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With the critically acclaimed historical drama, Vikings, having come to an end in 2020, much of the cast has gone on to star in several memorable movies. For Alex Høgh Andersen, who portrayed Ivar The Boneless, he recently starred in Netflix's The Bombardment (a heartbreaking WWII movie that shows the ramifications of war after several individuals are caught up in a mass tragedy).
Although they were set in two different eras, some Vikings fans might be able to see a few parallels between Andersen's Frederik and Ivar (who was a complex character that viewers loathed and intrigued by in equal measure - and there are various reasons for that). One of those is his dialogue. Over the course of the series, Ivar makes some interesting general remarks as well as those that truly reflect his attributes.
"Peace Is A Dirty Word."
Ivar's reaction when Ubbe proposes a truce with the Anglo-Saxons In "Homelander" (Season 5, Episode 3)
In order to convince the Anglo-Saxons to sign over the land that King Ecbert had proposed to Ragnar, Ubbe suggests to Ivar that they should approach them with the idea of a truce. However, Ivar quickly rejects the idea.
Ivar is more bloodthirsty than anyone else in the series hence the idea of talking to enemies instead of charging at them on the battlefield doesn't appeal to him. He is always depicted as a better military strategist than most of his brothers too. His decision to not engage in dialogue is a correct one because when Ubbe goes to talk to Aethelwulf and Heahmund without him, he ends up getting humiliated.
"If You Are Fated, It Doesn’t Matter If You Choose Or Not."
His advice to a doubtful Hvitserk - "Full Moon" (Season 5, Episode 7)
One of Hvitserk's most questionable choices in Vikings involves him aligning with King Harald and Ivar against Lagertha and Bjorn. He doubts whether he has made the right move but Ivar tells him that people don't really make choices - it's the Gods that decide.
Ivar has always been a firm subscriber of the Norse pantheon. To him, Valhalla is the ultimate destination and on Earth, Odin chooses the fate of those who believe in him. His beliefs enable him to make excuses for some of the decisions he makes. His faith also makes him confident. To him, whatever he does, no matter how unreasonable or barbaric, is the will of the gods.
"Hatred Must Never Take The Place Of Love."
After issuing an order for a rebellion leader to be hanged - "The Lost Moment" (Season 5, Episode 14)
Ivar's guards once bring a man to his chambers, claiming he is organizing a rebellion against him. After briefly trying to reason with the man, Ivar issues an order for him to be hanged.
Among Ivar's glaring negative traits, one of his biggest flaws is that he is extremely arrogant. On this particular occasion, he feels it makes no sense for the man to hate him when he should be worshipping him. He never for a second thinks that his dictatorial tendencies are what has caused some of the people to be unhappy with his rule.
"I'm Not Human At All!"
Ivar convinces people that he is a god - "Homelander" (Season 5, Episode 3)
At the height of his power, Ivar becomes convinced that he is a god. He thus does his best to explain to the people that he is different from them.
It's yet another quote that points to Ivar's delusion. Given how much he has achieved, he convinces himself that he is a deity. The belief sticks in his mind because his wife Freydiso tells him the same thing in order to manipulate him. The quote also accentuates Ivar's pride. Never at one moment has he not considered himself better than his peers.
"In The Name Of Ragnar Lothbrok, The Greatest Hero Of Our Country, We Declare War."
After he and his brothers form the Great Heathen Army - "The Great Army" (Season 4, Episode 17)
Shortly after one of the most brutal Vikings death, that of their father Ragnar, Ivar, Ubbe, and Sigurd gather a large army. They then declare war on the Anglo-Saxons.
Ivar's respect is only accorded to a few people and one of those is his father Ragnar. Even though their personalities differ, Ivar considers him a true hero because of his bravery and firm decision-making. Given how much he adores his father, he doesn't think twice about gathering troops to avenge his death at the hands of King Aelle.
"No One Will Ever Forget Ivar The Boneless."
When he explains his ambition to Hvitserk - "The Message" (Season 5, Episode 6)
Confused about Ivar's true motives, Hvitserk asks him what he really aims to achieve. And Ivar doesn't hesitate to be as honest as possible.
Ivar's ambition ever shines brighter than that of his brothers. His only goal in life is to be a great conqueror, a great ruler, and to leave a lasting legacy. Credit to him because he does a really good job of making his dreams a reality. He not only gets to be king but also goes on to win many crucial battles, including one against his brother Bjorn.
"All Of My Brothers Are Against Me. Now I Know I’m The Chosen One."
When he learns of Hvitserk's new alliance with Bjorn
Ivar reacts in a rather calm manner when he learns that Hvitserk has teamed up with Bjorn. To him, people teaming up against him means he is a serious threat and that's something he should be proud of.
Ivar's courage is one of his greatest assets. The fact that a former ally has teamed up with a formidable brother should scare any person but Ivar relishes the opportunity to face them on the battlefield. He is aware that defeating them will add to his greatness, something he really looks forward to.
"Of Course, I'm Going To Kill Her."
Ivar discussing Lagertha - "The Joke" (Season 5, Episode 8)
When Ivar is asked whether he would consider a truce with Lagertha, he rubbishes the idea. He makes it clear that since she killed his mother Aslaug, the only thing she deserves is death.
Like many other characters on the show, Ivar is a vengeful person. He doesn't care that Lagertha once meant a lot to his father and that she's a parent to his brother, Bjorn. All he cares about is getting justice for his mother. Unfortunately for him, he never gets the opportunity to take Lagertha's life. Instead, it's Hvitserk who accidentally does so in one of the most shocking moments of Vikings' final season.
"We Never Really Change, We Just Think That We Do."
Ivar refuses to believe that love has made him better - "All At The Sea" (Season 6, Episode 15)
Ivar falls in love with the Freydis lookalike, Princess Katia, as soon as he meets her. Hvitserk then observes that his new feelings have changed him, something Ivar denies.
As one of the smartest characters in Vikings, Ivar delves into philosophical reflections from time to time. On most occasions, the conclusion he makes from his analysis of situations is always final. Even though humans do indeed change, he believes that's not the case, at least according to him. As per his view, change is only momentary and circumstancial.
"It's Harder For Me To Share."
Ivar explains to Ubbe and Hvitserk why he is selfish. - "The Departed" (Season 5, Episode 2)
During a conversation with Ubbe and Hvitserk, Ivar makes an effort to justify his selfish actions. He argues that since he has to work harder than ordinary people, he also deserves to keep everything he gets.
For most of the series, Ivar acknowledges the fact that he was born different and for that reason, he always seeks to prove that he is as good as others. To him, choosing to share after working harder than others makes little sense. So, whether it's power or glory, he deserves to have it all if he was indeed the architect.