Set in the early 11th century, 100 years after the events of the History Channel’s Vikings, Netflix’s Vikings: Valhalla features an all-new cast of ambitious warriors and scheming royals. The historical drama is packed with action and intrigue, chronicling both the internal conflicts among Vikings divided by faith and family strife and their war against the English monarchy. The ensemble includes a mix of legendary leaders and lesser-known historical figures brought to life by a cast of very talented and attractive actors.

Leif Eriksson (Sam Corlett)

Religion: Pagan Leif Eriksson became famous for establishing a Viking settlement in North America centuries before Christopher Columbus would “discover” the continent. In Vikings: Valhalla, he’s a skilled sailor who left Greenland to seek glory and the chance to step out from the shadow of his violent father, Erik the Red. You can also see Australian actor Sam Corlett in the Netflix original Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, where he plays Caliban, the Prince of Hell.

Freydis Eriksdotter (Frida Gustavsson)

Religion: Pagan Freydis was the victim of a terrible crime, and her search for justice brings her, Leif and their closest friends on a long and dangerous journey from Greenland to Norway. There, Freydis finds her destiny as a warrior sworn to protect other followers of the old gods from persecution. Swedish model and actor Frida Gustavsson plays Geralt of Rivia’s mother, Visenna, in Season 1 of Netflix’s The Witcher.

Harald Sigurdsson (Leo Suter)

Religion: Christian A prince of Norway, Harald Sigurdsson wants to become king and unite both pagan and Christian Vikings. He is a fierce warrior, but his greatest strength is his charisma, which allows him to persuade disparate forces to put aside their differences and fight on his behalf. He is also a strong judge of character, quickly forming bonds with both Leif and Freydis. British actor Leo Suter previously worked with Vikings: Valhalla showrunner Jeb Stuart on the Netflix World War II miniseries The Liberator.

King Canute (Bradley Freegard)

Religion: Christian King Canute of Denmark has assembled a vast Viking army to seek retribution for English Vikings killed by order of King Æthelred II. Canute is extremely ambitious, seeking to build an empire across all of Northern Europe by making new alliances, even if it makes his existing allies harder to control. Welsh actor Bradley Freegard had a starring role in the British thriller Keeping Faith alongside his real-life wife, Eve Myles. 

Olaf Haraldsson (Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson)

Religion: Christian Harald’s older half-brother Olaf Haraldsson is first in line to become the next king of Norway. He is a devout Christian who believes that all pagans should convert, and he seeks allies and resources he’ll need to help spread his faith. Olaf helped build England’s defenses and served as a close advisor to King Æthelred II. You can also see Icelandic actor Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as the terrifying villain of Netflix’s supernatural drama The Innocents.

Jarl Haakon (Caroline Henderson)

Religion: Pagan The leader of the well-defended fictional port city of Kattegat, Jarl Haakon has created a refuge for people from around the world to share their strengths. As a pagan, her leadership is threatened by ambitious Christian Vikings. She sees Freydis’ potential and helps her find her path. Caroline Henderson is a Danish-Swedish pop and jazz singer. This is her first major English-language television role. 

Emma of Normandy (Laura Berlin)

Religion: Christian King Æthelred II’s second wife came to England from France as a young woman unable to speak English, but she quickly learned her way around the court to become a formidable political force. Emma is a master of tactics and diplomacy who will fight fiercely to defend the authority she has gained. German actor and model Laura Berlin has appeared in numerous fashion magazines and music videos. 

Earl of Godwin (David Oakes)

Religion: Christian King Æthelred II’s scheming chief advisor, Earl of Godwin, will do anything to survive and maintain power. He has little status due to his father’s mistakes, but he uses that to his advantage, gaining favor with the king for his willingness to speak hard truths. English actor David Oakes has been in numerous historical dramas, and you can see him on Netflix in The Borgias, where he’s a part of the infamous Italian crime family.

Prince Edmund (Louis Davison)

Religion: Christian Third in the line of succession, Edmund never thought he would have to become king before his older brothers both died. Now the young son of Æthelred II’s first wife will have to figure out whom he can trust. British actor Louis Davison is the son of Doctor Who star Peter Davison and appeared with him in the film The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot. 

King Æthelred II (Bosco Hogan)

Religion: Christian Many Vikings settled peacefully near London, integrating into English society and even becoming bodyguards to King Æthelred II. Pressured by his nobles, the king betrayed them and set off the war at the center of Vikings: Valhalla. Irish actor Bosco Hogan also made an appearance in Vikings in the Season 5 episode “Full Moon.”

Jarl Kåre (Asbjørn Krogh Nissen)

Religion: Christian A Christian zealot, Jarl Kåre believes it is his mission to eradicate pagan Vikings. He is an incredibly fierce fighter who leads a force of equally dangerous and driven men. Danish actor Asbjørn Krogh Nissen previously played the Norse god Odin in Valhalla: The Legend of Thor.

Ælfgifu of Northampton (Pollyanna McIntosh)

Religion: Christian With her husband Canute away at war, Queen Ælfgifu of Denmark must forge new alliances to maintain her power. Originally from the English region of Mercia, she knows the ways of both the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons. You can also see Scottish actor Pollyanna McIntosh on Netflix in the dark comedy Hap and Leonard.

King Sweyn Forkbeard (Soren Pilmark)

Religion: Christian King Canute’s father, King Sweyn Forkbeard, is everything his son is not: harsh, impatient and largely lacking in diplomatic skills. He’ll ruthlessly protect his family’s interests from those who would scheme against them. Danish actor Soren Pilmark directed the Oscar-nominated live action short drama “Helmer & Son.” And his beard is amazing. 

Excited for Vikings: Valhalla? Check out the Season 1 trailer.