The 8 best medieval series to watch online

The 8 best medieval series to watch online

The Middle Ages is a historical period between the 5th and 15th centuries and is characterized by profound cultural, social and political transformations in Europe. This era, marked by a rigid social hierarchy and great conflicts and wars, inspired different types of cultural and narrative productions, whether literary, cinematographic or television.

Works of medieval fiction find their roots in Arthurian legends, Norse myths, and Germanic sagas. Majestic castles, brave knights, epic battlefields and vast landscapes are hallmarks of the genre. And one of the most famous types is medieval fantasy, with its legends, curses, magic and dragons.

For this reason, we will list some of the 8 best medieval, historical or fantasy series, which you can watch online. Check out our selection!

Vikings Valhalla/Credit: Netflix (disclosure)

Medieval Series: Top 8

Game of Thrones (2011 – 2019)

Image: HBO

One of the most successful series of all time, Game of Thrones is based on the book series by George RR Martin and is famous for its intrigue and epic battles.

The plot follows the kingdom of Westeros, where Ned Stark, lord of Winterfell, is invited to become Hand of King Robert Baratheon. Ned receives a secret letter from Lysa, his sister-in-law, suggesting that House Lannister killed the former Hand of the King, Jon Arryn.

Travels south to aid the king and investigate the death of Jon Arryn. Meanwhile, the exiled Viserys Targaryen arranges his sister Daenerys’ marriage to Khal Drogo, seeking Drogo’s army to reclaim the Iron Throne.

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The House of the Dragon (2022-present)

Image: HBO/disclosure

The Game of Thrones spin-off series, House of the Dragon, is a prequel that shows events that happened 172 years earlier and focuses on House Targaryen.

The story follows half-siblings Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) vying for the throne after the death of their father, Viserys I (Paddy Considine). Rhaenyra, the eldest daughter, faces Aegon, Viserys’ son from his second marriage, generating intense conflict between the Targaryen clans.

The Rings of Power (2022-present)

Rings of Power / Credits: Amazon Prime Video

Set thousands of years before the events of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, The Rings of Power series explores the Second Age of Middle-earth, a time of great transformation and conflict.

It begins during a time of relative peace and covers the major events of the Second Age of Middle-earth: the forging of the Rings of Power, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, the fall of the island kingdom of Númenor, and the last alliance between the Elves and Men.

Marco Polo (2014 – 2016)

Marco Polo / Credit: Netflix (play)

An important Netflix production, the series is set in the 13th century and follows the adventures of the Italian explorer Marco Polo at the court of Kublai Khan, the Khagan of the Mongol Empire. The cast includes Lorenzo Richelmy in the title role and Benedict Wong (of Doctor Strange) as Kublai Khan.

With two seasons and a total of 20 episodes, the series was praised by critics, but resulted in a huge loss for Netflix, which canceled it at the end of the second year.

The Last Kingdom (2015 – 2022)

“The Last Kingdom”. Image: Netflix/Disclosure

Adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s books on the formation of England. In 872, the series depicts a tumultuous time in which many of the kingdoms that make up England were conquered by the Vikings, leaving only Wessex under the command of Alfred the Great.

Osbert is given the name Uhtred after his older brother dies in battle. After losing his family to the Vikings, Uhtred is captured and enslaved along with Brida, another survivor of his community.

They flee and try to survive in the forest after escaping an attack that leaves almost everyone present dead, including the Viking royal family.

The Witcher (2021-present)

Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia in
Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia in “The Witcher”. Image: Jay Maidment/Netflix

Medieval fantasy series based on the books by Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski, which also spawned a successful video game adaptation.

The series chronicles the journey of Geralt of Rivia, Princess Cirilla of Cintra, and the sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg in different time periods. Geralt and Ciri have intertwined their destinies since before her birth, when he received her as a reward for a service rendered.

When they finally meet, Geralt becomes the princess’s protector, fighting her pursuers to prevent her powerful blood and magic from falling into the hands of evil, keeping her and her world safe.

El Cid (2020 – 2021)

The Spanish series El Cid tells the story of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, the legendary Spanish hero also known as El Cid.

Set in medieval Spain, divided between Christians and Moors, the plot follows Ruy, a Castilian nobleman and famous warrior, on his epic journey across the Iberian Peninsula.

Facing religious wars, trying to conquer new territories and uniting opposing worlds, Ruy becomes a symbol of hope and a national hero, admired even by his enemies.

Vikings (2013-2020)

Vikings / Credits: Netflix (play)

The historical drama series. Created by Michael Hirst for the History channel, it is inspired by the sagas of the Viking Ragnar Lodbrok, one of the best-known Norse heroes.

The plot depicts Ragnar’s rise from peasant to Scandinavian king, with the support of his family and fellow warriors.

Additionally, the series has an equally acclaimed spin-off, “Vikings: Valhalla,” available on Netflix.

The post The 8 Best Medieval Series to Watch Online appeared first on Olhar Digital.

Source: Olhar Digital

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