Heroism to horror

The blood eagle ritual, a purported Viking Age execution method, has captivated both scholars and the public, leading to debates over its historical authenticity and cultural significance. Although research has explored the historical evidence and anatomical feasibility of the ritual, less attention has been given to how it has been repurposed in modern media, especially the juxtaposition of this Norse cultural emblem in scenes of body horror, which stages the graphic transformation and mutilation of blood-eagled bodies. This chapter addresses this gap by comparing the historical purpose of the blood eagle, a ritual used to secure social status and exact revenge among Viking elites, with its depiction in contemporary popular culture. Using Kim Schrøder’s audience mapping methods from reception theory, this study analyses representations of the blood eagle shown in three television series Bones , Hannibal , Vikings , and the film Midsommar . The chapter argues that modern portrayals emphasise the ritual as both a symbol of Norse identity and masculinity and a vehicle for exploring body horror and contemporary anxieties about violence and heroism. This research highlights the blood eagle’s endurance as a potent cultural symbol, bridging ancient practices with contemporary narratives that question and reinterpret the legacy of the Viking Age.