Vikings season 5 episode 1 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In a fierce declaration of war, Ivar the Boneless vows to avenge his father, Ragnar Lothbrok, expanding their vendetta beyond King Aelle to King Ecbert, challenging his vast kingdom. The sons of Ragnar, united in grief, grapple with discord, particularly around Ivar's extreme measures and mental state. Floki, adrift after losing Helga, departs on a solo journey, entrusting his fate to the gods. Meanwhile, the Saxons, led by Aethelwulf and Bishop Heahmund, regroup to counter the Vikings' growing threat, particularly their strategic stronghold in York. Internal tensions and external pressures mount, setting the stage for a climactic conflict.

Full Episode S05E01 Recap

### The World Declares War - **Ivar the Boneless** declares war on the entire world in revenge for his father, Ragnar Lothbrok's, death. - **Ubbe** and **Hvitserk** seek blood-revenge against King Aelle and King Ecbert for their roles in Ragnar's demise. ### Plans of Conquest and Betrayal - **Bjorn** accepts an offer of land but vows to kill Ecbert for his betrayal. - **Lagertha** discovers King Harald Finehair funded her army and plans to take over East Anglia. - **Aethelwulf** acknowledges defeat and plans to reclaim his kingdom. ### The Tension Among Ragnar's Sons - Tensions rise among Ragnar's sons, particularly towards Ivar's leadership and mental state. - Ivar accidentally kills his brother, Sigurd, in a fit of rage. ### Floki's Departure - **Floki**, heartbroken over his wife Helga's death, decides to leave and entrusts his fate to the gods. - Ivar pleads with Floki to stay, but Floki remains determined to find a new purpose. ### The Saxons Regroup - The Saxons, led by Aethelwulf, plan to restore their lands desecrated by the Vikings. - A Saxon search party discovers the destroyed remains of their towns and the body of King Ecbert. ### The Great Army's Next Move - The Great Army, now led by Ivar, plans to establish a stronghold in York. - Ubbe and Hvitserk express concerns about Ivar's leadership and his need for a bodyguard. ### King Harald's Ambitions - King Harald reveals his continued ambition to become King of Norway. - He leaves with Halfdan, his brother, who wishes to explore the world. ### The Saxon Response - The Saxons, under King Aethelwulf and Bishop Heahmund, prepare to retaliate against the Viking invasion. - They discover the Vikings' strategic position in York and plan an attack. ### Personal Struggles and Visions - Characters grapple with personal loss, destiny, and the heavy burden of leadership. - Alfred, Aethelwulf's son, experiences visions guiding him towards York. ### The Vikings' Celebration and Future Plans - The Vikings celebrate their victories and strategize their next moves in England. - Ivar demonstrates a cunning mind for warfare and strategy. ### Lagertha's Leadership Challenged - Lagertha faces challenges to her leadership in Kattegat, both from external threats and internal dissent. - She must navigate complex political landscapes to maintain her power. ### The Northmen's Preparations - The Viking forces fortify York, anticipating a Saxon attack. - Ivar's unorthodox tactics and brutal approach to warfare are highlighted. ### The Stage is Set for Battle - The scene is set for a major confrontation between the Viking forces in York and the approaching Saxon army. - Key characters are poised for significant roles in the impending conflict.