Discover the 11 Must-Watch Anime Featuring Epic Viking Adventures!

In our previous discussion, we explored various themes and elements found across popular manga and anime series. These could range from specific genres to recurring motifs within the stories. While some themes may be common, others might be less frequent, but you’ll undoubtedly discover several series that cater to your preferences. For this article, let’s delve into one such theme: Vikings, the renowned Norse warriors.

In essence, this article will provide a collection of top-notch anime productions featuring Vikings, but not strictly limited to historical accounts. Instead, you’ll find these shows set in diverse environments, offering a mix of genres rather than a ranked list. Each entry includes essential production and storyline details to help you understand why they are worth watching and their overall themes.

1. Vinland Saga

Original Run: July 7, 2019 – present
Number of Episodes: 24

In a Nutshell: Vinland Saga weaves real and imagined elements, focusing on Thorfinn Thorsson, a young man from Iceland whose life changes drastically when pirates, led by the cunning Askeladd, murder his father. Seeking revenge, Thorfinn joins their gang with the intention of confronting his father’s killer in a righteous duel. The search for vengeance serves as the backbone of the story’s introduction.

The incident will cause him to join the Dane’s early 11th-century invasion of England, serving as a key event in this narrative. This tale skillfully explores themes like warfare, governance, and faith, while offering a compelling and authentic depiction of daily life for both the civilian victims and the warrior class, avoiding stereotypes commonly associated with Vikings.

As a dedicated fan, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into the captivating world of “Vinland Saga.” This standout anime among Viking-themed series is truly unparalleled on this list. Not only is it a highly acclaimed historical work, but it also boasts immense popularity during its era. As a seinen production, it offers an unprecedented level of realism, providing a gritty portrayal of the harsh Viking environment. Moreover, it provides us with a fascinatingly accurate glimpse into the daily lives of these seafaring warriors.

2. Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter

Original Run: October 11, 2014 – March 28, 2015
Number of Episodes: 26

The Tale of Young Ronia:

The notorious robber-captain Mattis and his beloved wife Lovis welcome their first child, a girl they name Ronia, amidst a tempestuous night. Mattis holds an unwavering affection for his little daughter. She often ventures into the enchanting woods of Mattiswald, which borders the robber fortress owned by her father. Here, she embarks on numerous exciting escapades. On a fateful day, Mattis’ arch-rival, fellow robber-captain Borka, establishes his robbers in the opposite half of Mattisburg. This decision infuriates Mattis.

In the midst of a disagreement between Mattis and Borka, an unexpected bond formed between their children – Birk and me, Ronja. This development left Mattis puzzled, leading to a new conflict between him and myself. Eventually, drawn by this new friendship, I moved with Birk into the forest. Our peaceful existence continued until my father apologized for his past actions towards me and welcomed Birk into our family fold. Intriguingly, the rival gangs of robbers merged their forces, and Mattis was appointed as the commander of both groups.

Here’s why you might want to watch it: Unlike the complex narrative of Vinland Saga, Ronja offers a more straightforward approach to the Viking tale. Originating from a beloved children’s book by Astrid Lindgren, this CGI anime has a unique appeal that caters to both mature and younger audiences simultaneously.

3. The Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok

Original Run: April 5, 2003 – September 27, 2003
Number of Episodes: 26

As an ardent admirer, I’d like to share my understanding of this captivating narrative:

In the heart of the story, we find Loki, banished from the divine realm by Odin and metamorphosed into a youthful visage. His mission is to amass malevolent energies essential for his transformation back into his true godly form. To accomplish this, he establishes Enjaku Detective Agency, where his son Yamino (Jormungand) stands by his side.

One of Loki’s initial cases involves Mayura, a captivated schoolgirl who pleads for help regarding her friend’s plight. She believes that a serial killer lies in wait, and her fascination with the enigmatic draws her closer to the case. Upon its resolution, Mayura becomes an integral part of Loki’s detective team, adding another layer of intrigue to this enthralling tale.

Here’s why you might enjoy it: Although this anime series isn’t traditionally related to Vikings, it offers a contemporary interpretation of Norse mythology and incorporates many elements from the rich folklore. It’s quite entertaining, making it worth checking out on our list.

4. Val × Love

Original Run: October 5, 2019 – December 21, 2019
Number of Episodes: 12

Main Topic: Takuma Akutsu has a ghostly visage that dates back to his childhood. This feature often causes him to be overlooked by his peers and draws unfavorable attention, such as from gang members and toughs. Consequently, he grapples with social anxiety and finds it difficult to engage in meaningful interactions with others. His nickname “Akuma” (Demon) and his intimidating appearance only reinforce this negative image.

since love is believed to be the greatest source of a maiden’s power, she must show that love has the potential to save the world.

Here’s why you should check it out: As we curated this collection, we found that authentic Viking anime is quite rare. To expand our list, we included titles influenced by Norse mythology. One such title is Val × Love, which incorporates many aspects of Norse mythology, despite not featuring the typical violence associated with Vikings.

5. Record of Ragnarok

Original Run: June 17, 2021 – present
Number of Episodes: 12

Gist: Every millennium, all deities from every pantheon gather in Valhalla, a paradise of spirits, for a conference led by Zeus, the supreme Greek god, to decide human fate. This time, it was nearly consensus to wipe them out. But Valkyrie Brunhild intervened and suggested that gods should compete with humans in the Ragnarök tournament instead, to see if they truly deserve destruction.

In every thousand-year interval, all divine beings from various pantheons convene at Valhalla, a realm of souls, under Zeus’s leadership as the supreme Greek god, to make decisions regarding humanity’s survival. In this particular assembly, there was almost universal agreement to eliminate mankind. However, Valkyrie Brunhild stepped in and proposed that instead of destroying humans, the gods should engage them in a competition called Ragnarök, to verify if they were indeed worthy of destruction.

In this upcoming contest, thirteen deities from diverse mythologies will battle it out against an equally powerful group of historical figures. If humanity manages to secure at least seven victories among the 13 individual duels, the gods will spare mankind. However, the human combatants will need to push their limits to even stand a chance against formidable opponents like Zeus, Poseidon, or Shiva. The good news is that they’ll have the assistance of the Valkyries – thirteen warrior maidens who will merge with each mortal fighter, assuming the shape of potent weapons capable of wounding the gods. This way, as the competition unfolds, the gods may come to understand that humanity is stronger than they initially perceived.

Reasons to watch: Although not strictly a Viking tale, Record of Ragnarok creatively interprets Norse mythology in an unconventional manner. This Netflix series offers something for all viewers, and even though the story may not be an exact replica, its intense action and Viking-esque atmosphere should appeal greatly to fans of the Viking era.

6. Warlords of Sigrdrifa

Original Run: October 3, 2020 – December 26, 2020
Number of Episodes: 12

2020 saw an unprecedented threat to all Earthly life, with mysterious alien “Pillars” emerging. Not even atomic bombs could halt them, but fortunately a child claiming to be Odin intervened, granting humans aircraft as heroic wings and the power to create defensive pillars for selected women, whom he termed Valkyries. In 2025, top-tier Valkyrie Claudia was dispatched from Europe to Japan following her victory over a Pillar there. She later teams up with three other females in the ongoing battle against the Pillars. Despite this, Ragnarok continues to approach ominously.

Here’s why you should check it out: Essentially, this isn’t a traditional Viking series, but it offers a compelling take on the theme. These warriors are not ancient Vikings, but modern fighter pilots who are metaphorically ‘Valkyries’, sent by Odin to our world. There’s plenty of action for those craving excitement. However, if you’re seeking an authentic Viking tale, this might not be your cup of tea as it leans more towards fantasy.

7. Digimon Xros Wars: The Evil Death Generals and the Seven Kingdoms

Original Run: July 6, 2010 – March 25, 2012
Number of Episodes: 79

On a typical afternoon, compassionate and athletic boy Taiki Kudō encounters an unusual tune and faint pleas for aid. Upon investigation, the Digital Monster (Digimon) Xros Loader materializes, leading him, along with friends Akari Hinomoto and Zenjiro Tsurugi, into the Digimon realm. Here, they witness a hostile army attacking a settlement. Shoutmon, in distress, summons help, and together with Taiki, they manage to repel the attack by merging Digimon using the Xros Loader, a unique fusion technique known as Digi Xros.

In this reimagined narrative: The military is under the control of the Bagra Empire, aiming to dominate all digital realms. Following this, Taiki, his companions, and their Digimon engage in battle against the forces of Bagramon. After a year’s time, Taiki encounters a comrade named Taigiru, and together they uncover a realm bridging the gap between the human world and the Digital World, known as the DigiQuartz. From an enigmatic elderly figure (later identified as Bargamon, now allied with mankind), they receive the Xros Loader. This elder also warns them that the residual energy of Bargamon combined with digital power from the human world has given birth to Quartzmon, who seeks to transform the human realm into DigiQuartz, thus eradicating humanity. Now, it falls upon this team to thwart Quartzmon’s destructive plans.

Why you should check it out: Even though Digimon Xros Wars doesn’t sound like a Viking title, the second part of this series includes an interesting mini-arc featuring Olegmon, who is both a pirate and a Viking Digimon. If you’re a fan of Vikings or just want to see how they’re portrayed within the Digimon universe, give these episodes a watch! The specific ones are numbers 40 and 41. And remember, it’s kid-friendly, so it makes for a great family viewing experience.

8. One Piece

Original Run: October 20, 1999 – present
Number of Episodes: 1011

Main Topic: Twenty-two years have passed since Gol D. Roger’s execution, yet enthusiasm for the One Piece treasure seems to be fading. Some doubt its existence altogether. Despite this, pirates continue to pose a threat to the people, but the Navy has grown stronger and is now better equipped to repel their attacks across all four seas: East Blue, North Blue, West Blue, and South Blue.

Nonetheless, this alteration didn’t discourage Monkey D. Luffy, a spirited lad, from aspiring to become the heir of the legendary Roger. Consequently, he embarks on an expedition, with his initial goal being the formation of a crew. This crew will help him navigate the Grand Line sea, a vast body of water where the fervor of “the great pirate wave” persists, and where numerous notorious pirates are in hot pursuit of the One Piece, believed to be on Laugh Tale’s final island – the last stronghold of this grand sea.

Here’s why you might like One Piece: While not explicitly a Viking-themed show, this pirate anime is still highly recommended for fans of Vikings. The characters known as the New Giants were inspired by Vikings, so if you prefer to focus solely on these characters, you may want to select only those specific episodes.

9. Digmon Adventure:

Original Run: April 5, 2020 – September 26, 2021
Number of Episodes: 67

Title Topic: In August 2020, Tokyo and its surroundings experienced widespread network disturbances causing traffic lights malfunctions and scrambled adverts. As the root cause remains elusive, suspicions of cyberterrorism arose. Meanwhile, fifth-grader Taichi Yagami was getting ready for an upcoming summer camp while his mother and younger sister Hikari stayed in Shibuya District. Upon learning that their family may be at risk, Taichi and Koshiro Izumi hasten to Shibuya to ensure their safety.

On a train platform, Taichi unexpectedly encounters an isolated digital realm; there, he’s face-to-face with a compact gadget and a companion Digimon named Agumon. They soon find themselves under attack by hordes of aggressive Algomon. Once they vanquish their foes, his family is safe; however, Taichi and Agumon encounter Yamato Ishida and his Digimon partner Gabumon. Together, they aim to collaborate with Yamato to eradicate more disturbances in the network that the Algomon seem to be causing.

In my perspective, the characters find themselves constantly facing a shape-shifting Algomon, almost succumbing in the process as Taichi’s and Yamato’s companions combine forces to overpower Omegamon. Subsequently, Yamato and the Digimon vanish from sight, leaving Taichi alone. A few days later, he finds himself at summer camp with Koshiro, only for both of us to be transported into the Digital World once more.

Why you should check it out: We’ve got Olegmon back on our screens, but this time he’s part of a new take on Digimon – the revival of Digimon Adventure. Compared to Xros Wars, this series has a distinct pirate vibe, although Olegmon himself appears more like a Viking than a pirate. Still, given its unique qualities, we thought it was worth mentioning here. While there are some similarities with Xros Wars, this episode (number 60) offers an icy, snowy backdrop and a thrilling battle.

10. The Transformers

Original Run: September 17, 1984 – November 11, 1987
Number of Episodes: 98

Main Topic: Following the volcano’s eruption in 1984, the shipboard computer, Teletraan 1, is brought back online and uses remaining power to deploy a low-flying probe for scanning primitive human technology like jeeps, trucks, firearms, aircraft, etc. With limited energy, it manages to fix only the closest robot, unfortunately, a Decepticon named Skywarp.

After that, he instructs the computer to fix only the Decepticons; with his foes appearing to vanish, Megatron departs and readies himself to amass sufficient power to overthrow Cybertron. As he exits the vessel, Starscream inadvertently orders Teletraan 1 to mend an Autobot. Fortunately, it was Optimus Prime, followed by the rest of the Autobots. Optimus Prime departs the ship, armed to defeat the Decepticons, and during this encounter, he encounters the dominant species on the planet – humans.

Here’s an interesting fact: Few realize that the initial Transformers were essentially a joint venture between Japan and America, making it an anime by definition. In the second season, episodes 3-4, collectively known as “Dinobot Island” (episodes 19-20 if you count them individually), introduced us to a band of Viking barbarians who stumbled through a time portal into our contemporary world, causing quite a ruckus. It was brief but delightful!

11. Vicky the Viking

Original Run: January 31, 1974 – April 8, 1976
Number of Episodes: 78

Main Character: Vicky, a young lad with strawberry-blond, medium-length hair, resides in the quaint Viking hamlet of Flake along with his parents Ylva and Halvar, who is the village leader. Unlike other Vikings, Vicky is timid by nature and not exceptionally strong. However, he stands out due to his remarkable intelligence, using it frequently to assist adults and companions in seemingly insurmountable predicaments, finding solutions when all hope seems lost.

In each episode, Vicky joins forces with Halvar and his sturdy crew as they embark on a series of thrilling or humorous exploits. Initially, he must prove himself against the team’s skepticism, but soon becomes an indispensable part of their group, making it hard for the Vikings to set sail without him.

Here’s why you should check it out: “Vicky” is a captivating children’s anime series that originated as a co-production between Germany, Austria, and Japan during the 1970s. This Viking-themed show offers an intriguing portrayal of its subject matter while maintaining a child-friendly atmosphere.

2025-06-01 04:46