Golmad is a supporting character on the Netflix original series Barbarians. He is portrayed by Matthias Weidenhöfer.
Golmad is a Bructeri warrior who became Reik after Kunolf the Brukteer was killed by Folkwin Wolfspeer for turning his back on his Germanic brethren in hopes of gold and wealth.[1] Golmad joined forces with Arminius and Thusnelda, and led the Bructeri into battle against Rome, where he fell in battle.[2]
Throughout the Series[]
Season 1[]
Tribe Meeting[]
Golmad attends the tribal meeting, where they discuss the fact that the tribes now have to pay tribute to Rome. [3]
Offering Refuge to Folkwin[]
Golmad and the Bructeri come across Folkwin Wolfspeer and Berulf. So, he takes them to Kunolf the Brukteer, who offers them refuge. That night, Berulf tells the story of how Thusnelda, Folkwin, Hanno, and Eigil captured the eagle. Golmad asks about Thusnelda, who’s said to be a warrior. Berulf claims that Thusnelda is not only a warrior but also a seer.
That night, Kunolf orders his people to kill Folkwin's people and take him hostage so that they can trade him over to Rome for a reward. After Kunolf kills Berulf and the others escape, Golmad questions why he betrayed them. Berulf was a Bructeran and Thusnelda has connection to the gods, which frighten him. Kunolf replies that Rome would have paid a good price.[4]
Reik of Bructeri[]
Golmad and Kunolf receive a surprise visit from Folkwin and Thusnelda. Kunolf questions why he shouldn’t just take the horses and gold from Folkwin as well as the bounty on his head. Folkwin reasons they should come together to overthrow Rome. Kunolf isn’t interested in Varus and seeks to claim Folkwin's bounty. Thusnelda demands that they stop, claiming that she’s a seer but Kunolf isn’t convinced that she’s a seer and grabs Thusnelda by the hair. So Folkwin stabs Kunolf with a spear and kills him. Thusnelda claims that Kunolf brought the wrath of the gods onto them, causing them to betray their family and guests. For that, Thusnelda claims that Donar, the god, demands a sacrifice. She cuts out Kunolf’s heart. She adds that she’s seen them all in her dreams and proceeds to put the mark of Donar on Folkwin and Golmad’s foreheads with Kunolf’s blood.
With Kunolf's death, Golmad becomes reik and agrees to align with Folkwin and Thusnelda. He reveals that all they have is a few hundred warriors to offer.[1]
Thusnelda's Wedding[]
Golmad attends Thusnelda's marriage to Arminius. The tribe gathers to feast. As a wedding gift, Aldarich promises Arminius 2,000 of his warriors. Golmad remarks that Arminius’ army is growing. Arminius then looks to Rurik, who has nothing to offer and doesn't trust the other tribes.
The moon festival has come and the tribes meet to discuss how their children have been taken by Rome. Arminius points out how they’re all too weak to stand up alone. Not even one single time could they band together to stop Rome from taking their sons. Arminius explains that their sons are safe in his village and protected. He never intended to give them over to Varus. They must come together to defeat Rome. If they don’t fight, Rome will be their judge instead of their gods.[5]
The Battle of Teutoburg Forest[]
Golmad joins Thusnelda and the other tribes in battle as Arminius leads the Roman army into their path. However, Hadgan announces his plan of retreat as he doesn't want his men to die. When the other tribes begin to reconsider their allegiance, Thusnelda reminds them all of what Arminius is risking. The father of the gods, Woden, has seen what’s coming because he sacrificed his eye. So Thusnelda follows in his footsteps and sacrifices her right eye, granting her the gift. She sees a long battle with men covered in blood and raging fires. She tells Golmad that his courageous feat will make Donar smile.
With the confidence gained from Thusnelda having seen the battle to come, Golmad leads his men into battle, and while they prove victorious, he does not survive.[2]
Kill Count[]
- Roman Soldiers - Golmad led the Bructeri into battle against Rome, during which time he killed several roman soldiers.
Appearances[]
Season 1[]
Trivia[]
- Golmad is not a historical figure. He was created specifically for the series.