History's 'Vikings': Exclusive first look at trailer

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Published on December 19, 2012 05:00AM EST

History scored earlier this year with a dramatic, mini-series retelling of the legendary drama between the dueling Hatfield and McCoy clans, and the cable network is once again dipping back into legend again with a new series Vikings, which will debut early next year. Following our first-look photo, EW has an exclusive sneak peek at the series — starring Gabriel Byrne, Travis Fimmel, Jessalyn Gilsig, Gustaf Skarsgard (yes, brother of Alexander and son of Stellan), Clive Standen, and Katheryn Winnick — via the debut trailer.

The 30-second promotional clip is a smorgasbord of beards, long hair, shields, weapons, and general savagery that — depending on how it all pans out in series format — looks like it could be quite the juicy, battle-filled dive into a long-gone world. In previous press releases, History calls the series — which is created and written by The Tudors creator Michael Hirst — "high on adventure, exploration, conflict, warfare, and bloodshed," as well as a "family saga." Specifically, the actions follows historical figure Ragnar Lothbrok (Fimmel) as he rises up the ranks to become King of the Viking tribes.

Promises the trailer: "A storm is coming." Indeed. See for yourself here:

Tanner on Twitter: @EWTanStransky

First Look: History's 'Vikings'