His condescending attitude seems to serve 2 purposes in the film: Lucas trying to elevate himself to a God-like status among the Icelanders, who he considers like Godless animals, while also covering up his own feelings of insecurity. He worries he will look weak when asked to wrestle with Carl, and only agrees to wrestle with Ragnar, a stronger, larger man, after he defeats Carl. (Carl likely let him win in order to introduce the viewer to the deepening level of struggle with Ragnar)

Even his hobby of photography, which he risks his life as well as the lives of others for, could have been considered rebellious against God back in a time when many cultures regarded photographs as “stealing the soul” or making a graven image. His obsession with his equipment might even be considered worshipping an idol. He does seem more concerned for his equipment than he does for the cross they are also carrying for the new church.

Ragnar even starts off being a good man and you watch him kind of spiral downward right along with Lucas. So he may have represented Lucas’ darker side coming out. LOTS of religious symbolism captured with absolutely magnificent cinematography. Anna’s “Terrible.” and after a pause, “And beautiful” response to Lucas’ comment about Iceland being “terribly beautiful” could also be the director’s view of God or religion having that kind of duality.

Godland is definitely not a film for anyone who needs action and a clear storyline, but wonderful for anyone who likes films that make them think a little deeper.