Translated by William Archer
In the middle of July 1857, Ibsen went to Christiania to explore a possible offer of a post as “artistic Director” at Kristiania Norske Theater. On July 23rd he sent a letter to the management of Det norske Theater in Bergen, in which he confirmed that he had received the offer, asking to be released from his contract with the theatre. This was agreed to, and on September 3rd 1857, Ibsen took up his new position at Kristiania Norske Theater.
However, Ibsen handed in his seventh play to the nearby Christiania Norske Theater, instead of his own, as he believed it was too demanding for the staff of Kristiania Norske Theater. Ibsen was then informed by the management of the Christiania that the financial situation of the theatre did not allow for fees to be paid for original work, and therefore the play could not be staged at the time. Ibsen was angered by this, believing it was an excuse for shelving the production and in Aftenbladet of March 10th 1858 he published an article with the title “Et Træk af Christiania danske Theaters Bestyrelse” (A Feature of Christiania Danish Theatre’s Management). He accused the theatre of failing to promote the interests of Norwegian dramatic literature, giving rise to a heated debate in the press. The Vikings at Helgeland was first performed in Oslo on 24 November 1858 in Ibsen’s own theatre. The newspaper debate helped to inspire public interest in the play and there was a full house. The play was well received by both audiences and critics, but was given only a few performances.
The plot takes place in the time of Erik Blood-axe (c. 930–934) in the north of Norway, in the historic Helgeland region. At this time Norwegian society was adjusting from the tradition of Old Norse Sagas to the new era of Christianity. The play concerns the arrival of Ornulf, who with his seven sons is seeking his daughter, Dagny, and foster-daughter, Hjordis, who were abducted and married by Sigurd and Gunnar. Interestingly, the plot is reminiscent of the Germanic myth of Sigmund and Brynhilde.