Vikings season 2 episode 7 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In a pivotal "Vikings" episode, Ragnar decides to execute Jarl Borg using the brutal Blood Eagle ritual, despite needing his ships. King Horik suggests waiting for a new ally before proceeding. King Ecbert and King Aelle plan to unite against the Northmen and Mercia. Floki grapples with fatherhood and his relationship with Ragnar, feeling overshadowed. Bjorn's romance with Porunn grows, while Siggy manipulates her way into King Horik's bed. The episode climaxes with Jarl Borg's gruesome execution, and Ragnar's ex-wife Lagertha surprisingly reappears as a new ally, Earl Ingstad.

Full Episode S02E07 Recap

### The Prophecy and Jarl Borg's Fate - **The Seer's Vision**: The Seer tells Jarl Borg that his destiny is intertwined with an eagle, symbolizing both power and doom. - **King Horik and Ragnar's Dilemma**: Despite needing Jarl Borg for his ships, Ragnar decides to execute him for his betrayal. King Horik urges Ragnar to delay the execution until a new ally is found, fearing it would deter potential partners. ### Alliances and Plans - **King Ecbert's Ambition**: In Wessex, King Ecbert and King Aelle of Northumbria discuss forming an alliance against the Northmen and the chaotic kingdom of Mercia. - **Ragnar's New Ally**: Ragnar is introduced to a new ally, Earl Ingstad, who is surprisingly revealed to be his ex-wife, Lagertha. ### Personal Struggles and Revelations - **Floki's Turmoil**: Floki struggles with impending fatherhood and his changing relationship with Ragnar, feeling overshadowed by the Earl. - **Bjorn and Porunn**: Bjorn continues to develop a relationship with the servant girl, Porunn. - **Siggy's Manipulations**: Siggy sleeps with King Horik, aiming to secure her position regardless of the outcome of the power struggle between Horik and Ragnar. ### The Execution of Jarl Borg - **The Blood Eagle Ritual**: The episode culminates in the execution of Jarl Borg through the horrific Viking ritual of the Blood Eagle, where the victim's back is opened, and ribs and lungs are pulled out to resemble an eagle's wings. ### Themes and Symbolism - **Power and Betrayal**: The episode explores themes of power, betrayal, and the consequences of past actions. - **The Eagle**: The eagle motif recurs, symbolizing destiny, power, and a gruesome end for Jarl Borg.