Episodes
In a Viking sea battle, the fierce warrior Thors Snorresson is tired of the killing and after falling into the sea he deserts ...read more In a Viking sea battle, the fierce warrior Thors Snorresson is tired of the killing and after falling into the sea he deserts his men. Fifteen years later, Thors leads a peaceful life in Iceland with his wife Helga, their young son Thorfinn, and daughter Ylva. However, Thorfinn longs for adventure and is eager to know more about the world. He dreams of a paradise called Vinland that he hears about from the great adventurer Leif Erickson. One day, Thors takes in a runaway slave. The following day, the slave's master, the brutal Halfdan, arrives at the village demanding the slave be returned. Thors refuses and purchases the slave for the price of eight sheep. However, the slave soon dies and Thor’s children are angry with his decision. show less
In the year 1002, the war between England and Denmark was intensifying and the English massacre a band of Vikings in ...read more In the year 1002, the war between England and Denmark was intensifying and the English massacre a band of Vikings in Northumbria. A band of Jomsvikings, led by the intimidating Floki, visit Thorfinn's village to enlist Thors in their war against the English. Thors was their former commander, known as the Troll of Jom. He is obliged to join Floki, along with a ship and men, in order to protect the villagers from being taken hostage. Thorfinn and the young men in the village are excited by the prospect of going to war but they have little understanding of what it is really like. Meanwhile, in the Faroe Islands Floki conspires with Askeladd to slaughter Thors and his crew once they arrive, as punishment for deserting fifteen years earlier. show less
Askeladd, the leader of a band of a hundred Vikings, bargains with Floki and demands double the price to kill Thors. Back in the ...read more Askeladd, the leader of a band of a hundred Vikings, bargains with Floki and demands double the price to kill Thors. Back in the village, the young men buzz with excitement as they prepare for their first battle. Together with five men from the village and Leif Erickson's crew, they set sail in two ships to meet Askeladd. However, Leif Erickson reveals to a young woman that Thors has no intention of taking the young men to the battlefield. Once at sea, the young men find the going tough and Thors angrily discovers that Thorfinn has stowed away on the ship. When they stop to rest and resupply in the Faroe Islands, they are caught in a trap set by Floki. One fighter, Bjorn, eats a fly agaric mushroom and prepares to fight Thors alone to test his skill, but Thors jumps aboard their ship and attacks them instead. show less
Thors advances through Askeladd's men, beating but not killing them, until he faces Bjorn who is in a berserker rage after ...read more Thors advances through Askeladd's men, beating but not killing them, until he faces Bjorn who is in a berserker rage after eating the mushroom. He defeats Bjorn and challenges Askeladd to a duel. After a fierce swordfight, Thors defeats Askeladd, but surrenders to save Thorfinn and his villagers. He is then slain by a volley of arrows. Having witnessed the death of his father, Thorfinn stows away on the captured ship and swears revenge against Askeladd. show less
Askeladd and his men land in England near the Humber River to resupply and they pillage a local village. Thorfinn scrambles ...read more Askeladd and his men land in England near the Humber River to resupply and they pillage a local village. Thorfinn scrambles ashore and during the night prepares to kill the sleeping Askeladd but cannot do it. Thorfinn trains alone in the woods before emerging to challenge to Askeladd to a duel. Thorfinn is easily defeated again, but Askeladd recognizes his strength and promises Thorfinn a chance to fight him again should he prove himself in battle. show less
Askeladd and his men row upriver to Gainsborough where they find a band of dead Vikings. Thorfinn follows along, sickened by the ...read more Askeladd and his men row upriver to Gainsborough where they find a band of dead Vikings. Thorfinn follows along, sickened by the stench of death in the air. Askeladd strikes a deal with the Danish forces to join their campaign to conquer England for money and spoils. That night the British attack them, firing volleys of arrows into their camp, killing a number of men before they retaliate. Thorfinn tries to enter the battle and is trapped by an English swordsman, but Thorfinn is saved by Askeladd. Nevertheless, Thorfinn eventually defends himself and kills for the first time - an English soldier. Thorfinn joins Askeladd's band and over the following years he hones his fighting skills. He becomes a ruthless fighter with his short sword, eager for a rematch against Askeladd. Thorfinn is badly wounded while in East Anglia and is rescued by an English girl and her kind mother. However, he later signals Askeladd whose ships are anchored offshore and his men land and raid the village. show less
The Danish King, Sweyn Forkbeard, withdraws his troops from England over the winter. With the invasion of England on hold, ...read more The Danish King, Sweyn Forkbeard, withdraws his troops from England over the winter. With the invasion of England on hold, Askeladd's band set sail for opportunities in France. They offer their services to the Normans and Thorfinn, now a young man, is sent to negotiate. Their plan goes well and Askeladd's band loot the treasury of the fort and Thorfinn delivers the head of their leader to Askeladd. Askeladd finally agrees to honour his bargain to duel with Thorfinn. show less
Askeladd and his men return to the money-hungry feudal lord Gorm's village on the Jutland Peninsula with the spoils of their ...read more Askeladd and his men return to the money-hungry feudal lord Gorm's village on the Jutland Peninsula with the spoils of their adventures. Thorfinn has a rematch with Askeladd, only to be defeated when Askeladd goads him into making an angry, reckless attack. In the year 1013, the Danish King Sweyn leads an invasion of northern England, with Danish forces and Viking mercenaries such as Askeladd landing near Gainborough, but they come to a halt at the heavily defended merchant city of London. show less
The Danish forces are stopped at the fortified London Bridge, guarded by Thorkell the Tall - a fearsome Dane who is supporting ...read more The Danish forces are stopped at the fortified London Bridge, guarded by Thorkell the Tall - a fearsome Dane who is supporting the English. Askeladd offers Thorfinn another duel if he can deliver Thorkell's head. Thorfinn attacks Thorkell, but the giant Viking is too experienced and Thorfinn has to retreat with his injuries. Arriving at an impasse, King Sweyn leaves his son, the Prince Canute to maintain the siege with Ragnar, while the rest of the army heads to Wessex. show less
Ragnar's men become impatient with the siege, spurred by the taunts of Thorkell, but he keeps them in check. Askeladd’s ...read more Ragnar's men become impatient with the siege, spurred by the taunts of Thorkell, but he keeps them in check. Askeladd’s men are also becoming bored from inactivity, but after they learn that Thorkell has gone in pursuit of Sweyn's army, he renews the assault on London. show less
Thorkell continues on his way to catch Sweyn's army with Ragnar and Prince Canute as his hostages, but a group of the Danish ...read more Thorkell continues on his way to catch Sweyn's army with Ragnar and Prince Canute as his hostages, but a group of the Danish army catch up to them and threaten to wipe them out. Thorkell cunningly releases the hostages, but then goads the Danish soldiers into a senseless attack which they cannot win, fighting at close quarters. Meanwhile, Askeladd starts a forest fire, causing smoke which confuses the combatants, and sends in Thorfinn to capture the prince. Thorkell decides not to waste his men by fighting Thorfinn and allows him to take the prince. show less
Askeladd now has Prince Canute, but he is hotly pursued by Thorkell and his men and sends for reinforcements. They reach the ...read more Askeladd now has Prince Canute, but he is hotly pursued by Thorkell and his men and sends for reinforcements. They reach the Bristol Channel, and are greeted by the Welsh general Gratianus with reinforcements from the Morgannwg kingdom. However, as they reach the kingdom of Brycheiniog, they are surrounded by archers on the hilltops. show less
In November 1013 AD, Floki reports to the King of Denmark that the Danish forces have defeated the English in Wessex, but he ...read more In November 1013 AD, Floki reports to the King of Denmark that the Danish forces have defeated the English in Wessex, but he also has to report that Thorkell may have taken Canute. Meanwhile in Wales, Asser of Brycheiniog blocks Askeladd's passage until Askeladd reveals that he has Welsh ancestry, claiming to be a descendant of King Artorius and will work to protect Wales when England is defeated by the Danes. Prince Canute cannot bring himself to confront the Welsh so Askeladd and his men surrender their weapons to receive safe passage through Brycheiniog, appearing as if they are prisoners. At the Northern edge of Mercia they alter direction to join the main Danish army in Gainborough. show less
As Askeladd and his men cross northern Mercia, they are caught in early winter snows. Cold and hungry, they come across a ...read more As Askeladd and his men cross northern Mercia, they are caught in early winter snows. Cold and hungry, they come across a village of Christians and pillage it, taking all of their food. They kill the villagers so that no-one can reveal their location. The only survivor is a young woman who was in the woods outside the village seeking penitence because of a cheap ring she had stolen at a fair. show less
Thorkell reaches Gloucester, but learns that the English nobles are tired of war and are ready to accept Danish rule. Some ...read more Thorkell reaches Gloucester, but learns that the English nobles are tired of war and are ready to accept Danish rule. Some English troops find Askeladd's group, and his men begin to think his good luck has run out. Askeladd orders Bjorn to kill Prince Canute's guardian, Ragnar, blaming it on a skirmish with the English and hoping that the prince will become a leader whom he can follow. show less
Askeladd tells Thorfinn to guard Canute and tortures a captured English captain, seeking information. He is interrupted to be ...read more Askeladd tells Thorfinn to guard Canute and tortures a captured English captain, seeking information. He is interrupted to be told that Thorkell is approaching. Fearing defeat, some of his men decide to desert and attempt to join Thorkell, who kills them when they arrive. Askeladd reaches the shallow upper Severn River and cuts down a short bridge. However, Thorkell catches up with them. Many of Askeladd's men begin to doubt his ability as leader and he is faced with a full scale mutiny. show less
Threatened by a mutiny, Askeladd recalls feeding his sickly mother while she told him about their ancestor King Artorius who was ...read more Threatened by a mutiny, Askeladd recalls feeding his sickly mother while she told him about their ancestor King Artorius who was recovering from his battle wounds in Avalon, a heaven-like place whence he would return to save their people from their suffering. Askeladd informs his men of his secret hatred of the Danes and immediately lashes out and kills two of them. Bjorn takes off in the sled with Thorfinn, Canute and the drunken priest, with ten men in pursuit, leaving Askeladd to face the rest of his former loyal followers. The men chasing the sled successfully crash it and capture the Prince, while Thorfinn steals one of their horses and rides back to prevent anyone else from killing Askeladd before he can extract his own revenge. Meanwhile, Askeladd slays many of his former comrades but is incapacitated by a volley of arrows. Thorkell arrives and gives Askeladd's men an opportunity to die fighting. Suddenly, Thorfinn storms in and challenges Thorkell to a duel over Askeladd. show less
Thorfinn duels with Thorkell to decide the fate of Askeladd. Meanwhile, Canute lies still in the snow and daydreams about ...read more Thorfinn duels with Thorkell to decide the fate of Askeladd. Meanwhile, Canute lies still in the snow and daydreams about Ragnar, who apologizes for raising him as a son instead of a prince, and bids farewell. After awakening from his reverie, Canute has an epiphany while talking to the priest who talks about the difference between love and discrimination, and Canute decides to confront the current situation himself. He stares down and calms the berserker Bjorn, who is stabbed by Atli, one of the Askeladd's men. He orders the priest to heal Bjorn while he accepts the challenge of being king. Back at the duel, Thorkell kicks Thorfinn, sending him crashing into nearby trees. show less
Thorfinn has a broken arm and ribs from Thorkell's kick, and Thorkell allows him to be treated by Askeladd. Thorkell ...read more Thorfinn has a broken arm and ribs from Thorkell's kick, and Thorkell allows him to be treated by Askeladd. Thorkell explains that he and Thors were commanders of the Jomsvikings and their leader Sigvaldi, who was Thorkell older brother, gave him one of his daughters, Helga. This means that Thorkell is Thorfinn's great-uncle. Thors was considered dead after falling into the sea at the sea battle of Hjorungavagr, but three months after a funeral was held for him, Thorkell found him leaving the Jomsvikings with Helga and their daughter. Thors renounced a life of fighting and after knocking Thorkell unconscious, he left. The duel resumes, but as Thorkell is about to finish Thorfinn, Askeladd reflects light into Thorkell's eyes, blinding him for a moment, and Thorfinn knocks Thorkell to the ground by hitting his weak chin, and gouges out an eye. Thorkell's men prepare to kill Thorfinn, but Thorkell stops them, claiming that Thorfinn has won the duel. Canute arrives at the scene, and tells Thorkell that there is no value keeping him hostage because King Sweyn has already chose his older brother Harold as his successor and expected Canute to be killed in battle. With newfound resolution, Canute declares that he will march against the king at Gainsborough, and both Askeladd and Thorkell agree to join him. show less
At Gainsborough, Canute and his followers confront Floki and the Danish army, and he demands passage to see King Sweyn. At the ...read more At Gainsborough, Canute and his followers confront Floki and the Danish army, and he demands passage to see King Sweyn. At the castle, Canute sends Thorkell to drink with the other commanders while he goes to confront the king, flanked by Askeladd and Thorfinn. They sense an ambush in the darkened hall and King Sweyn confirms that he wants Canute dead. King Sweyn prepares to have them killed, however Askeladd intercedes and reminds the king that Canute has delivered a victory over London via Thorkells forces. The king decides to spare Canute who decides that it is prudent to join forces with the king for the present. Rangar's brother Gunnar approaches Canute and swears to serve him, however Askeladd mistrusts him. Later, Askeladd sends Alti and his brother back home, ordering him never to raise a sword again. show less
In the year 1014, on instructions from King Selwyn, Canute takes his followers to York, a Danish occupied town in the ...read more In the year 1014, on instructions from King Selwyn, Canute takes his followers to York, a Danish occupied town in the Northumbria Region. As their boats row up the Ouse river, Canute is shot in the chest by a crossbow arrow fired by an assassin who is tracked down and killed by Thorfinn. Thorfinn is recognized by Leif from his village in Iceland and they are joyfully reunited. However Thorfinn is not interested in returning home, but intent only to extract his revenge on Askeladd. Meanwhile, it is revealed that Canute was not shot, but instead it was a woman slave dressed as his double. Canute orders that everything be done to save her. As they pass Floki, Askeladd loudly infers that Canute has enemies in York. It is revealed later, that Askeladd himself hired the assassin to promote rumors that the king wants Canute dead. To further his plans, Askeladd also feeds information to Gunnar who is spying for the king. Meanwhile, Thorfinn whose broken arm has not yet healed, is anxious to settle his debt with Askeladd. Thorfinn calls him out to a duel to be observed by Canute and Thorkell. Before they start, the mortally wounded Bjorn challenges Askeladd to enter Valhalla. Bjorn is defeated, but also receives Askeladd's assurances that they are true friends before the latter mercifully kills his friend. Askeladd then prepares to face Thorfinn. show less
Thorfinn and Askeladd prepare to duel, however Askeladd surprisingly throws away his sword. Thorfinn angrily attacks him, but he ...read more Thorfinn and Askeladd prepare to duel, however Askeladd surprisingly throws away his sword. Thorfinn angrily attacks him, but he is no match for Askeladd who has fought with him over a dozen times and knows his moves and weaknesses. Askeladd beats Thorfinn into unconsciousness, and Canute stops the fight when Askeladd has delivered the winning blow. Askeladd then recounts his upbringing as the son of a slave woman, who attracted the attention of his Viking father Olaf because of his fighting skills. He eventually took revenge and killed Olaf, but cast suspicion on another son who was executed for the murder. He details his contempt for the attitude of the Vikings who live only for battle, conquest and revenge. He chides Thorfinn for having learned nothing while Askeladd exploited the boy for his own ends. Canute asks Askeladd why he supports him, and Askeladd simply replies that Canute is the one most fit to be king of the Vikings. show less
While in York, King Sweyn convenes the Imperial Council, but the situation is tense among the Danish leaders following the ...read more While in York, King Sweyn convenes the Imperial Council, but the situation is tense among the Danish leaders following the assassination attempt on Canute. Sewyn addresses the elders of Denmark, and after announcing the successful Viking conquest of England, he openly praises Canute and Thorkell. He hands control of Mercia, the most prosperous part of England, to Canute and then announces preparations for an attack on Ireland in revenge for the humiliation of King Harald by Brian Boru. Askeladd believes his strategies for Canute's ascendancy have worked, however he is horrified when Sewyn also announces his intention to subdue Wales in the coming spring because he believes they are sowing the seeds of rebellion. Meanwhile, the badly beaten Thorfin is thrown in jail after creating a disturbance in the street. Leif Erickson visits Thorfinn in jail, and promises to return him to Iceland and then onto the warm and fertile Vinland. Back at the Imperial Council, Floki tells Sewyn of Askeladd's reaction to the announced attack on Wales which he believes shows a weakness for the Welsh. Askeladd vainly tries to think of a plan to thwart the king and confesses to Thorkell that his mother was Welsh, but swears him to secrecy. Askeladd is then called before the king, and wonders why his luck always deserts him at the eleventh hour. show less
Askeladd comes forth before King Sweyn and implores him to halt his invasion of Wales. Meanwhile, Thorfinn decides to return ...read more Askeladd comes forth before King Sweyn and implores him to halt his invasion of Wales. Meanwhile, Thorfinn decides to return home at Leif’s urging. However, the moment before he boards the ship, Thorfinn catches a glimpse of a single tern taking off into the sky... show less