Vikings recap: A civil war between brothers
The civil war between two sets of brothers begins on Vikings Season 5, Episode 8.
Vikings fans finally got to witness the battle between brothers. This isn’t just about the son of Ragnar facing against each other, but about King Harald and Halfdan on opposite sides of the war. As tension rise, Lagertha makes an attempt to prevent war, but does it have the desired effect?
Meanwhile, Floki’s settlement starts to grow. Of course, it isn’t without its problems, as a suggestion of a temple is made.
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Floki wants a temple
Before building any of the houses and farming crops, Floki wants his settlers to thank the Gods. After all, it’s the Gods who have brought Floki and his men to this magical place. Floki believes Thor should be the main God, since Thor was a farmer like the rest of them.
Not all the settlers agree. While Flatnose offers his land for the temple, Eyvind shares his thoughts on the matter. He isn’t impressed with Floki, the Gods or the land. In fact, he’s sure that Floki tricked them to come, lying until it was too late. It’s not like they can return home now and he’s sure most will die. There isn’t hope for his unborn grandson.
Is that the case? Aud doesn’t believe so and feels sorry for Floki. All Floki has wanted is likeminded followers, but he’s got doubters among his community and things aren’t boding well for the future.
Alfred shares his thoughts on England’s options
Back in Wessex, Alfred has a chance to talk to his mother, Judith, about everything he witnessed at Lindesfarne. He wasn’t impressed, especially with the Abbot’s refusal to change the sermon to English instead of Latin. There’s also the matter of fear of another attack. Alfred knows that just praying to God to not allow the Vikings to attack isn’t going to do any good.
Want does he think the English should do? He wants to create a navy. The best way to stop the Vikings would be on the water. Once they get to land, it’s too late. Of course, King Aethelwulf isn’t going to listen, as he’s too busy training Prince Aethelred to fight. Where does Alfred go from here?
Lagertha attempts to prevent civil war
As the battle begins, Lagertha decides to offer a truce instead. She wants to prevent the sons of Ragnar from fighting, which is all Bjorn and Ubbe want too. It’s really in Ivar’s hands.
For the truce, the two sides exchange hostages. Halfdan goes with King Harald and Hvitserk goes with Bjorn. Brothers have a chance to discuss their options, hoping to make the other side sway. It doesn’t work, although Bjorn’s words seem to have an affect later on Ivar.
Showing emotion and remorse, Ivar shares how much he hates himself for killing his brother Sigurd. He offers a truce, sharing he will no longer try to kill Lagertha. Of course, that’s the joke of the episode. Rather than give up his promise for vengeance, he denounces Ubbe as his brother. The war is on.
Ivar attempts to outsmart his brothers
As the battle begins, Ivar decides to use a similar tactic he used against the Saxons. He wants to force Bjorn’s forces to separate, not considering where Lagertha’s forces are (since they’re not on the battlefield). Ivar’s men go one with (with an unhappy Astrid) and Hvitserk’s men go another way. King Harald’s men stay on the battlefield and engage in war against Bjorn’s men.
In the trees, Lagertha’s army swiftly and silently attacks Hvitserk’s men. In reality, Bjorn and Ubbe outsmarted their brother. With Hvitserk’s men down, Lagertha’s army joins Bjorn’s on the battlefield, overpowering Harald’s men. Bishop Heahmund is gravely hurt and King Harald sounds the horns for Ivar’s men to return.
Ivar realizes this battle has been lost and refuses to let other men die for the cause. King Harald has no choice but to retreat, taking as many as they can to fight another day. Bishop Heahmund is left behind, assumed dead.
However, he’s still alive. When Lagertha realizes who Heahmund is, she chooses to save him. She’s not sure why, but she’s sure he’s needed. Could Heahmund switch sides and offer his knowledge to help with the civil war?
Vikings continues on Wednesdays at 9/8c on The History Channel.
Were you happy to see Ivar outsmarted? What will his plan be next? Share your thoughts in the comments below.