Vikings recap: Bjorn and Ubbe help Lagertha outsmart Ivar

Ivar has proven himself a great warrior, but is he undefeatable in Vikings?

Bjorn returns home in Vikings Season 5, Episode 7. “Full Moon” is the start of the end for Ragnar’s sons. They need to fight against each other for their beliefs and preferences over the throne of Kattegat. Meanwhile, one wife whispers in the ear of her husband, as Lagertha learns who she can trust.

Floki also has trouble at hand. As his followers reach their Promised Land, they realize that things aren’t quite as Floki made out. Will he have an uprising on his hands?

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Floki shares his dreams for the new world

After days of walking, Floki’s followers are fed up. They’ve lost faith in this new land that the Gods have supposedly promised. Is it possible that the trickster God has lured them somewhere to die?

As a hot water spring sets off, many start to fear evil. However, one points out that this is the Gods way of offering hot water. They have everything they need to bathe and make hot bread. What else could they want?

While everyone tries to settle, Floki turns to the Gods. He needs a sign that he’s doing everything they ask. Afterwards, he shares his dream for this new world. It’s a land of equality, where the sick are looked after, only those who can afford to will pay tax and there’s no axe to settle disputes. It all seems too good to be true, especially when Floki points out that there will be no ruler. Not all the followers are convinced, claiming Floki just wants to rule the land himself.

Alfred learns more about his father

After reaching Lindesfarne, Alfred meets the new monks at the rebuilt monastery. None of them new Aethelstan, but heard of the tales of Ragnar. There were stories of the monk who converted and was crucified and Alfred knows that is his father. As Aethelstan’s memory becomes negative, Alfred makes a point of sharing his view that things aren’t quite black and white when it comes to the Vikings and Christianity.

Alfred also shares that he believes the monk sermons should be in English. Most of the people don’t speak Latin, so view the monks as superior beings. If the monks don’t want that view, then they need to change.

In the end, Alfred starts praying, sensing his father close by. Aethelstan’s voice appears over Alfred’s, as they recite the Lord’s Prayer together.

Astrid has news for King Harald

When Astrid throws up and King Harald sees, she has no choice but to be honest. There’s a chance she’s pregnant. While he may be happy, it’s clear that Astrid isn’t. Just how is the father and what could this mean for her relationship with Lagertha should they find their way back to each other?

In the end, the conversation of the baby is cut short. The fleet turns up and it’s time to prepare for war.

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Ivar and Heahmund connect over battle plans

Now that Bishop Heahmund has agreed to join Ivar, he’s allowed out of captivity. The two play chess, while discussing battle plans. Ivar wants to destroy everyone who stands in his way, while Heahmund admits that he doesn’t care which side wins. All he wants is the Heathens dead.

Hvitserk brings up fate, but Heahmund reminds both that his God may have given him this path but it was his free will that chose to follow it. It leads to Hvitserk questioning fate and whether he made the right choice to remain with Ivar. Heahmund sees that the brothers don’t see eye-to-eye and it could be their weak spot.

However, Ivar makes it clear that he doesn’t fully trust Heahmund. There’s a chance that Heahmund will betray him, but Heahmund makes it clear that he will remain true to his words spoken. Of course, he never once states that he will not turn against Ivar when the time is right and has always made it clear that he just wants all Heathens dead. Is this the start of a friendship or a long con?

Bjorn returns home

Most of the focus of Vikings is in Kattegat, where Bjorn returns with Halfdan. After their events in the desert, it’s time to regroup and reconsider their options. Bjorn admits that he’s not wholly happy about returning home, as it means returning to Torvi; a woman he no longer loves.

Back at Kattegat, there is a warm welcome from the majority of people. Torvi realizes that she and Bjorn don’t have the same love anymore, and realized that when Bjorn didn’t return after the fight in England. She allows him to go free, although is understandably upset about it. All she wants is for Bjorn to support the children, which he promises to do.

It doesn’t take long for Bjorn to move on. To get help against King Harald, Lagertha has turned to another kingdom for help and King Svase has come to Kattegat with his daughter. Bjorn takes an instant liking and encourages his mother to arrange a marriage between the two nations. The king agrees, as long as his daughter wants to marry Bjorn. Of course, it turns out the princess had taken an instant liking to Bjorn to and is more than willing to become his wife. That is after she’s tied him up and had her way with him.

Lagertha and her council discuss strategy

With the second full moon approaching, Lagertha starts to doubt her chances against Ivar. Bjorn has to give her a pep talk, reminding his mother of the woman she is. It doesn’t help that Margrethe is still whispering in Ubbe’s ear.

Margrethe makes it clear to Ubbe that she wants to become queen. After all, it’s a powerful position for a former slave. She wants Ubbe not to fight, but to take his position as king after Lagertha and Bjorn are dead, since he would be the eldest living son of Ragnar. Does she really think Ivar will let Ubbe do this?

When a council meeting is held, Lagertha, Bjorn and Ubbe discuss their options. With Halfdan confirmed on side (after Bjorn saved his life, he is going to stand by Bjorn against his brother, Harald), they all discuss leaving Kattegat and taking the fight elsewhere. They need to scout ground and use the ground that favors them, as Ivar would do the same. Bjorn and Ubbe also point out that Ivar’s ships will need an army to stay behind, which can help to reduce the forces on the ground.

Of course, Ubbe points out that Ivar could expect everyone to leave Kattegat (believing that Ivar is fighting elsewhere) and then take Kattegat. The war would be for nothing. Lagertha decides to go with Bjorn’s plan and hope to play Ivar at his own game.

Finally, with the full moon above, everyone knows it’s time to bring an end to the world as they know it. It’s time to end Ragnar’s legacy.

Did you expect Astrid’s pregnancy? Will Floki’s dreams work out? What will Ubbe decide to do? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Vikings Season 5 continues on Wednesday at 9/8c on The History Channel.