Guided by Bishop Heahmund's visions, the Saxons devise a battle plan. Ivar the Boneless strategizes on his own as the Vikings undergo increasing pressure. Bjorn Ironside finds himself in a new territory and must convince the local commander he is a trader and not a raider.
As the Vikings establish their stronghold in York, Ivar is determined to lead the Great Army. In Kattegat, Lagertha misjudges King Harald and pays a heavy price. Floki arrives at a mysterious land.
Celebrations are cut short in the aftermath of the battle at York; Ragnar Lothbrok's sons are pitted against each other as tensions reach an all-time high, and each one is forced to choose a side.
Guided by Bishop Heahmund's visions, the Saxons devise a battle plan. Ivar the Boneless strategizes on his own as the Vikings undergo increasing pressure. Bjorn Ironside finds himself in a new territory and must convince the local commander he is a trader and not a raider.
Lagertha is betrayed, and Bjorn must find a way to support the distraught queen; Floki and his settlers arrive in a new land, but it is far from what they expected.
Bjorn returns to Kattegat to learn that an attack will take place during the next full moon; Ivar must decide if he can place his trust in a former enemy on the battlefield.
The battle for Kattegat begins. As the two armies line up to fight, the Great Heathen Army must decide between a final plea for peace or all-out war. Floki faces discord amongst the settlers.
The army leaders consider their options in the aftermath of the battle. In Floki's camp, all hopes of binding the community together are dashed as tragedy unfolds.
A sense of doom looms over Kattegat as bloodshed ensues, but as the defeated army flees in the face of the victors, a legendary warrior makes his way home.
Bjorn, Lagertha and Ubbe face an uncertain fate as Heahmund's loyalty is tested; Floki fights to understand the will of the gods in Iceland; Ivar may have met his match in Kattegat.
Heahmund must convince King Alfred that his actions are in defense of the crown; Ubbe and Torvi strengthen the position of the Vikings, but not all in the Viking camp support their strategy; another settler disappears in Iceland.
Bishop Heahmund is wracked with guilt as he fights to renounce his passions. Viking will clash with Saxon on the battlefield leaving a key figure lost in the balance.
Ubbe achieves one of Ragnar's dreams; Ivar hatches a new plan in Kattegat, while preparing for a divine arrival; a settler in Iceland returns in a terrible state; King Alfred faces his greatest threat yet.
An unexpected turn among the settlers leaves Floki powerless. King Alfred confronts Judith. Bjorn must strike a deal with Harald. Wessex is once again threatened by a Viking force, but who will lead the Saxon army to defend the Realm?
Hvitserk is severely tested. Floki makes an amazing discovery. Freydis gives Ivar a surprise. Ubbe negotiates with the three Danish Kings that have massed their armies in Reading, but the negotiations may have a perilous outcome.