a gripping, authentic narrative. Together, they are expected to blend gritty realism with mythic grandeur, a hallmark of Hirst’s previous work.
The series is likely to mirror the tonal complexity of Vikings, balancing the visceral violence of the era with deeply human stories. Themes of loyalty, power, gender, and fate will be woven into the narrative, elevating Bloodaxe beyond mere battle scenes to a character-driven epic. The show is expected to push the boundaries of historical drama, offering nuanced portrayals of Viking life, politics, and spirituality.
Production details remain under wraps, but anticipation is already building. With Hirst’s reputation for meticulous historical research, dynamic storytelling, and iconic character creation, Bloodaxe is poised to become another standout entry in the canon of modern historical television. For fans of Vikings, The Last Kingdom, and historical epics alike, the return of Michael Hirst to Norse legend is cause for excitement—and with a fresh chapter opening in the Viking saga, Bloodaxe could prove to be his most ambitious tale yet.
