| “ | These barbarians would sell their own mothers to save their skins. Oh... I'd completely forgotten. You're one of them, aren't you? What's it like to be back in your filthy, freezing forest? How much did you miss this shithole? | ” |
| — Metellus to Arminius[src] | ||
Metellus is a supporting character on the Netflix original series Barbarians. He is portrayed by Valerio Morigi.
Metellus was a loyal centurion for the Roman Empire, who served in Pannonia, 15th legion, commanded by Tiberius. He was later stationed in Germania, where he worked for Varus until he was betrayed and killed by Arminius.[1]
Throughout the Series[]
Season 1[]
Collecting the Tribute[]
Metellus arrive on horseback with a message for the Cherusci. Augustus, the emperor of Rome, has appointed a new governor of Germania, Senator Publius Quinctilius Varus. However, with the exception of Segestes, the people of Cherusci don’t speak Latin. Moving forward, Rome will no longer waive their tribute. Each tribe will pay tribute with 20 cows or 50 centners of grain. Reik Segimer informs the Romans that they have little to offer, though they are not concerned and gives their the Cherusci three days.
The Romans return and are unimpressed with the tribe’s tribute. So Metellus sends his men to collect more. As a show of loyalty to Rome, Metellus asks Segimer to kiss their standard; a golden eagle mounted onto a staff. When Segimer refuses, Segestes kneels down to kiss the standard, but Thusnelda intervenes, shoving away the eagle and accosting her father. This upsets the Romans, so Metellus grabs Thusnelda and drags her by her hair. Ansgar comes to her rescue and bites Metellus’ arm. In response, Metellus hits him over the head with the handle of his sword, knocking Ansgar unconscious and splitting his head open as blood runs down his face. In fear of what may occur next, Segimer bows down to Rome and kisses the standard.
Metellus takes Reik Gernot Redbeard prisoner after refusing to pay tribute. Varus gives him another chance to submit, but instead, Gernot spits on the standard. So Varus sentences him to death. Arminius takes the sword from Metellus and beheads Gernot.
After discovering that the eagle was taken, Metellus asks for 100 legionaries and promises the return of the standard. He intends to burn down each barbarian village until he finds it, but Varus fears that would cause a rebellion. So Arminius proposes that he go looking for the standard with the help of the Germanic mercenaries. Varus agrees and tells him to ride out at dawn.[2]
Hunting Folkwin[]
Metellus joins Arminius on his quest to find Folkwin Wolfspeer. After stopping in Cherusci, where Folkwin had already fled from, the Romans set up camp for the night. The slop reminds Metellus of Pannonia. He served as part of the 15th legion, commanded by Tiberius. Arminius was also deployed there as prefect of the auxiliary Germanic troops. Metellus realizes that Arminius was among the troops who saved him and his men when they were trapped by the enemy. Arminius bares a brand or what he calls a souvenir from Pannonia steel on his right arm. Metellus bears a similar wound on his left thigh. Metellus then admits that Arminius made the right choice in allowing the Cherusci tribe to bury their people against Varus’ wishes. A sobbing Luco is then captured by the guards and brought before them, who Metellus kills after learning that Folkwin is hiding in the Dark Land.
Metellus and Arminius track Folkwin down to the Dark Land and kill all of his companions. Metellus holds him at knifepoint and hands his sword over to Arminius to finish the job. Rather than beheading Folkwin, Arminius kills Metellus instead.[3]
Kill Count[]
Luco — Luco was among the group of Germanic warriors that joined Folkwin Wolfspeer as he fled Cherusci. However, as they reached the Dark Land, Luco parted ways, intent in returning home, but he was captured by the Romans. After giving up Folkwin's location, Metellus stabbed him in the back of the neck.
Appearances[]
Season 1[]
Trivia[]
- Metellus is not a historical figure. He was created specifically for the series.
Gallery[]
