10 Vikings Fates Worse Than Death

The beloved and cherished Athelstan was a bright spot in this show. He was a caring and thoughtful individual in a sea of raving madmen, and while he kept that energy throughout, he still suffered a horrid life. But, when you think about it, he was one of the lucky ones, as having Ragnar Lothbrok on your side is a luxury many other captives didn't have.

Vikings were hardly famed for their manners. So when a raiding party of Norsemen were heading your way, you hoped and prayed they'd killed you right off the bat, especially if you were a man of God.

Throughout the show - especially the early seasons - viewers saw a whole host of monk torture. They were shown as the Vikings captured them, toyed with them and took them away from their homes primed for a miserable existence. Hell, you even saw a few monks attempt to drown themselves, knowing death was the only mercy they would receive.

Yes, Athelstan was crucified, tormented and even killed. But still, many of these poor souls would have taken such a fate over what they got.