| “ | Fear? Say that once more, and I'll cut that Roman tongue out of your yap. The tribes united? The drunk Aldarich from the Marsi? And these whoremongers from the Chatti? And you as our leader? I don't trust any of you lousy pig-fuckers. | ” |
| — Rurik to Arminius[src] | ||
Rurik is a supporting character on the Netflix original series Barbarians. He is portrayed by Denis Schmidt.
Rurik is a reik of a Germanic tribe. He joined forces with the neighboring tribes and were led into battle against Rome by Arminius and Thusnelda.[1]
Throughout the Series[]
Season 1[]
Plotting Against Rome[]
Rurik attends the meeting of the Germanic tribes to discuss how they must now pay Rome tribute. Rurik refuses to pay and wants to go to war, but others would prefer peace. And so, with that, Reik Segimer announces that they will keep the peace with the Romans.[2]
Thusnelda and Arminius' Wedding[]
Rurik attends Thusnelda and Arminius' marriage. The tribe gathers to feast afterward. As a wedding gift, Aldarich promises Arminius 2,000 of his warriors. Arminius then looks to Rurik, who has nothing to offer. Rome has three legions, and they don't have nearly enough men to stop them. He also recalls how Arminius beheaded Gernot Redbeard of Bructeri. Rurik doesn’t trust any of the other tribes and denounces any kind of alliance.
Following through with Varus’ orders, Arminius and Thusnelda begin taking the sons of known reiks, starting with Rurik. He draws his sword, but Arminius explains there’s nothing he can do as Rurik is surrounded by Roman soliders. So he lowers his blade. As they leave, Thusnelda tells Rurik to come to the moon festival at the next full moon.
Rurik attends the moon festival as instructed and asks about his kid. Arminius explains that they're well and protected in his village. He's gathered them in hopes of convincing them to come together to fight against Rome, which the tribes eventually agree to.[3]
The Battle of Teutoburg Forest[]
Rurik returns to camp from scouting. He informs Thusnelda that there's too many to count. Romans up to the horizon, like a river of steel.
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 Rurik that those who come after won’t forget his part in the battle.
With the confidence gained from Thusnelda having seen the battle to come, Rurik leads his men into battle and they defeat Rome.[4]
Kill Count[]
- Roman Soldiers - Rurik led his men into battle against Rome, during which time he killed several roman soldiers.
Appearances[]
Season 1[]
Trivia[]
- Rurik is not a historical figure. He was created specifically for the series.