The 13th Warrior – Review

Based on the book “Eaters of the Dead” and taking place in AD 922, The 13^th Warrior tells the tale of Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan (Banderas), a poet turned warrior that is now out to hunt savage beasts. Initially made an ambassador to the far north, Ahmad journeys by camelback from Baghdad to Europa trying to avoid murderous bandits called Tartars.

Chased by these notorious Tartars, Ahmed’s caravan goes scrambling towards the shoreline. As a Northman boat approaches from the river, the Tartars flee, much to the caravan’s delight. Ahmed wants to converse with this new party, and goes to the camp. Ahmed and his compatriot Melchisidek (Sharif) attempt interaction with this clan of Northmen, and learn that their king has just died, and they are holding his funeral on the shore.

A boy appears, asking for help. His father’s village is under attack. They are being menaced by an ancient evil, by a terror with no name, which must not be named. Ahmed is unsure of what this enemy could be, but the Vikings are quick to avoid furthering discussion. After consulting a soothsayer and her magic runes, she asks for 13 men. The warriors are inspired and volunteer, hitting 12 quickly. However… the prophet then notates that the last member must be “no Northman.” They all look to Ahmed as number 13.

The group sets off on a dangerous journey and Ahmed continues to learn their different culture as well as changing his own body and mind accordingly. The Arab is mocked for his small horse, or is it a dog? The Viking warriors are not used to his customs or words, but they will all have to get comfortable with each other to survive this haunting task.

The 13^th Warrior never really caught fire with critics nor with fans, but it is definitely worth a look. It may not be anything “new and different” per se, but what it does, it does very well. It is in capable hands with director McTiernan, and the source material is strong (a Michael Crichton book). The journey presented is interesting and has some nice presentation mechanics (such as the slick language shift), along with solid action and decent characters.