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Nothing lasts forever. Stars... trees... animals... people. Even the gods. Everything perishes in the end. The wolf will come. And the world will burn. The wolf will devour the moon. He'll devour the sun. He'll devour everything. Everything. Everything that ever existed. But it's nothing you need to be scared of. Everything that begins ends eventually.
— Segimer to his family[src]


Segimer is a supporting character on the Netflix original series Barbarians. He is portrayed by Nicki von Tempelhoff.

Segimer was the Reik of Cherusci who arranged an alliance with Rome, giving both of his sons over to assure peace between the two nations. This agreement remained stable for years until Varus, who had been appointed governor, decided that all tribes were to pay tribute to Rome.[1]

Early Life[]

Segimer was raised in Cherusci, where he one day became chief. He was married and had two children, both of whom he gave over to Rome as a sign of peace, leaving just him and his wife, who died six years ago from fever.[2]

Throughout the Series[]

Season 1[]

The Romans arrive on horseback with a message. Augustus, the emperor of Rome, has appointed a new governor of Germania. Senator Publius Quinctilius Varus. Moving forward, Rome will no longer waive their tribute. Each tribe is expected to 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.

Segimer questions why Rome has broken their agreement, especially after he gave them his sons. Segimer orders Segestes to send word to every tribe for a meeting, though Segestes feels it’s not worth the effort as the tribes will never unite. Segimer retorts that they don’t have much choice now.

As planned, a meeting of the Germanic tribes convenes. Either they allow the Romans to subjugate them or they fight back. Segestes advises them against fighting the Romans as they’re outnumbered. They decide to put it to a vote. Reik Aldarich of the Marsi tribe decides to maintain peace. Reik Hadgan of the Chatti also refuses to go to war. And so, with that, Reik Segimer announces that they will keep the peace, though Rurik is not pleased.

The Romans arrive and are unimpressed with the tribe’s tribute. So Metellus sends his men to collect more. Segimer orders them to stop as they don’t have much more to offer, but the Romans continue. 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. When Ansgar comes to her rescue, Metellus hits him over the head with the handle of his sword, knocking Ansgar unconscious and splitting his head open. In fear of what may occur next, Segimer bows down to Rome and kisses the standard.

Later, Thusnelda and Folkwin return with the standard. Folkwin hops down from the horse and hands Segimer the standard, who screams in triumph. Segimer is proud, but he warns Folkwin that revenge is certain and that stealing the standard was a declaration of war. Unfortunately, they are interrupted by the arrival of Romans. So the tribe flees behind Segimer’s gates with the standard. A single Roman arrives. It is Arminius, Segimer’s son.[1]

Reunited with Arminius[]

Many years ago, Reik Segimer agreed to give up both Arminius and his youngest son to the Romans in exchange for peace. Present day, he reunites with his son. Arminius asks about his mother, who apparently died six winters ago from a fever. She was praying for Arminius and his brother until the end. Arminius hands his father a means to measure time. He then asks about the gold eagle as he knows that they have it. When he returns, he expects the standard to be awaiting him.

Segimer retrieves the eagle and places it into a sack. Berulf arrives in search of Arminius, who beheaded his uncle, Gernot Redbeard, and for that, Berulf is seeking revenge.

Segimer attempts to help Arminius as he tends to his wound after being attacked by Berulf, but he doesn’t want his father’s help. Still, Segimer warns Arminius to leave before Berulf returns to kill him. Arminius still holds a grudge against his father for giving him away. Segimer claims that he was simply putting the tribe’s best interest first. Segimer then tells Arminius to leave once more, but he won’t do so without the standard. And so while Segimer talks to Berulf, Arminius sneaks out with the standard.

Varus arrives to meet with Segimer. 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. Segimer refuses to betray Folkwin and turn him over. Varus struggles to understand how a barbarian could have principals and remarks that it’s a shame Segimer never got to see his sons grow up.

With Folkwin missing, Varus kills Folkwin’s entire family and crucifies them in front of the tribe. 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. After Varus leaves, Hanno and Eigil confront Segestes for his treachery. Segimer pushes Segestes to the ground and shames everyone for arguing in front of the dead in such a manner and dismisses the tribe.[2]

Burying Folkwin’s Family[]

Segimer is confronted by Thusnelda for not burying Folkwin’s family. The family of Segimer’s first sword-bearer. Drunk and enraged, he demands that everyone exit his home. Thusnelda decides to take matters into her own hands and chop down Folkwin’s family herself. Segimer joins her and orders his men to assist. He then embraces her. Arminius returns to the village. He questions who ordered for the family to be cut down. Segimer takes responsibility as the dead are deserving of a burial. Arminius admits this is true and allows for the rest of Folkwin’s family to be taken down and buried. Arminius then asks about Folkwin, but Segimer hasn’t seen him. He begs Arminius to spare Folkwin, but he can’t. If he doesn’t return with Folkwin’s head, the whole village will perish.[3]

Succeeded by Arminius[]

Varus and Pelagios inform Segimer that the tribute is non-negotiable. Segimer begs for leniency, to which they tell him that 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 gave over his sons in exchange for peace, a deal that Varus has not lived up to. 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. Varus explains that Segimer owes it to Arminius. This is the only way Arminius will honor Segimer's memory.

Segimer returns to Cherusci as if to get one more look at his home before slowly walking into the bog until he is completely submerged under water. All that remains of him is his sword staked into the land.[4]

Kill Count[]

  • Himself — Segimer went to Varus in hopes of renegotiation regarding the tribes and them having to pay tribute. However, rather than waiving tribute, Varus proposed that Arminius claim his birthright and lead the Cherusci. For this to happen, Segimer would have to die. So he walked into the bog and drowned himself.

Appearances[]

Season 1[]

Trivia[]

  • Segimer is a historical figure. Much like in the series, he was a chieftain of the Germanic Cherusci and the father of Arminius. Unlike in the series, the real Segimer is believed to have still been alive at the time of the battle and served as second-in-command to Arminius.

Gallery[]

References[]

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