Eric Northman's Introduction

A thousand years of hunger, wrapped in a smile that could freeze blood.

Eric Northman is a vampire and the Sheriff of Area 5, introduced in the series as a 1,000-year-old vampire. He is portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård. In the show, Eric is a powerful figure within the vampire community, operating from his base in Bon Temps, Louisiana. His character is defined by his ancient age and his role in the local vampire hierarchy, where he reports to the Vampire Queen. The series presents Eric as a complex figure navigating the politics of the vampire world following the "Great Revelation" brought about by the invention of Tru Blood.

Quick Facts

Character: Eric Northman
Role: Vampire; Sheriff of Area 5
Actor: Alexander Skarsgård

Lore & Background

Eric Northman is a 1,000-year-old vampire and the Sheriff of Area 5 in Louisiana. He is a key figure in the vampire community, which is divided after the invention of synthetic blood ("Tru Blood") allowed vampires to reveal their existence. Eric's position places him within the vampire hierarchy, where he reports to the Vampire Queen. The series shows him navigating the political landscape of vampires who wish to integrate into human society and those who believe co-existence is impossible. Eric's age and experience make him a formidable character, and his actions are driven by the complex rules and loyalties of the vampire world.

Reader's Guide

In the series, Eric Northman is introduced as the 1,000-year-old vampire Sheriff of Area 5. His character is central to the vampire political structure in Bon Temps. The show explores his interactions with other characters, including Sookie Stackhouse and Bill Compton, as part of the larger narrative about vampire integration and the struggle for equal rights. Key plot points involving Eric include his search for the ancient vampire Godric in Season 2, his alliance with Sookie to find Bill in Season 3, and his involvement with the Vampire Authority in Season 5.