Why do they speak with those stupid accents?

I actually really like the use of linguistics in the show, when we're focused on the Vikings, the Saxons speak Old English, and when we're focused on the Franks, Rollo speaks Old Norse, etc. I think it's a pretty cool way to illustrate the language barrier between all the different cultures.

Some of the actors are not Europeans so maybe it would sound a little grating if they spoke in their natural accents - it might for example take the viewer out of the experience or illusion the drama is meant to create.

That's Hollywood

We do not need to hear any other accents, any more than those ones, either. So why speak in any other accent than the ones being used?

Personally, I find the use of American or RP English in settings which are neither American nor English to be really frustrating. And for what? So that idiot viewers who are so sheltered as to literally not be able to understand any other accent can? Yes, yes... people in ancient Greece or Rome totally spoke with English accents. Makes sense *eyeroll*. People should be able to understand English spoken in many of the common accents of the world, at least in other European accents.

I love the accents, and furthermore I love the way they handle the clashes of all the different languages throughout the show and how they translate that to the viewer. It adds some authenticity to the show, but still appeases all the lazy people out there who wouldn't watch the show if they had to read subtitles.

The way that most of the Vikings speak reminds me of how David Carradine used to talk as in the 70s TV series Kung Fu.



"I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered!"

Yeah, it can be hard to follow and its a little silly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXYUAO5kYkM

The accents are there with good reason, leave them be.