Spoiler warning for Song of the Shieldmaiden and Whispers of a Sorceress. Proceed with caution… and enjoy getting to know Erik a little better!
Q: Erik, tell us about your upbringing on the family farm. What was it like growing up as the son of farmers?
Erik: I love the farm life. Faðir taught me the ways of the land, while Moðir ensured I worked hard. My favorite smell in all of Midgard is freshly turned earth. Not so fond of how the sheep pen smells, though. But there’s something about sitting on a stool in front of my house, feeling that ache in my body from a hard day’s work, just watching the sun set across the pine trees… My heart is in those fields.
Q: So what made you leave your home to journey to Uppsala with Svanhild?
Erik: In truth, I didn’t want to leave. Not at first. But when Ulrik invaded our village and killed Jarl Tove… I saw what he did to my friend Brynja and her family. They lived like thralls in their own home. Ulrik had to learn he could not strike at the sons and daughters of Kaldvik and get away with it. And I suppose it comes down to loyalty and honor. There is honor in the life of a farmer, but this time, honor called me somewhere else.
Q: How do you balance your desire for vengeance with your sense of duty to protect your loved ones?
Erik: Vengeance is a tricky thing. It can propel you forward, but it can also blind you to what’s really important: protecting the ones you love. When they are one and the same—that’s when things get interesting.
Q: Describe the bond between you and Brynja. How has it evolved throughout your adventures?
Erik: Brynja? She’s the sister I never had. We’ve been getting into mischief together since we were ankle-biters, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We’ve done it all—climbing trees, swimming in the fjord, skating on the lake when it’s frozen in winter, sneaking extra helpings of dessert. I’ve spent many nights sleeping in the longhouse because our time together ran too long for me to get home before dark. There’s no one I’d rather have by my side. Some think her shy, but she has a spirit as fierce as any shieldmaiden, and I’m proud to call her my friend.
Q: What was the most challenging part of your journey to Uppsala with Svanhild?
Erik: In truth, I don’t think I was prepared for what awaited me on that journey. Sea storms, battles, and training with Asmund’s hird—they fight like bears. I’ve never been so sore in my life. But the greatest challenge was being stuck in bed recuperating from my injury. It was more torture than rest. I was wounded early in our journey, and I had to spend weeks recovering in Uppsala. There’s nothing worse than being cooped up while the rest of your friends are out there training for a mission you care about so much.
Q: What do you miss most about farm life while you were away?
Erik: The quiet moments, believe it or not. Watching the sun rise over our fields, feeling the earth beneath my feet—it’s the simple things you miss when you’re out chasing glory. Also the food. Actually, I take back my first answer. What I missed most was definitely the food. My mother is one of the best cooks in the North. And when I left for Uppsala with Svanhild, nobody told me there would be no fresh goat meat at sea.
Q: How do you envision your future after Ulrik is defeated? Would you choose to continue as part of Svanhild’s hird or return to farm life?
Erik: Tough choice, that one. Farm life is in my blood, but there’s something about the clang of steel and the smell of the sea water that feels like home too. Like I said before, honor guides me. Who knows where the road may lead?
Q: What role does loyalty play in your relationships with Brynja, Svanhild, and Asmund’s hird?
Erik: Loyalty’s everything to me. Brynja, Svanhild, the hird—we’re all in this together, no matter what. Brothers and sisters in arms, through anything that comes.
Q: Reflecting on your experiences, what advice would you give to your younger self?
Erik: Maybe lay off the mead once in a while?
Q: If you could change one thing about your journey, what would it be and why?
Erik: If I could change one thing? Maybe I wouldn’t have been so quick to jump into trouble. But then again, where’s the fun in that?