History provides a first look at the their new scripted series, Vikings.
In 8th century Scandinavia, Ragnar Lothbrok is a warrior and a farmer who dreams of finding riches by bucking the tradition of raiding to the east. Ragnar has been working in secret on a project that will turn the Viking world on its head. But first Ragnar must convince the leader of his community, the powerful Earl Haraldson, who is none too happy to share in the renown that this journey could bring to Ragnar if it's successful.
A monastery in Lindesfarne is about to get a firsthand look at how the Vikings operate. In and out in a flurry of violence and terror, Ragnar and his crew raid the monastery for everything it contains, from treasure to monks who can be sold as slaves. Unable to ignore the riches this unsanctioned journey has returned, Earl Haraldson has no choice but to agree to let these warriors undertake a second trip out. The West has now been opened for the taking by Ragnar Lothbrok, and the world of the Vikings will never be the same.
The Vikings head back to England to see what other treasures this new world has to offer. Ragnar and his crew sail out with Earl Haraldson's permission… and also with Earl Haraldson's spy. After bloodshed on the beach, the Vikings choose the Sabbath to invade the town of Hexam and unleash a flood of violence and panic. In the midst of the terror, Ragnar and Lagertha discover that there are consequences for every action and Earl Haraldson is always watching.
In the Great Hall of Kattegat, a seer reads Earl Haraldson’s future and tells him that Ragnar Lothbrok searches for his death. The unanswerable question is whom do the gods favor more? As a man willing to defend his power and status to the death, Haraldson intends to take precautionary measures. Ragnar, his home and farm burned by the Earl is hurt but hidden safely away. He must now choose the path that will lead him back to his freedom.
The traditional pilgrimage to Uppsala to thank the gods brings a torrent of emotions for Ragnar, Lagertha, and Athelstan. Ragnar, pulling farther away from his wife goes to make peace with the death of his unborn son. Lagertha, still reeling from her miscarriage, wants to find out from the gods if more sons are in her future. As the Vikings come together to sacrifice and give thanks to their gods, Athelstan discovers just how strong his Christian faith still is.
At the behest of King Horik, Ragnar assembles a small party to travel to Gotaland (modern day Sweden) to resolve a land dispute with the area’s leader, Jarl Borg. Ragnar’s renown precedes him and Jarl Borg is intrigued – has he found a new ally or is Ragnar just a puppet of the king? Meanwhile in Kattegat, with a plague taking its toll on the village, the people look to Lagertha to help appease the gods.
The battle begins between Ragnar and King Horik's forces against Jarl Borg. Borg is joined by Rollo, and this Viking clash pits brother against brother. There can only be one victor. Meanwhile, Princess Aslaug makes her way to Kattegat and brings with her a surprise that leaves Ragnar in a difficult predicament.
King Ecbert visits the developing Viking settlement as the first harvest is sown and rebuffs criticism from his leading nobles. In Mercia, the Wessex/Viking forces charge at the battle at the Hill of the Ash. In Kattegat, Harbard arrives in to the Great Hall and his mysterious aura fascinates Aslaug and Helga but Siggy remains suspicious. There are strange and tragic happenings in Kattegat, and Siggy suspects Harbard is the cause.
The victorious Wessex/Viking forces return to Wessex but there is rancour in the Viking camp–Floki is angry over the alliance with Ecbert and resentful the influence that he feels Athelstan has over Ragnar. Princess Kwenthrith makes some calculating political moves following the battle at the Hill of the Ash in Mercia. Visitors from the past arrive in Hederby, at Kalf’s invitation.
The fleet returns to Kattegat to find tragic circumstances await. Lagertha learns that her Earldom has been usurped and convinces Ragnar to travel to Hederby with her in an effort to reclaim her title. Ragnar causes great surprise when he announces the next raid. The Seer has interesting prophecies for Rollo.
The appearance of the Viking fleet causes panic among the population of Paris. The Emperor Charles, urged by his daughter Gisla, announces in Court he will remain in the city. The defense of Paris is in the hands of its Commander, Count Odo, who hopes that a heroic victory against the Vikings will gain him Gisla’s hand in marriage. The Vikings establish camp downriver from the city and plan their attack.
Entry to Valhalla eludes Ragnar, but as he lies in his sick bed in Kattegat events unfold beyond his control. Bjorn orders the arrest of Floki for Athelstan's murder while in Paris, Rollo betrays the last of his Viking supporters to strengthen his position in the French court. In Hedeby, Kalf announces joint earldom with Lagertha, but is power sharing Kalf's true intention and is Lagertha actually willing to share what once was hers?
In England, King Ecbert's true ambitions are revealed as he plans to gain the crown of Mercia. While outside Paris, the Vikings attack with considerable force, but can they overcome Rollo's defenses? Meanwhile, Harbard, the mysterious wanderer, returns and causes a stir amongst the women of Kattegat.
Defeat for the Vikings calls Ragnar's leadership into question as they evacuate their camp and move back down river. Ragnar remains inscrutable until he orders the fleet to beach at a cliff face and unveils an ingenious plan. Rollo and Gisla have news that strengthens Rollo's position at the French Court whilst Count Odo fails to identify his true enemies, with fatal consequences.
The labors of the Vikings eventually bear fruit as, within sight of Paris, they re-launch their boats but this time along with some interesting structures that Floki has built. Aethelwulf and Alfred eventually arrive in Rome and honors are conferred by Pope Leo but relations are not so cordial in Wessex between King Ecbert and the disgruntled King Aelle.
A recap of Season 1 through 4.
Ragnar's reappearance in Kattegat triggers a chain of events no one - except the Seer - could have ever imagined. He unexpectedly arrives home to see what has become of his sons and to handle unfinished business in Wessex with King Ecbert. Meanwhile, Lagertha plans a power play in Kattegat and Bjorn prepares to fulfill his long-held dream to explore the Mediterranean in a sleek new boat built for him by Floki.
The Kattegat locals chide Ragnar that the gods have deserted him as he struggles to crew his voyage to Wessex. It's Bjorn who has charisma now as he prepares to fulfill his long-held dream to explore the Mediterranean in a sleek new boat built for him by Floki. By contrast, Ragnar must accept weathered boats and a crew he has bribed but when Aslaug foresees that the fleet will be lost in a vicious storm her warnings go un-heeded by Ragnar and her precious son, Ivar.
Ragnar's fleet is shipwrecked and washes up on the Wessex coast, but without enough survivors to form a credible force, Ragnar and Ivar have a difficult decision to make. Rollo meets his Viking comrades again and can't resist the urge to join Bjorn's voyage, risking his marriage and his new Frankish identity. Ragnar too is taking a risk as he carries Ivar towards the Royal Villa in Wessex – throwing himself and his son upon the mercy of King Ecbert.
In this one-hour recap special, Ivar the Boneless summons the Seer to tell him about his greatest enemy, Lagertha. The Seer takes us through Lagertha's epic story in the previous 4 seasons, telling everything there is to know about the formidable warrior, fearless leader, and legendary shieldmaiden.
Before “Vikings” raids our screens for their boldest, bloodiest, and most badass season yet, get a look behind the scenes for exclusive interviews with your favorite cast members, a shieldmaiden makeover, and never-before-seen sets.
Six months after the battle of Kattegat and Bjorn is now the king. As he struggles with the responsibilities of kingship, he finds he can’t rely on his mother, who has other plans. Ivar falls into the hands of Kievan Rus and may have finally met his match. Intrigued by Ivar’s claim to be a god, Oleg decides to put him through a test.
Lagertha is visited by women from nearby villages and they feast together happily, however the community is shattered by shocking events. In Kiev, Oleg continues to be friendly to Ivar who is aware of the threat he poses not only to himself, but also to the young heir of the throne. Bjorn has answered the call and comes to the aid of an old enemy, but all is not right as disaster looms for his forces.
Lagertha leads her village’s response to the recent attacks, but when the attack comes the consequences are tragic. Olaf has a bold new plan for the future Norway. In Kiev, although Ivar discusses Oleg’s ambitions for Scandinavia, he’s more interested in the plight of Igor, the young heir who Oleg controls.
As Norway’s Kings and Jarls arrive at Harald’s territory for the election of the King of all Norway, Olaf is certain of the result, however it may not go as smoothly as he believes. Lagertha’s village is anxious in anticipation of another attack and she is relieved when Gunnhild arrives with re-enforcements. In Kiev, Igor and Ivar engage in subterfuge and Ivar is stunned when he encounters a ghost from his past.
Bjorn is forced to act quickly in the aftermath of the election for the king of all Norway. The Bandits attack Lagertha’s village again confident of an easy victory. However, when the defense boils down to single combat with Lagertha, victory seems less likely. In Kattegat, haunted and paranoid, Hvitserk continues to unravel.
On the run after being defeated by Ivar the Boneless in Kattegat, Torvi tells her son Hali the story of his legendary father, Viking warrior and explorer Bjorn Ironside to ensure their family saga lives on.
After leaving Kattegat, Ivar the Boneless embarks on a journey to unknown places, where he stumbles upon a stranger and suddenly remembers previous memories, which forces him to recall the story of the unique genius that is Floki.
Bjorn is reunited with his brothers Ivar and Hvitserk for a strange gathering after Bjorn is gravely injured in battle. As they share tales of the exploits of their people, and prophecies of Ragnarok, it becomes clear that this is not a simple reunion.