VIKINGS – 201 ‘Brothers War’ Three’s A Crowd

The two sides prepare for war, brother against brother. Ragnar has not heard from his sibling and is troubled. Floki advises: “One must always think the worst, Ragnar, even from your own kin. That way you avoid too much disappointment in life.” And with that cheery statement we are off to the races!

An envoy is sent on one last appeal for peace. Rollo replies “I shall answer him with blood.”  The elder brother is not such a forgiving type and his anger fuels his fury.

A Shield Wall is raised and opposite sides charge. No one wants this, least of all the brothers. Pain can do that to a family and this one is no different. When it came down to it in the end, Rollo yielded, his anger spent. In the middle of all this free for all, Floki is greviously injured and I for one am very grateful for his continued survival. The wackadoodle Viking has an uncanny gift for the speaking truth in all matters.

Peace is brokered between Jarl and his enemy. Raiding heals all wounds. It is known. Rollo is taken captive, however upon leaving the field we can see that Ragnar may forgive, but Floki won’t forget this betrayal. The look on his face did not exude warm and fuzzies. Rollo is brought before the clan for judgement, and is spared thanks to a lawgiver with a penchant for gold.

Lagertha cuts to the heart of the matter, upon their return and points out the pink elephant in the room with three words. Who is Aslaug? The two enter into a very heated and physical argument which ended in a rather violent make up. Ragnar promised he would never see her again, however the tides soon turn and someone should have warned him regarding vows not kept.

The new Earl gets a large surprise in the form of a very pregnant Aslaug. Ragnar sits between his two loves oscillating from terror to pride and back again. Awkward is the word that leaps to mind, however when Ragnar brings up the proposal of “Sister Wives” Lagertha can take no more.

•  Floki survives thanks to the gods and Helga.
•  Rollo stays thanks to an intervention from Siggy.
•  Lagertha leaves thanks to Aslaug’s child. And, Bjorn, after much anguish, chooses to go with her.

Observations:
The scene by the lakeside when Ragnar speaks to Gida is one of the most beautiful things I have seen in a long time. Michael Hirst once again proves his story-telling excellence.