Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Ragnarok, which transformed ancient Norse mythology into a contemporary environmental thriller, following a teenage Thor as he battles modern giants threatening our planet’s survival.
Ragnarok premiered on Netflix on January 31, 2020, running for three seasons with a total of 18 episodes averaging 45 minutes each until its conclusion on August 24, 2023. Created by Emilie Lebech Kaae and Adam Price, this Norwegian fantasy drama became Netflix’s third Norwegian-language original series. Set in the fictional town of Edda in Hordaland, the series reimagines Norse mythology through the lens of climate change and environmental destruction, creating a unique blend of ancient legends and contemporary concerns.
The series follows Magne Seier, an awkward teenager who discovers he’s the reincarnation of Thor, the Norse god of thunder, as he returns to his hometown plagued by industrial pollution and climate change. Ragnarok doesn’t just retell ancient myths – it uses them as a framework to explore modern environmental crises, corporate corruption, and the responsibility of young people to fight for their planet’s future. With its distinctive Scandinavian atmosphere and compelling mythology, the show created a fresh take on superhero narratives while addressing urgent contemporary issues.
Modern Giants Destroying the Environment
The central plot revolves around the Jutul family, who appear to be wealthy industrialists running the factories that pollute Edda, but are actually ancient giants (jötnar) in human form. These modern giants represent corporate greed and environmental destruction, using their industrial operations to systematically poison the town’s air and water while manipulating local politics to maintain their power.
Ragnarok excels at using Norse mythology as an allegory for contemporary environmental and social issues. The series shows how the ancient conflict between gods and giants translates perfectly to modern battles between environmental activists and corporate polluters, making the fantasy elements feel urgently relevant rather than escapist.
The show’s strength lies in its ability to ground mythological concepts in recognizable modern problems, making viewers care about both the characters’ personal struggles and the larger environmental crisis they’re fighting to resolve.
Magne Seier: The Reluctant Thunder God
David Stakston delivers a compelling performance as Magne Seier, transforming from an awkward, socially isolated teenager into a confident wielder of Thor’s powers. Throughout the series, Stakston captures both Magne’s vulnerability as a young person struggling with his identity and his growing strength as he learns to embrace his divine heritage.
Magne’s character development is central to the series’ exploration of responsibility and coming-of-age themes. As he discovers his powers – including superhuman strength, the ability to throw Thor’s hammer, and command over lightning – he must also learn when and how to use them responsibly in a world where his actions have real consequences.
Stakston’s performance grounds the mythological elements in genuine emotional truth, making Magne’s journey from outcast teenager to environmental warrior feel both epic and deeply personal.
Laurits and the Complexity of Family Bonds
Jonas Strand Gravli brings nuance and complexity to Laurits, Magne’s half-brother whose own mythological heritage creates tension and moral ambiguity throughout the series. Laurits represents the trickster archetype, embodying the unpredictable nature of family relationships when divine powers are involved.
The chemistry between the brothers drives much of the series’ emotional core, as their relationship is tested by supernatural revelations and opposing loyalties. Gravli skillfully portrays a character who walks the line between ally and antagonist, making Laurits both sympathetic and frustrating as his choices become increasingly complicated.
The supporting cast, including the various members of the Jutul family and other mythological figures hidden in modern Edda, creates a rich ensemble that brings depth to the show’s exploration of ancient conflicts playing out in contemporary settings.
The Final Battle for Earth’s Future
Without spoiling the climactic revelations, Ragnarok builds to a conclusion that successfully merges its environmental and mythological themes in a battle for the planet’s survival. The final season escalates both the personal stakes for Magne and his allies and the global consequences of the conflict between ancient powers.
The series finale provides closure to the central mythological conflicts while addressing the real-world environmental issues that inspired the show’s creation. The resolution demonstrates how individual actions can have global impact, whether you’re a reincarnated god or simply someone willing to stand up for what’s right.
The conclusion proves that Ragnarok succeeds in using fantasy elements to illuminate urgent contemporary concerns about climate change, corporate responsibility, and the power of young people to create change.
Success on Netflix
Ragnarok became a significant success for Netflix’s international content strategy, proving that Norwegian-language fantasy drama could find global audiences when it tackled universal themes. The series’ success lies in its unique approach to superhero storytelling, grounding fantastical elements in urgent environmental concerns that resonate with contemporary viewers. Each episode combines stunning Norwegian landscapes with compelling character development, creating content that feels both distinctly Scandinavian and globally relevant. The show’s popularity helped establish Netflix’s reputation for diverse international programming while demonstrating that environmental themes could drive compelling fantasy narratives when combined with strong mythological foundations.
Perfect Mythology for Environmental Drama Fans
If you love fantasy series with contemporary relevance and aren’t afraid of environmental themes mixed with Norse mythology, Ragnarok is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. This Norwegian drama delivers compelling characters, stunning visuals, and storytelling that makes ancient myths feel urgently modern.
Why This Environmental Fantasy Deserves Recognition
Positive Points:
- David Stakston and Jonas Strand Gravli deliver powerful performances as complex brothers
- Unique blend of Norse mythology with contemporary environmental and social issues
- Stunning Norwegian cinematography that brings both beauty and environmental destruction to life
- Thoughtful exploration of corporate responsibility and youth activism through fantasy lens
- Strong character development that makes mythological concepts feel emotionally grounded
Negative Points:
- Some viewers found the final season’s resolution divisive or unsatisfying
- The pacing can feel uneven as it balances teen drama with epic mythological elements
- Environmental messaging occasionally feels heavy-handed rather than subtle
- Limited budget sometimes shows in the special effects sequences
- The series requires familiarity with Norse mythology to fully appreciate all references
Ragnarok proves that the best fantasy television uses ancient myths to illuminate contemporary concerns, creating entertainment that’s both escapist and urgently relevant to our current world.
Series Details
- Number of Episodes: 18 episodes across 3 seasons (6 + 6 + 6 episodes)
- Platform: Netflix
- Release Years: 2020-2023
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Genre: Fantasy Drama, Environmental Thriller, Coming-of-Age
- Type of Production: Norwegian series
- Status: Completed (3 seasons concluded)
- Protagonists: David Stakston (Magne Seier/Thor), Jonas Strand Gravli (Laurits)
- Antagonists: The Jutul family (various actors as the giant family members)