“ | The father of the gods has seen what's coming. Because he sacrificed his eye. It's proof you want? It's proof you want? It's proof you want? I see a long battle. I see fire. And water. And I see men... covered in blood. Romans. Ravens gorging on their bowels. Reik Rurik. Those who come after won't forget what you did for them here. Reik Aldarich. Roman gold will be your prize. Reik Golmad. For your courageous feats will Donar smile. I hear a song. A song about your bravery. And until the end of time, it will be sung aloud. And the world will forever know… of our victory! | ” |
— Thusnelda to the tribes[src] |
Thusnelda is a main character on the Netflix original series Barbarians. She is portrayed by Jeanne Goursaud.
Thusnelda is a Germanic warrior from Cherusci. After her brother, Ansgar, was nearly killed by the Romans, Thusnelda, Folkwin, Hanno, and Eigil infiltrated the Romans' camp and stole their eagle in retaliation, which ultimately resulted in Folkwin's family being crucified and a bounty being placed on his head.[1] And so, the two them reunited with Arminius and forged an alliance with the neighboring tribes to over throw Rome.
Although Arminius became the rightful Reik of Cherusci, his leadership was being questioned by the very same people he swore to protect as he was once aligned with the Romans, so he and Thusnelda got married as she beared the tribes' trust and respect.[2] What started out as a political play eventually developed into a genuine relationship following Folkwin's presumed death. Together, Thusnelda and Ari led the tribes into battle and defeated Rome, though it came at the cost of her eye, which she sacrificed for wisdom as Woden did before her.[3]
Early Life[]
Thusnelda was born and raised alongside her younger brother, Ansgar, among the Cherusci, by their father, Segestes and mother, Irmina. Arminius and Folkwin were her two closest friends in childhood. The three of them swore a pact of allegiance one evening after Ari was nearly killed by a wolf. They each hold close to them a tooth from the wolf, which Thusnelda wears around her neck.[1]
Throughout the Series[]
Season 1[]
Stealing the Eagle[]
Thusnelda plays with her younger brother, Ansgar until their father tells her to let her hair down and to follow him. Her parents intend to sell their daughter to Reik Hadgan for the bridal price of five mares. However, Thusnelda has yet to warm up to the idea of being sold. Hadgan remarks that while Thusnelda’s hips are small, she has good teeth and strong muscles.
Thusnelda sneaks out and spies on the meeting of the tribes. As the tribal meeting concludes, Thusnelda races back to her village. On the path home, she is tackled and pinned to the ground by Folkwin. She accuses them of being spineless and cowardly. Thusnelda reminds Folkwin of the oath they once swore and looks to his necklace of a leather bound tooth. After having sex in the woods, she informs Folkwin that she’s been promised to Hadgan. Folkwin accuses her father of being a Roman lover and says that he’s disloyal and doesn’t care for her. Folkwin proposes they run away together, but in doing so, they would be banished, and Thusnelda doesn’t want that for either of them.
The Romans arrive to collect tribute, but they are unimpressed. 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, who grab Thusnelda and drag her by her hair. Ansgar comes to her rescue and bites Metellus’ arm. So he 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.
Thusnelda and Irmina take Ansgar to a seeres named Runa. She chants repeatedly while rubbing a white paste on his face. Thusnelda apologizes for her actions, which led to Ansgar’s injuries, but Irmina is overwhelmed with grief and slaps Thusnelda.
Thusnelda goes out to the bog and calls out the gods: "Women of the woods... take my sacrifice. Mother of Blood... give me bravery... and strength... until my brother is avenged. Mother of Fire... misgivings and doubt be burned... until my brother is avenged. And Sister of Wrath... grant me cruel twins... death and doom. And be a good sister to me now... though I was not. Though I was not." Unbeknownst to Thusnelda, Folkwin watches from afar.
Runa informs Thusnelda that Ansgar is a favorite of the gods. He’s been to the kingdom of death and returned. He still has a task to complete. 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.
Thusnelda informs Folkwin of her meeting with Runa, though he doesn’t believe in the gods sending signs nor oracles for that matter. The two agree that waiting for a sign is senseless, so they plot to capture the Roman’s standard. Then everyone will see that Rome isn’t invincible. They devise a plan to invade the Roman fort along with Hanno and Eigil. Thusnelda and Folkwin gain entry through the front barrier while posing as a noble with a sex slave for Centurion Metellus. They proceed further into the camp and kill the two soldiers guarding the standard. They recover the eagle and reconvene with Hanno and Eigil and hide the eagle in a container. While the Romans secure the camp, the four of them set the tent a blaze and walk right through the unmanned front barrier of the camp with the standard.
Thusnelda, Folkwin, Hanno, and Eigil return to Cherusci with the eagle. The entire tribe bares witness to their return and cheers them on. Folkwin hops down from the horse and hands Segimer the standard, who screams in triumph. After having sex, Thusnelda and Folkwin wash each other clean. Unfortunately, they are interrupted by the arrival of Romans. So the tribe flees behind Segimer’s gates with the standard.[4]
The Wrath of Rome[]
Many years ago, when Thusnelda and Folkwin saved Arminius as he being attacked by a wild wolf. Afterward, they each extracted a tooth from the dead wolf and made a pact: "Woden, bear witness to our pact of allegiance. We are one and one are we. Your enemy is my enemy. And my enemy is your enemy." Their pact is interrupted by a group of Romans. The three of them take off into the woods and retreat back to the village, where Reik Segimer had agreed to give up both Arminius and his youngest son to the Romans in exchange for peace. This was the last time they saw Ari.
Thusnelda and Folkwin reunites with Arminius for the first time since he had been taken away from Cherusci. He admits that he knows they stole the eagle and provides Thusnelda’s necklace as proof. Arminius warns them of the power of Rome and how they will be killed if they don’t submit. He asks for the eagle back and agrees to part ways. Thusnelda always knew that one day Arminius would return, but she doesn’t recognize the man he's become.
Thusnelda meets with her father, Segestes, who reveals that he went to the Romans and told them that Folkwin stole the standard. So Thusnelda warns Folkwin’s family that the Romans are coming for them. However, by the time they exit the hut, the soldiers are already waiting to apprehend them. One guard holds a blade to Vegis’ throat. When Wiborg charges towards him to rescue his son, he is stabbed and killed before each of them are crucifed by Varus.
As Folkwin returns, Thusnelda warns him against proceeding any further into Cherusci. But he does so nonetheless and finds that his entire family has been crucified. Thusnelda tells him to leave as his life is in danger. Folkwin refuses to allow his family to hang. He wishes to take them down first. Berulf approaches and tells him that he and the other guys will follow him wherever he goes. As Folkwin attempts to take his family down, Berulf hits him over the head and carries him out of the village for his own safety.[1]
Saving Ansgar[]
Thusnelda joins Ansgar outside. She can’t do anything but look up at Folkwin’s family that remains crucified in the center of the village. She then confronts Segimer 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 with taking them down before embracing her. Arminius and a group of Romans ride into the village. Thusnelda asks if he still thinks he’s on the right side. They question 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.
Thusnelda gives Ansgar a bath. She thinks that her mother is awful and that her father is a traitor. However, Irmina claims that without Segestes, they’d all be hanging. Back when she first met Segestes, she hated him. And that was a good thing. She informs Thusnelda that one day she’ll learn how to use her hate to get what she really wants. Thusnelda is clever. Irmina believes she could marry into a powerful tribe. To a husband she can control. This is why she questions why Thusnelda continues to hang onto Folkwin.
Folkwin’s family is laid to rest. Their bodies are put on top of the pyre and set ablaze. Runa leads the ceremony. Thusnelda steps away at the sight of Arminius and tells him that he isn’t wanted. Ansgar unexpectedly appears at the funeral and repeats the phrase "They’re burning!" Irmina begs him to stop as his actions are a disgrace, but he continues until Thusnelda takes him home.
As Thusnelda takes Ansgar home, she overhears Arminius speaking with a Bructeran, who informs him that they have Folkwin. As they ride out, Thusnelda puts Ansgar in bed and tries to leave on a horse, but she is apprehended by Segestes, who binds her to a support beam. He asks why she is doing this to him. She simply spits in his face and tells him that she hopes the five horses he’s selling her to Hadgan for will make him happy.
Thusnelda overhears her parents discussing putting Ansgar out of his misery and watches frantically as her mother leaves with her brother the following morning. She pleads with her father to release her so that she may save Ansgar. Thusnelda races through the woods to find Ansgar. He nearly walks off the cliff until Thusnelda comes to his rescue, saving him just as he reaches the edge. She then turns her attention towards her mother, grabbing her by the throat and holding her over the edge of the cliff, though she doesn’t have it in her to push Irmina over.
Thusnelda meets with Runa 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.[5]
Thusnelda the Seer[]
Thusnelda finds Folkwin and Arminius in the Dark Land. Folkwin reveals that Arminius saved his life. Arminius explains that nothing has changed; he was merely repaying a debt. Thusnelda and Folkwin attempt to try and convince Arminius to join them, but he insists that he belongs to Rome. He encourages them to find some place safe and never return. As for Arminius, he cannot return without Folkwin’s head on a pike, so he substitutes Folkwin’s head with Eigil’s as all barbarians look alike to Varus.
Thusnelda wants to go to the Marsi for help, but Folkwin is convinced that the Bructeri is their only option despite the fact that they tried to sell his head to the Romans. Folkwin remarks that the Bructeri only believe in gold and god, both of which they have plenty of — gold from the dead Romans he and Arminius killed and gods in the form of Thusnelda, who rumor has it, is a seer.
Thusnelda and Folkwin arrive in Bructeri and meet with Kunolf the Brukteer and Golmad just as a storm approaches. Kunolf questions why he shouldn’t just take the horses and gold from Folkwin as well as the bounty on his head. Folkwin argues they should come together to overthrow Rome. Kunolf isn’t interested in Varus and seeks to claim Folkwin's bounty. Thusnelda demands that they stop, claiming that she’s a seer and that the storm is the gods’ wrath. Kunolf isn’t convinced that she’s a seer and grabs Thusnelda by the hair. So Folkwin stabs Kunolf with a spear and kills him. Thusnelda claims that Kunolf brought the wrath of the gods onto them, causing them to betray their family and guests. For that, Thusnelda claims that Donar, the god, demands a sacrifice. She cuts out Kunolf’s heart. She adds that she’s seen them all in her dreams and proceeds to put the mark of Donar on Folkwin and Golmad’s foreheads with Kunolf’s blood. With this, they win over the trust of the Bructeri.
Thusnelda and Folkwin plot with Golmad and the Bructeri. Golmad reveals that all they have is a few hundred warriors to offer. Thusnelda and Folkwin then meet with Arminius. He’s ready to fight side-by-side with them. Rome is both of their enemies. Thusnelda and Folkwin were planning to attack an outpost, but Arminius intends to attack the three legions. But for that to work, the tribes must unite. Admittedly, the tribes don’t trust Arminius as they see him as a Roman. However, they do trust Thusnelda. Many admire her as a warrior, so Arminius proposes that the two of them wed. Folkwin is enraged by the notion and attacks Arminius.[6]
Marrying Arminius[]
Thusnelda and Folkwin reluctantly agree to Arminius' plan. So Thusnelda and Arminius return to Cherusci together, where they reveal to to her parents that she's engaged to be married.
Thusnelda explains Arminius’ plan to Runa and how the wedding should hopefully change the tribes’ view of Arminius. Only then will they be able to 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.
The wedding ceremony commences and the entire tribe is in attendance, as well as the other tribes. After the tribes 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, but Arminius is well aware that Thusnelda loves Folkwin.
Segestes and Irmina swear their loyalty to Thusnelda and Arminius. The two intend to leave soon and are putting the village in the care of Segestes. Before parting ways, Segestes tells Thusnelda that they’re more alike than she’s willing to admit. Talio then arrives with Folkwin’s necklace and takes them to the campsite where he found the necklace lying next to a pile of charred remains, who they believe to be Folkwin.
Thusnelda and Arminius head to the Roman’s camp to meet with Varus, who insists that Arminius is true to the cause. However, 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. Afterwards, Thusnelda questions where Arminius’ loyalties lie. She noticed how the Romans admire him and how Varus is like a father to him. Arminius does intend to gather the reiks’ sons as commanded, but he also has a plan.
In the weeks that followed, Thusnelda and Arminius took the son of every reik and instructed each of them to come to the next moon festival. The night arrives, and Rurik demands to know the whereabouts of his son. Arminius points out how they’re all too weak to stand up alone. Not even one single time could they band together to stop Rome from taking their sons. Arminius explains that their sons are safe in his village and protected. He never intended to give them over to Varus. In Rome, he was taught to despise his people and his roots. And he doesn’t want that for any other child. So they must come together to defeat Rome. In barely a moon, three Roman legions will return to Vetera from their summer campaign. Thusnelda explains that if they don’t fight, Rome will be their judge instead of their gods. Together, Arminius and Thusnelda convince the tribes to unite and fight.
Despite the fact that they’ve convinced the tribes to an alliance, Arminius knows that they still don’t trust him. He’s but a useful tool. It’s Thusnelda they trust. At dawn, he rides to Varus to lead the Romans into the woods. Thusnelda confesses to Arminius that she doesn’t want to be without him and the two have sex.[2]
The Battle of Teutoburg Forest[]
Thusnelda prays to the Woman of the Woods for help: "Mother of Blood… Mother of Fire... Sister of Wrath... please give me certainty... and grant me the gift... to perceive what’s to come. Are you on my side? I’ll sacrifice anything." Her prayer is interrupted by Hadgan, who still desires her. She’s the only reason he agreed to the battle. He’s sending his men into battle for her, and when it’s over, she’s coming back to Chatti with him. When Thusnelda shows her disinterest, Hadgan tries to rape her. Thusnelda manages to reach her blade and holds it to Hadgan’s throat.
Hadgan plans to retreat. He refuses to allow his men to die for nothing. 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. Aldarich’s prize will be Roman gold. And Golmad’s courageous feat will make Donar smile. She then tells them how she hears a song and it will forever be sung aloud.
As the Roman army travels through the forest, trees begin to fall all around them, separating the large force into smaller fleets. They suddenly find themselves surrounded by barbarians, who Thusnelda leaves into battle. Many die on both sides of this attack, though the tribes appear to have the upper hand. Arminius finds Thusnelda amidst the battle. He sees her eye, though she insists that she’s alright and tells him that today they will avenge Folkwin’s death.
The Romans have retreated to the field, which has been parted with an accelerant, which is then ignited, dividing the Roman legions, allowing them tribes to attack from all sides as they’re trapped within the flames. Standing in the middle of the battlefield is Ansgar. Thusnelda looks over and sees Folkwin guiding him to safety. The battle ends and the tribes prove victorious, though Arminius mourns Varus' death. Thusnelda encourages him not to mourn Varus as he never truly cared for Arminius. She then informs Arminius that he not only won the battle but the heart of his warriors. He can rule as their king and Thusnelda as his queen.
Thusnelda reunites with Folkwin after believing he was dead for so long. She tells him things are different now. She’s with Arminius and intends to rule with him.
Runa warns 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.[3]
Season 2[]
Abilities and Attributes[]
After Thusnelda, Folkwin, Hanno, and Eigil successfully infiltrated the Romans' camp and stole the standard, word of their conquest began to travel amongst the tribes, as well as rumor of Thusnelda being a seer. Although it was untrue, Thusnelda molded the rumor to her advantage and used it to convince the Bructeri to help them ambush Rome. After managing to forge an uneasy alliance with all of the tribes, Thusnelda, hoping to prevent any further defection, followed in Woden's footsteps and sacrificed her eye in return for wisdom and foresight, which she used to lead the tribe in battle.
Kill Count[]
- Roman Soldiers — Thusnelda killed numerous Roman soldiers during the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest.
Appearances[]
Season 1[]
Season 2[]
Trivia[]
- Much like in the series, Thusnelda was pregnant circa 14 AD after the Battle of Teutoburg Forest. Although Arminius was the child's father instead of Folkwin in the series. She bore Arminius' son, Thumelicus, while in Roman captivity. Thumelicus died as a gladiator at a young age, echoing Folkwin's pledge of his firstborn as a sacrifice.