The Vikings prequel Lagertha the Shield Maiden is now officially accessible on Netflix.

Netflix officially released the first episode of Lagertha the Shield Maiden on July 13, 2025—delivering the long-awaited prequel that zooms in on the youthful origins of one of television’s most enduring figures in Norse lore . This series peels back the layers of the legendary shield‑maiden, tracing her evolution from a humble farm girl into a formidable warrior, devoted mother, and destined leader. Set decades before she crossed paths with Ragnar Lothbrok, it invites audiences into intimate moments of her early life—her private training sessions, formative relationships, and first skirmishes—with Netflix dropping all episodes at once for eager binge‑watchers

Stepping into the role of young Lagertha is Freya Allan, known for her fierce and nuanced performance in The Witcher, and praised by critics for embodying the delicate balance between innocence and untapped intensity the character demands Behind the camera, the prequel keeps strong continuity with the original series: Katheryn Winnick, the actress who originally portrayed Lagertha in Vikings, returns—this time as an executive producer and even directing select episodes. Her involvement infuses the narrative with emotional authenticity, grounded in her deep connection to the character maticus’s Gesta Danorum, portrays Lagertha as a shield‑maiden and noblewoman of exceptional courage from Norway—stories that chronicle her initial meeting with Ragnar, their ensuing romance, and even her martial support in battles, leading him to request her aid with 120 ships (Screen Rant, Express). Modern historians debate her actual historicity, pointing to her likely mythic or symbolic role; she may reflect composite figures like Thorgerd or the valkyries rather than a documented individual (Screen Rant). The prequel seems to lean into the emotional resonance of these legends while crafting an origin story rich in dramatic possibility.

Netflix’s teaser, released on May 31, 2025, set the tone with sweeping shots of Nordic wilderness and close‑quarters scenes of young Lagertha training secretly amidst a patriarchal world that sees her as weaker—or at least less powerful. The trailer underscores themes of power, survival, defiance, and identity, establishing a gritty yet lyrical tone for what fans can expect (Newsedge). The prequel promises a richly layered journey: Lagertha’s tribe and early relationships, perhaps her first romantic entanglements, the emergence of rivalries, and the crucible of her patchwork rise to leadership—all premeditated to deliver a potent origin arc that gives weight to the formidable figure she becomes.

Katheryn Winnick’s return brings emotional heft. Her original run across Vikings centered Lagertha as a multidimensional force—not just a warrior, but a ruler, strategist, mother, and symbol of resilience. In an interview, series creator Michael Hirst reflected that Lagertha was always meant to be integral, not an accessory: “I always thought it was going to be about Lagertha as much as Ragnar. And I like writing with women.” She anchored the narrative even after Ragnar’s departure, carrying the emotional and dramatic weight of the series forward (Den of Geek). Her inclusion as executive producer in the prequel seems a conscious continuation of that legacy, ensuring that her spirit remains woven into the world-building and storytelling.

Fans have long dreamt of seeing Lagertha’s backstory more fully realized. A Reddit thread from 2021 voiced that sentiment: “I think Lagertha should’ve gotten her own spinoff about her beginnings and her life before Ragnar. Her character is an icon and a role model for a lot of young women.” Several readers echoed the sentiment—pointing to how powerful and central her story was, and how much more untold potential lay in exploring her early life (Reddit). The new series finally delivers on that wish.

Regarding historical believability, Lagertha as a warrior queen sparked debate even during Vikings’ original run. Some critics balked at the thought of female shield-maidens wielding weapons or serving as battlefield leaders. But over time, archaeological discoveries—like the female Viking warrior remains from Birka, reanalyzed and confirmed in 2017—helped legitimize the concept of women warriors in Viking society . These findings align with the prequel’s premise, offering a foundation for audiences to suspend disbelief and embrace Lagertha as a credible figure in her cultural milieu.

Critical and audience reactions to Lagertha have often been deeply emotional. Many viewers found her to be the shining heart of the Vikings saga—one Redditor affirmed: “She is, by far, the best character on the show… My compliments go to the actress who made this role iconic!” Another celebrated her as a “true badass”, a role model who inspired resilience and self‑empowerment (Reddit). Such responses make it easy to understand why fans were eager for a prequel centered entirely on her journey and why Netflix’s move feels both timely and justified.

Given the prequel’s fall 2025 release and its immediate availability on Netflix, anticipation will likely remain high throughout the summer. Audiences already familiar with Vikings—perhaps newly binge-watched on Netflix as the older seasons were added—now have a direct connective thread between what they know and what’s coming. This strategic continuity, emotional casting, and mythic grounding coalesce into what could be one of Netflix’s most talked-about historical dramas yet.

So, Lagertha the Shield Maiden emerges not just as a supplemental tale or fan-service prequel, but as a fully-formed exploration of the character’s formative identity. By mapping her trajectory from untested youth to hardened warrior, set against the brutality and beauty of Norse society, it enriches the legacy Vikings forged. And with Katheryn Winnick guiding its tone, Freya Allan bringing a fresh yet resonant interpretation, and deep roots in Nordic legend, it’s poised to be a resounding success.

All in all, Lagertha the Shield Maiden promises to be a riveting narrative: a nuanced portrayal of a woman claiming her birthright in a world constrained by gender, politics, and myth; a dramatic evolution from farm life to battlefield queen; and a touching tribute to a character who has inspired, challenged, and captivated countless viewers. If the first episodes are any indication, the legend of Lagertha is only just beginning—embracing her origins with the strength and spirit she deserves.