Vikings

The world of the Vikings is brought to life through the journey of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), the first Viking to emerge from Norse legend and onto the pages of history - a man on the edge of myth. Our story begins in 8th century Scandinavia where 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 (Gabriel Byrne), who is none too happy to share in the renown that this journey could bring to Ragnar if it's successful.

The stage is set for the first journey west by Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) as he gathers a crew -- including Rollo (Clive Standen) and Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) -- willing to risk their lives to travel into the unknown...all without the permission of Earl Haraldson (Gabriel Byrne). Meanwhile, Haraldson's paranoia reaches new heights as it becomes apparent that trust is extremely difficult to come by in this dark era. Katheryn Winnick and Jessayln Gilsig also star.

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 (Travis Fimmel) 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 (Gabriel Byrne) 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. This go round Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) 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 (Katheryn Winnick) 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 (Travis Fimmel) 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 (Gabriel Byrne) intends to take precautionary measures. Ragnar's home and farm are burned to the ground by the Earl and Ragnar is hurt but hidden safely away. He must now choose the path that will lead him back to his freedom. Katheryn Winnick also stars.

Despite Lagertha's protestations that he is still far too hurt and weak, Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) decides he must meet the Earl (Gabriel Byrne) head-on after it comes to light that Rollo (Clive Standen) has been tortured on Haraldson's orders. The two men will come together face to face in a brutal battle with but a single possible outcome: Only one man will leave this fight alive. Katheryn Winnick and Jessayln Gilsig also star.

Three Viking ships sail upriver towards the very heart of power in eastern England: the Royal Villa of King Aelle. Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) has come looking for ransom in exchange for peace. However, King Aelle (Ivan Kaye) has a far more deadly plan in mind for these northern heathens....one that involves Rollo (Clive Standen). Meanwhile, back home, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) serves as ruler and places Siggy (Jessayln Gilsig) under her protection.

The traditional pilgrimage to Uppsalla to thank the gods brings a torrent of emotions for Ragnar (Travis Fimmel), Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), and Athelstan (George Blagden). 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.

In the season finale of Vikings, at the behest of King Horik (Donal Logue), Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) assembles a small party to travel to Gotaland (modern-day Sweden) to resolve a land dispute with the area's leader, Jarl Borg (Thorbjorn Harr). 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 (Katheryn Winnick) to help appease the gods.