Ragnarok (TV series)

Ragnarok

Industry	Television production
Founded	2020 (2020)
Headquarters	Norway
Area served	Worldwide (via Netflix)
Parent	SAM Productions
Website	www.netflix.com/title/80232398

Ragnarok is a Norwegian fantasy drama television series on Netflix that offers a modern retelling of Norse mythology. The narrative unfolds in the fictional town of Edda, located in Hordaland, Norway, and delves into issues such as climate change and industrial pollution linked to factories run by the local Jutul family. This family consists of four jötnar (mythical beings translated as "Giants") who disguise themselves as ordinary residents. Their adversary is Magne, a teenager who learns he is the reincarnation of Thor, the Norse thunder god, and takes a stand against those damaging the environment following the mysterious death of his friend. The second season expands the storyline by introducing additional characters representing other Norse deities.

The series debuted in January 2020, followed by a second season released in May 2021. It marks Netflix’s third venture into Norwegian-language programming and is produced by the Danish company SAM Productions. In November 2021, Herman Tømmeraas, portraying Fjor, confirmed that a third and concluding season would arrive, which premiered on August 24, 2023.

Main

• David Stakston portrays Magne Seier, a high schooler who discovers he is the reincarnation of Thor, the god associated with thunder.
• plays Laurits Seier, Magne’s younger half-brother and the embodiment of Loki, the trickster god.
• Herman Tømmeraas appears as Fjor, a teenage member of the Jutul family of jötnar from Norse lore.
• Theresa Frostad Eggesbø acts as Saxa, the teenage "daughter" within the Jutul family.
• features as Gry, who becomes romantically involved with both Magne and Fjor.
• Henriette Steenstrup plays Turid Seier, mother to Magne and Laurits and spouse to Asbjorn.
• Synnøve Macody Lund portrays Ran, principal of the local high school and matriarchal figure in the Jutul family.
• Gísli Örn Garðarsson stars as Vidar, CEO of Jutul Industries, paternal figure in the Jutul household, and biological father to Laurits.

Supporting

• Odd-Magnus Williamson as Erik Eidsvoll, educator at the high school and stepfather to Magne and Laurits.
• Bjørn Sundquist embodies Wotan Wagner, an elderly nursing home resident who is the reincarnation of Odin, god of wisdom.
• plays Wenche, a supermarket owner who activates latent abilities in Magne, Iman, and Wotan.
• Tani Dibasey portrays Oscar Bjørnholt, student and friend to Fjor.
• acts as Yngvild Bjørnholt, local police chief and Oscar’s mother.
• Danu Sunth appears as Iman Reza, a newcomer student who is the reincarnation of Freyja, goddess of love endowed with mind-control powers.
• Billie Barker plays Signy Marie Kjærstad, Magne’s new romantic interest.
• Benjamin Helstad features as Harry Kristersen, a mechanic and boxer who is the reincarnation of Týr, god of war.
• Espen Sigurdsen acts as Halvor Lange, physician at a nursing home embodying a blacksmith archetype.
• Fridtjov Såheim portrays Sindre, counselor at the high school.
• Vebjørn Enger plays Jens, transformed by Wotan into the reincarnation of Baldr, deity associated with light.
• Ruben Rosbach appears as Kiwi, changed into the reincarnation of Heimdall, god known for foresight.
• Ylva Bjørkaas Thedin plays Isolde Eidsvoll.

Reception

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Ragnarok holds a 70% critic approval rating. It has been commended for presenting Norse mythology in an accessible manner that resonates with young adult audiences.

Wired characterized it as "angsty" and "eccentric" climate change fiction with stylistic similarities to Twilight, an analogy also noted by The A.V. Club. Nonetheless, some Norwegian press offered criticism: Verdens Gang (VG) described it as lacking coherence with weak character development and dialogue. They also pointed out that despite its Norwegian setting and language use, it was produced in Denmark and lacked authentic regional dialects. Meanwhile, Dagbladet labeled it an awkward blend of teenage drama intertwined with Norse mythological elements.

IGN’s K. Campbell praised the first season as "compelling," highlighting its unique approach to depicting an apocalypse unfolding gradually rather than abruptly.