Viking King / King of the Vikings
vk001 · Vikings
Initial Wave · 2005 - Debut of the Vikings theme
Figure ID
vk001
Theme
Vikings
Year Released
2005 - Debut of the Vikings theme
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While the sets were retail, the Vikings theme had a short lifespan (2005-2006) and this specific variant is highly sought after by castle enthusiasts.
Head
Yellow head with stern eyebrows and small mouth; largely obscured by the massive dark orange beard piece.
Torso
Light Bluish Gray with detailed printed scale mail and a black belt with a silver buckle; dark orange printed detailing on the back; asymmetric arm colors (Light Bluish Gray and White) representing armor/clothing mix.
Legs
Standard Blue legs without printing; light bluish gray hips.
Accessories
Flat Silver winged helmet (highly detailed mold); Dark Orange wrap-around beard piece; reddish brown spear/staff element.
Color Scheme
Primary: Blue/Silver. Accents: Dark Orange (beard) and White. Features a mix of historical metallic tones and high-visibility primary colors.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso front and back; specific 2005 era aesthetic with thick lines and bold colors aimed at a grittier fantasy-realistic look.
Variants
This is the classic King variant; other Vikings in the line share parts, and the helmet was later released in copper-toned sets.
Condition Notes
The helmet wings are prone to stress marks or snapping if bent. The beard piece is made of a softer plastic that can attract dust or suffer teeth marks from younger builders.
Estimated Value
Used: $25 - $40 USD; New (taken from sealed set): $50 - $65 USD. Parts alone are valuable, particularly the helmet and beard.
Price (New)
Included in sets ranging from $14.99 (7016) to $99.99 (7019). Not sold individually.
Compatible Sets
7016 Viking Boat against the Wyvern Dragon, 7019 Viking Fortress against the Fafnir Dragon.
Character Background
The unnamed leader of the Viking clan, specifically tasked with hunting legendary monsters like the Fafnir and Midgard serpents in this LEGO-specific mythology.
Design Notes
Incorporated the then-new Flat Silver color extensively. The winged helmet mold is iconic to 2000s LEGO and remains a fan favorite for custom fantasy builders.
Similar Minifigures
Viking Warrior (vk002), Viking Lord (7017 version), and modern CMF Vikings such as Series 4 Viking or Series 20 Viking Rider.
Collectibility
High. The Vikings theme was the precursor to Castle (2007) and serves as a bridge for collectors of historical and fantasy-themed minifigures.
History
Released during a transitional period for LEGO where they experimented with more aggressive, action-oriented themes (like Exo-Force and Bionicle) to boost sales.
Interesting Facts
The Vikings theme was actually a reskin of a proposed 'Dragons' concept, using mythological Norse creatures to avoid competing directly with the existing Knights Kingdom line.
Display Suggestions
Looks best standing on the prow of a LEGO Viking Longship (7018) or inside a wooden-style fortress palisade.
Modification Potential
Excellent. The head, helmet, and beard are essential 'purist' pieces for creating custom Dwarves or Barbarians for Dungeons and Dragons MOCs.
Overall Assessment
An 8/10 figure. It is a defining piece of its era with one of the best headgear/hair combinations produced in the mid-2000s.