Some thoughts after reading insightful comments *spoilers*
First of all there is great topic about movies end.
Particularly I found this commentary spot on:
I think it all boils down to the dialogue that the chieftan says in part II, something to the effect that 'he is hate. Thats why he never loses' (paraphrasing). In the end, he loses because he loves the boy, and is no longer filled with hate, and therefore chooses to lose the fight and sacrifice himself for the boy. At least, thats how I saw it. I figure the walking into the water shot is metaphorical for his death. Could be wrong, of course.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0862467/board/nest/174736913?d=175057434#175057434
Reading how Refn doesn't give a *beep* about vikings culture, etc I may add two thoughts.
1. One-eye in the beginning shown as pagan and savage, yet sacrifice himself in the end like Jesus. Remember the vision when there is TWO One-eyes mirroring each other. Refn trying to say there is no difference between religions, it's only mental prosthetics, crutches to help weak and illiterate people. And its also could be harmful.
2. There is some higher genetic code in human genes, explaining why one individual could sacrifice his life for younger generations. I would suggest its a prominent human feature.
So the whole story is a trip into humanity, its variety, some of the people are weak, some delusional, some strong, with extra religion layer and the main decoration - mother nature. And the latter in the end shaping the modern human.
Really great movie. share