VIKINGS 3.03 – ‘Warriors Fate’ Of God’s & Vikings

The Stranger arrives. Aslaug, Siggy and Helga immediately recognize the man of their dreams. His name is Harbard and promises to sing for his supper. Something tells me this man is more nightmare than daydream.

The king of Wessex does not like it when others speak behind his back. Help us gain the throne of Mercia. His nobles are not pleased in his choice of allies. They feel he is somehow being duped by the Northmen.

All of his protestations seem well justified right up until you see him gift Lagertha a plow for their newly formed settlement. “Plowing, sowing and fertilizing seed are the very basis of life.” Who knew farming could be erotic? And if you think that was forward, the King’s shared bath time proposal was as subtle as a sledgehammer.

Lagertha held her own to no one’s surprise, however Judith was not so brave. She scurried out of that room faster than any mouse I’ve ever seen. Athelstan exited quickly after her and seeing her actions made me think the lady must protest too much.

Folki is not amused. He questions Ragnar’s judgement in joining with Ecbert. It seems lack of trust in leadership was as common back then as it is today.  Bravery, however is not to be questioned from the Vikings. Seeing the one-armed warrior stand up against his enemies was both beautiful and sorrowful at the same instant. Is it just me, or do you love these poetically tragic scenes as well?

Of course, those scenes pair quite will with the wealth of hugely violent battle scenes. And the music is genius. Every week we are treated with a new well crafted marvel.

Porunn sure can take a punch!  Bjorn runs to her aid and if she survives, the same may not be said of her child. In either case Ragnar does not forgive his son’s lack of will in keeping his pregnant fiance away from battle.

It appeared that all was lost when Ragnar climbed the last rise to face a new army, however his English reinforcements appeared just in time to save them all, prince included. When the poor guy ran from his sister after the first battle we all knew he would surrender if given half a chance.

Harbard, true to his word, tales tall tells around the fire surrounded by his three dreamers. It is true, he tells  a wonderful tale. It doesn’t hold a candle to his next performance. His soothsaying of Ivar out of his pain is a trick to rival any illusionist. Criss Angel eat your heart out.

When two children were found drowned in the lake shortly thereafter, Siggy runs straight to the Seer who as usual, shares little in response to her query. This is very typical of our slippery Seer, however in this instance, he acted as his lack of knowledge pained instead of pleased. If the Seer is afraid, then something must be very, very wrong indeed.

Observations

• Ragnar’s headbutt forgiveness of Princess Kwenthrith’s little brother shows that their new lapdog may not be so tame after all.

• Floki is gonna be a problem for Ragnar if something does not change.

• Upon observing Lagertha’s sacrifice to Freya it appears King Ecbert’s noble’s truly do not have the stamina for Northmen.