VIKINGS – 2.06 ‘Unforgiven’ The Strength of Women

Siggy sees the Seer and she wants her old position back. She asks, “Will the gods smile on me again.” He replies, “The gods always smile on brave women..” That’s all well and good, but when King Horik approaches her to “educate’ his son, it sure feels like he’s pimping her out.

Life is no better for Lagertha who returned home to her husband. Sigvard is less than pleased she took of without his blessing and left her son behind. He berates her in front of the entire village and drunkenly staggers off to the bed of another. This left an opening for the men in the clan to enter her bedchamber at night and attack her.

Meanwhile Bjorn notices a slave girl serving him. Porunn is a slave for the Lothbrok family and does not trust his intentions. He later watches over her from a distance and offers her a place to stay when her former lodgings changed. While Bjorn may be new to the dance of love, Porunn is very familiar to the life of a slave and there is much distance for the two to cross before trust begins.

Ragnar meets with King Horick again and his first questions are regarding the whereabouts of Athelstan. Horick predicts his death and is pleased to believe he is dead. The King feels they should again, align with Jarl Borg and Rollo is sent to see this happen.

Jarl sits beside the skull of dead wife who apparently continues to advise him from the afterlife. He hears Rollo’s proposal and after consulting with the skull, agrees. Upon arrival, Jarl mends fences with Ragnar and a new/old alliance is struck. Later as Borg tries to sleep, the Seer visits him during his rest and speaks to him of eagles.

When Rollo begins to burn the barn down with his men inside, and later drags him from his bed for a beating, the viking sure wishes he had a set of those wings handy. Jarl, dude!  Your chickens have come home to roost, no matter the Seer’s words!

Alhelstan is back in a monks clothing and is enjoying resuming old habits. King Ecbert spends a moment talking pagan artwork. It appears the two share common ground. The King reveals more to our Tiny Viking and it is apparent this King is somewhat of a romantic at heart. When Athelstan can read the scrolls, Ecbert tasks him as the caretaker of these artifacts with a catch. If he tells anyone about his new duties, a death by crucifixion awaits.

When we next see Lagertha she is black and blue from the beating, and Sigvard yet again humiliates her. When he tries to disrobe her, the Shield Maiden stabs him in the eye! Lagertha! You rock! I’m so proud! While Sigvard screams like a stuck pig one of his men slices his head clean off. What does this mean for Lagertha?

Observations:
• Floki is everywhere and I wonder what his opinion is of Siggy?
• What will happen to Lagertha now that Sigvard is dead?
• Will Bjorn be able to gain the trust of Porunn?
• What the heck is going on with Athelstan?