Pelagios is a supporting character on the Netflix original series Barbarians. He is portrayed by Nikolai Kinski.
Pelagios acted as Varus' interpreter.
Throughout the Series[]
Season 1[]
Searching for the Standard[]
Segestes arrives at the Romans’ camp. He wishes to speak with Varus about the eagle that was stolen. Pelagios is Varus’ interpreter and relays Segestes' message to Varus about how Folkwin Wolfspeer stole the standard. So Varus asks for Segestes to show him the way to Cherusci.
Varus meets with Segimer. Pelagios translates the conversation. Varus explains that he’s grateful for the sacrifice Segimer made when he gave up his children. He adds that Arminius is at his side as an officer. Varus then asks about the standard and Folkwin.
After failing to find Folkwin, Varus kills Folkwin’s entire family and crucifies them in front of the tribe. Pelagios translates as Varus explains the manner in which Rome punishes hubris. He demands that they bring him the standard and Folkwin. Only then will peace reign once more. And anyone who dares take down the crucified will be crucified themselves.[1]
Segimer's Proposition[]
Pelagios and Varus inform Segimer that the tribute is non-negotiable. If he doesn’t have enough cattle or grain, he can provide them with slaves. However, Segimer refuses to allow the Cherusci to be enslaved. Segimer reminds Varus how he handed over his sons in exchange for peace, a deal that Varus has not upheld. Varus makes Segimer a proposition. He asks that Segimer make room for Arminius to become the new reik of the tribe. However, a son only succeeds his father when his father is no longer among the living, which means Segimer would have to die.[2]
Pelagios joins Varus as he meets with Arminius and his new wife, Thusnelda. Quintus isn’t convinced that Arminius is a true son of Rome. But Varus insists that Arminius is true to the cause and it's his loyalty to the Roman Empire that Varus officially offers him knighthood. Varus fears a rebellion is afoot. They need to restore the priest, so he tells Arminius to bring him a son from every reik as a hostage.
Shortly after Arminius returns to the camp, Segestes arrives and reveals that Arminius will betray Rome.[3]
The Battle of Teutoburg Forest[]
Segestes accuses Arminius of attempting to lead Rome into an ambush. He adds that the rotting head isn’t the head of Folkwin Wolfspeer. Varus is in disbelief but Pelagios don’t need much convincing. Arminius denies Segestes’ outrageous accusations. Varus is pleased to hear none of these allegations are true and threatens to kill Segestes should he ever make such accusations again.
Pelagios, Varus, Arminius, and Quintus lead the three legions to Vetera. They part ways throughout the forest as planned. Varus sends Arminius and Talio ahead to secure the path. Varus then gets word that the vanguard has been attacked. Quintus believes that they were lured into a trap and that they should turn back. Varus agrees they should turn around, but he doesn’t believe that they were set up by Arminius. They return to the legions in the open field. The Romans suddenly find themselves surrounded by the tribes, led by Arminius and Thusnelda. Varus gets down from his horse and orders Pelagios to remove his armor. He then tells Pelagios that he’s a free man and that he should leave while he still can. Varus then picks a sword up off the ground and drives it through his chest as Arminius watches.[4]
Appearances[]
Season 1[]
Trivia[]
- Pelagios is not a historical figure. He was created specifically for the series.