My opinion on the matter of the Vikings show is already pretty well known, but a recent (inflammatory) conversation that occurred today on one of the more historically minded Viking clothing forums compelled me to revisit the topic from a different angle.
Someone (who has since flounced from the forum) posted a link to an article by the costumer for the History Channel's Vikings series. The article (as does anything on this subject) generated an instant discussion about the complete lack of authenticity in the show's choices for costuming. Note that no one said they hated the show or the costumes, just that these items very much misrepresent what we do know from history. The OP was never attacked for posting the article yet she (who I had already figured for some time to be a troll of sorts) responded in a very inflammatory manner and ended up flouncing out after spewing some additional lines of hate. Very dignified...
This show appeals to so many people, and some viewers are inspired to adopt a Norse persona (if they are already involved in the reenacting community) or they are inspired to seek out a place to play at being a Viking. The first place they often go to learn more are online forums. There are two large Viking clothing communities on Facebook - one is very research intensive and often has deep discussions about the historical accuracy of just about anything (that is, after all, the point of the forum), and the other is a bit more laid back and caters to the SCA crowd specifically.
If an article is posted in an educational forum about how the costumes from this show are 'inspired' by history, and everyone replies with commentary about "how lovely" they are or "how fun" they are with no reference to the fact that, while entertaining, they are not representative of what people actually wore, then that is a disservice to the community as a whole and it specifically can affect the newcomer who is contemplating creating one of these outfits and showing up at an event somewhere. An educational forum is there to serve the purpose of educating. (Kindly, of course, and with respect for the work and opinions of others, but education IS the whole point.)
If you are a newcomer, please join to the great online resources that are out there. Engage with the communities and understand that there are many people with loads of experience who are greatly passionate about what they do and who want to share their knowledge. And if someone is pointing out flagrant inaccuracies (whether in a TV show or just in a list of general reenactorisms) they are likely doing so to help newcomers to avoid making mistakes that could cost a great deal in time and money (mistakes we have probably already made ourselves...).
For those interested in reading the article that started the thread: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/fash-track/vikings-costume-designer-joan-bergin-446667
And yes, I will note that I am completely cognisant of the fact that it is a Hollywood type production, and in some way understand that there should be no expectations of anything accurate. But, given that it is on the History Channel - which, you know - used to have programs about history - I had higher expectations for the research and implementation of various aspects of the show. I do NOT dislike the costumes (or the show), I am just bothered by the talk about the time that went into research, when nothing of that is apparent in the final product and the fact that it is greatly misleading newcomers to the hobby. ;-)
(I will also note that that article makes two comments that drive me nuts, one is concerning the mottled look of the fabric... a skilled dyer can make a solidly colored fabric even with natural dyes and the commentary about "rough hewn" fabrics really is a sore spot with me in general, as the Vikings had some incredibly fine textiles!)
And lastly, to the flouncing troll who commented that "God forbid anyone try to introduce color into your boring beige lives" I will only say that my Viking wardrobe is actually quite colorful (and based, of course, on historically available dyestuffs). :-)
Someone (who has since flounced from the forum) posted a link to an article by the costumer for the History Channel's Vikings series. The article (as does anything on this subject) generated an instant discussion about the complete lack of authenticity in the show's choices for costuming. Note that no one said they hated the show or the costumes, just that these items very much misrepresent what we do know from history. The OP was never attacked for posting the article yet she (who I had already figured for some time to be a troll of sorts) responded in a very inflammatory manner and ended up flouncing out after spewing some additional lines of hate. Very dignified...
This show appeals to so many people, and some viewers are inspired to adopt a Norse persona (if they are already involved in the reenacting community) or they are inspired to seek out a place to play at being a Viking. The first place they often go to learn more are online forums. There are two large Viking clothing communities on Facebook - one is very research intensive and often has deep discussions about the historical accuracy of just about anything (that is, after all, the point of the forum), and the other is a bit more laid back and caters to the SCA crowd specifically.
If an article is posted in an educational forum about how the costumes from this show are 'inspired' by history, and everyone replies with commentary about "how lovely" they are or "how fun" they are with no reference to the fact that, while entertaining, they are not representative of what people actually wore, then that is a disservice to the community as a whole and it specifically can affect the newcomer who is contemplating creating one of these outfits and showing up at an event somewhere. An educational forum is there to serve the purpose of educating. (Kindly, of course, and with respect for the work and opinions of others, but education IS the whole point.)
If you are a newcomer, please join to the great online resources that are out there. Engage with the communities and understand that there are many people with loads of experience who are greatly passionate about what they do and who want to share their knowledge. And if someone is pointing out flagrant inaccuracies (whether in a TV show or just in a list of general reenactorisms) they are likely doing so to help newcomers to avoid making mistakes that could cost a great deal in time and money (mistakes we have probably already made ourselves...).
For those interested in reading the article that started the thread: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/fash-track/vikings-costume-designer-joan-bergin-446667
And yes, I will note that I am completely cognisant of the fact that it is a Hollywood type production, and in some way understand that there should be no expectations of anything accurate. But, given that it is on the History Channel - which, you know - used to have programs about history - I had higher expectations for the research and implementation of various aspects of the show. I do NOT dislike the costumes (or the show), I am just bothered by the talk about the time that went into research, when nothing of that is apparent in the final product and the fact that it is greatly misleading newcomers to the hobby. ;-)
(I will also note that that article makes two comments that drive me nuts, one is concerning the mottled look of the fabric... a skilled dyer can make a solidly colored fabric even with natural dyes and the commentary about "rough hewn" fabrics really is a sore spot with me in general, as the Vikings had some incredibly fine textiles!)
And lastly, to the flouncing troll who commented that "God forbid anyone try to introduce color into your boring beige lives" I will only say that my Viking wardrobe is actually quite colorful (and based, of course, on historically available dyestuffs). :-)
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