Bjorn Ironsides returns home to a changed world.
His brothers have gone to war.
His mother has lost her lover.
Credit: Jonathan Hession/History
His own love for Torvi has cooled, frozen, splintered into a hundred pieces.
He worries Ivar will destroy his fathers legacy for all time.
Our fathers legacy lives through us, Bjorn, says Ubbe.
Or he doesnt live at all.
This week, Bjorn lives up to Ragnars legacy of falling for foreign princesses on first sight.
The Sami people have come from afar to buoy Lagerthas forces, bringing with them Princess Snaefrid.
After parting ways with Torvi, Bjorn asks for Snaefrids hand in marriage.
She is a surprising woman, telling tales of half-castration, tying Bjorn up in knots.
All Viking life is tied up in knots now.
In the enemy village, Astrid discovers that she is pregnant.
What a tangled romantic web Ragnars family weaves!
Lagertha herself wonders what the future holds.
She tells her son that, someday, I would like to go back to being a farmer.
Living the simple life.
Watching the sun rise in the morning and set in the evening.
Where does Lagertha fall now?
Is she aiming toward a great victory, or falling toward her grave?
It will be Ragnarok, is how Bjorn describes the upcoming battle.
Ivar will be like the wolf Fenrik.
And he will make a run at tear the sky apart.
Ivar is making plans.
He plays what looks like chess, the same game he once played with young Prince Alfred.
He discusses many things with his pet bishop, Heahmund.
They talk of the Virgin Mary and of miracles, and of Heahmunds purpose.
Ivar isnt sure if he can trust his warrior priest, and maybe he doesnt care.
Young Ivar recognizes the value of improvisation.
Lagertha bets on her sons tactics.
It could be the bet of her life.
Alfred himself is searching for his father.
He prays the Our Father and hears the voice of Athelstan, or perhaps it is just the wind.
The Full Moon rises, promising war in the Viking world.
Someday soon, whoever wins this battle will return to England, to the land of Alfred.
All action trends toward battle, and death.
Is there another way?
Some fear the geyser of water, but others recognize the blessing of the gods.
Floki himself dreams of a new society, without axes, without kings.
There are those who think they have come to the land of the devils.
And there are those who do not trust Floki.
For who can believe a man who doesnt want to be king?
