Athelstan

Athelstan was a young Monk who worked at Lindisfarne Monestary translating historical scrolls. He was taken as a slave when Lindisfarne was raided. He lives with Ragnar.

Season 1
Athelstan is seen translating Roman texts alongside his fellow brothers. A storm rages outside the Monastery disrupting all the Monks at work including Athelstan. He tells Father Cuthbert that it is 'Judgement Day.' He is soon after sent back to his dormitory to pray.

When the Vikings raid Lindisfarne Athelstan hides in a building holding onto nothing but a book, he is found by Ragnar, Leif and Eric. He begs Ragnar not to kill him in their language. He tells Ragnar that he knows the language because he has traveled to take the word of god. Athelstan holds a book 'the gospel of St. John' he tells Ragnar that he wanted to save it. Ragnar asks why, Athelstan tells him "Because without the word of god, there is only darkness." He soon after watches the dispute between Ragnar and Rollo about killing him and letting him live. Rollo cuts the cross of Jesus with his axe and says "This is what we care for your god" to Athelstan's face.

Athelstan watches Lindisfarne burn as they head back to the boat. He watches one of his brothers try to run away. On the boat Athelstan kisses his cross and puts his hood up.

Upon arriving at Kattegat he tells Ragnar that brother Cenwulf is dead, Ragnar tosses Cenwulf overboard which shocks Athelstan but he does not say anything. ~