“ | Only Woden, the father of the gods, can see what will happen. That's why he sacrificed his own eye. If you are truly meant to fight, the gods will send you a sign. The past shadows... become the light of coming days. | ” |
— Runa to Thusnelda[src] |
Runa is a supporting character on the Netflix original series Barbarians. She is portrayed by Sophie Rois.
Runa is a Cheruscan Seeress. She takes Ansgar in after he is nearly killed by the Romans as she believes that he is a favorite of the gods because he's been to the Kingdom of Death and returned.
Throughout the Series[]
Season 1[]
Healing Ansgar[]
Runa tends to Ansgar after he is left for dead by the Romans during an attack on the Cherusci. She chants repeatedly while rubbing a white paste on his face. Runa later informs Thusnelda that Ansgar is a favorite of the gods. He’s been to the kingdom of death, and he returned. He still has a task to complete amongst the land of the living. Thusnelda questions what task must she complete. Runa explains that only Wodon, the father of the gods, can see what will happen. That’s why he sacrificed his own eye. If Thusnelda is truly meant to fight, the gods will send her a sign.[1]
Taking Care of Ansgar[]
After Folkwin's family is crucifed by Varus, they are laid to rest. The entire village gathers. Their bodies are put on top of the pyre and set ablaze. Runa leads the ceremony. Ansgar arrives at the funeral and repeats the phrase "They’re burning!" until Thusnelda takes him home.
Runa meets with Thusnelda in the woods. She informs Thusnelda that Folkwin is looking for her and that Ansgar is better off staying with her as he is special to the gods. She assures Thusnelda that Ansgar will be well looked after.[2]
The Death of the Reik[]
Runa watches Ansgar as he finger paints with a bowl of blood. She tells him to show her what he sees, which is apparently a bloody battle between the tribes and the Romans.
Runa returns from the bog carrying Segimer’s sword, revealing that the reik is dead. She stakes his blade into the ground as the Cherusci tribe watches.[3]
Thusnelda's Wedding[]
Runa learns of Arminius' plan from Thusnelda; how the wedding should hopefully change the tribes’ view of Arminius. Only then can they beat the Romans. Runa confronts Thusnelda for claiming that she has the gift when in fact she doesn’t. She reminds Thusnelda that the gods punish hubris and that pretending to be a seer will end badly. Runa then officiates Thusnelda's wedding. After the feast, Arminius and Thusnelda are blinded together by Runa in front of the entire village. The tribe leaves soon thereafter as the newlyweds are expected to consummate their marriage.[4]
The Battle of Teutoburg Forest[]
After the Battle of Teutoburg Forest, where Rome was defeated by the tribes, Runa warned Thusnelda that her path is dangerous. She detects that Thusnelda is pregnant. To make matters worse, the child belongs to Folkwin. Runa remarks that the gods have their own special way of punishing them.[5]
Appearances[]
Season 1[]
- Wolf and Eagle
- Vengeance (credit only)
- On the Edge
- A New Reik
- Treason
- The Battle
Trivia[]
- Runa is not a historical figure. She was created specifically for the series.