The Northman
Prince Amleth is on the verge of becoming a man when his father is brutally murdered by his uncle, who kidnaps the boy's mother. Two decades later, Amleth is now a Viking who's on a mission to save his mother, kill his uncle and avenge his father.
The film disappointed at the box office against its moderate budget of $70.0M, earning $69.6M globally (-1% loss).
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Northman (2022) exemplifies meticulously timed story structure, characteristic of Robert Eggers's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 17 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Young Prince Amleth lives in idyllic Iceland with his father King Aurvandill and mother Queen Gudrún. He is destined to inherit the kingdom, embodying innocence and royal privilege before tragedy strikes.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 16 minutes when Fjölnir, Amleth's uncle, murders King Aurvandill and burns the kingdom. Young Amleth witnesses his father's death and barely escapes as his mother is taken. The boy vows: "I will avenge you, Father. I will save you, Mother. I will kill you, Fjölnir.".. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 34 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Amleth actively chooses to abandon the Vikings and pose as a slave to infiltrate Fjölnir's new settlement in Iceland. He retrieves the magical sword Draugr and commits fully to his revenge quest, leaving his berserker life behind., moving from reaction to action.
At 69 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Amleth discovers the devastating truth: his mother Gudrún was not a victim but a co-conspirator who orchestrated King Aurvandill's murder with Fjölnir, her true love. She never wanted to be saved. Amleth's entire mission is built on a false understanding of the past., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 101 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Amleth is captured and hung in chains after his identity is exposed. His mother Gudrún reveals her complete betrayal and orders his death. The whiff of death is literal—he will be executed at dawn. All seems lost; his quest for justice revealed as built on lies., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 110 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. A vision from the Seeress shows Amleth the Tree of Kings—his unborn descendants who will only live if he completes his fate. He realizes he must choose his children's future over his own life. This synthesis of love (Olga/children) and duty (vengeance) gives him clarity and purpose., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Northman's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping The Northman against these established plot points, we can identify how Robert Eggers utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Northman within the action genre.
Robert Eggers's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Robert Eggers films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Northman represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Robert Eggers filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Robert Eggers analyses, see The Witch, The Lighthouse and Nosferatu.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Young Prince Amleth lives in idyllic Iceland with his father King Aurvandill and mother Queen Gudrún. He is destined to inherit the kingdom, embodying innocence and royal privilege before tragedy strikes.
Theme
During the manhood ritual, the Fool/shaman tells Amleth: "You cannot escape your fate." This statement encapsulates the film's exploration of destiny versus choice, and whether vengeance truly heals or perpetuates cycles of violence.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Viking kingdom life, father-son bonding rituals, the mystical manhood ceremony in the temple, and the return of King Aurvandill from war. Shows the Norse world's brutality and spirituality.
Disruption
Fjölnir, Amleth's uncle, murders King Aurvandill and burns the kingdom. Young Amleth witnesses his father's death and barely escapes as his mother is taken. The boy vows: "I will avenge you, Father. I will save you, Mother. I will kill you, Fjölnir."
Resistance
Time jump to adult Amleth living as a berserker raider, having suppressed his humanity to become a pure killing machine. A Seeress vision reminds him of his unfulfilled vow. He debates whether to continue his bestial existence or reclaim his destiny.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Amleth actively chooses to abandon the Vikings and pose as a slave to infiltrate Fjölnir's new settlement in Iceland. He retrieves the magical sword Draugr and commits fully to his revenge quest, leaving his berserker life behind.
Mirror World
Amleth meets Olga, a Slavic sorceress enslaved alongside him. She represents an alternative path—love, freedom, and escape from the cycle of vengeance. Their connection introduces the possibility of choosing life over death-driven destiny.
Premise
Amleth infiltrates Fjölnir's household as a slave, gets close to his targets, begins psychological torture using mystical means, falls in love with Olga, and gradually undermines his uncle's power while maintaining his disguise. The "promise of the premise"—a revenge tale unfolds.
Midpoint
Amleth discovers the devastating truth: his mother Gudrún was not a victim but a co-conspirator who orchestrated King Aurvandill's murder with Fjölnir, her true love. She never wanted to be saved. Amleth's entire mission is built on a false understanding of the past.
Opposition
Amleth spirals into confusion and rage. His mother actively opposes him, revealing she considers him a threat. Fjölnir suspects treachery. Amleth escalates violence—killing Fjölnir's heir in a brutal ball game. Olga reveals she's pregnant. The stakes intensify as all paths narrow.
Collapse
Amleth is captured and hung in chains after his identity is exposed. His mother Gudrún reveals her complete betrayal and orders his death. The whiff of death is literal—he will be executed at dawn. All seems lost; his quest for justice revealed as built on lies.
Crisis
In captivity, Amleth faces his dark night. Olga uses sorcery to free him and they prepare to escape to the Orkney Islands. Amleth must choose: flee with Olga and their unborn children to start a new life, or complete the revenge that has defined him.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
A vision from the Seeress shows Amleth the Tree of Kings—his unborn descendants who will only live if he completes his fate. He realizes he must choose his children's future over his own life. This synthesis of love (Olga/children) and duty (vengeance) gives him clarity and purpose.
Synthesis
Amleth sends Olga to safety, then executes his final revenge: kills his mother Gudrún and challenges Fjölnir to single combat at the Gates of Hel (an active volcano). The climactic duel intercuts between mythic Valhalla visions and brutal reality. Both men mortally wound each other.
Transformation
Amleth dies from his wounds but achieves transcendence—a vision shows Olga escaping with their twin children to the Orkney Islands while Valkyries carry Amleth to Valhalla. He has broken the cycle for his children while fulfilling his fate. Transformation through sacrifice.