The Explosive Story of Vikings Season 2: Ragnar’s Path to Greatness

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Vikings Season 2 Explained: Epic Battles, Deadly Alliances, and Legendary Feuds

After an explosive first season, Vikings Season 2 returns with even more power struggles, betrayals, and bloodshed as Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) continues his journey toward greatness. This season explores his rise from an ambitious warrior to a true Viking leader, but with power comes enemies—both on the battlefield and within his own family.

With epic battles, shifting alliances, and personal sacrifices, Season 2 cements Vikings as one of the most thrilling historical dramas of all time. Let’s dive into the story of Vikings Season 2, episode by episode, and explore the themes that define each chapter of Ragnar’s legendary saga.

The Story of Vikings Season 2: A Fight for Leadership and Legacy

Season 2 picks up where Season 1 left off: Ragnar must deal with the consequences of Rollo’s betrayal, the arrival of King Horik, and his growing ambition to conquer new lands. But even as he expands his power, personal tragedies and rivalries threaten to destroy everything he has built.

This season is defined by warfare, leadership, sacrifice, and betrayal—as Ragnar learns that ruling is even harder than fighting.

Vikings Season 2 – Episode by Episode Breakdown

Episode 1: Brother’s War

Main Theme: Betrayal and Redemption

The season opens with Ragnar facing off against his brother Rollo on the battlefield. Torn between his loyalty to Ragnar and his thirst for power, Rollo ultimately surrenders rather than kill his brother.

Meanwhile, Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland) arrives in Kattegat, pregnant with Ragnar’s child, leading to a heartbreaking confrontation with Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick).

This episode sets up major conflicts: Can Ragnar and Rollo mend their broken bond? And how will Lagertha react to Aslaug’s presence?

Episode 2: Invasion

Main Theme: The First Steps to Greatness

Ragnar, now allied with King Horik (Donal Logue), prepares to raid England once again. Meanwhile, Lagertha, devastated by Ragnar’s betrayal, chooses to leave Kattegat with their son Bjorn.

This episode explores Ragnar’s ambitions vs. personal consequences, as his rise comes at the cost of losing his family.

Episode 3: Treachery

Main Theme: A Ruthless New Enemy

Ragnar and King Horik’s forces land in Wessex, where they encounter a dangerous new enemy: King Ecbert (Linus Roache). Unlike previous Saxon rulers, Ecbert is cunning, strategic, and willing to fight fire with fire.

Meanwhile, Rollo struggles with guilt, seeking redemption for his past betrayal.

This episode sets the stage for a larger conflict between the Vikings and Wessex, as Ecbert proves to be a formidable opponent.

Episode 4: Eye for an Eye

Main Theme: Sacrifice and Survival

Ragnar’s forces suffer heavy losses in Wessex. Meanwhile, Athelstan (George Blagden), Ragnar’s Christian friend, is captured by the Saxons and faces brutal punishment for his loyalty to the Vikings.

Back in Kattegat, Jarl Borg (Thorbjørn Harr) seizes power in Ragnar’s absence, forcing Aslaug, Siggy, and the children to flee.

This episode showcases Ragnar’s first major defeat, proving that even the mighty can fall.

Episode 5: Answers in Blood

Main Theme: Revenge and Taking Back Power

Determined to reclaim Kattegat, Ragnar joins forces with Lagertha and Bjorn, now hardened by years apart. Together, they launch a brutal attack on Jarl Borg, reclaiming Ragnar’s home and solidifying Lagertha’s continued importance in his life.

Meanwhile, Athelstan’s faith is tested as he endures cruel torture at the hands of King Ecbert.

This episode highlights Ragnar and Lagertha’s unbreakable bond, even as their lives take different paths.

Episode 6: Unforgiven

Main Theme: The Price of Trust

Ragnar allows Jarl Borg to live—for now. However, when King Horik later urges Ragnar to eliminate him, a brutal betrayal unfolds.

Meanwhile, Athelstan struggles with his faith, caught between the Viking gods and Christianity.

This episode explores trust and deception, as Ragnar begins to learn that politics is just as dangerous as war.

Episode 7: Blood Eagle

Main Theme: Justice and the Viking Way

One of the most unforgettable episodes of the series, Jarl Borg meets his fate through the horrific “Blood Eagle” execution—a gruesome Viking ritual where the ribs are cut open and lungs pulled out to resemble wings.

Meanwhile, King Horik manipulates Rollo, planting seeds of doubt about Ragnar’s leadership.

This episode marks Ragnar’s transformation into a true Viking leader, feared by his enemies and respected by his people.

Episode 8: Boneless

Main Theme: Fate and Prophecy

Aslaug gives birth to a crippled son, Ivar, whom she names Ivar the Boneless. While some see the child as cursed, Aslaug believes he is destined for greatness.

Meanwhile, King Horik’s growing jealousy of Ragnar leads him to plan Ragnar’s downfall.

This episode introduces Ivar, who will become one of the most legendary Vikings in history.

Episode 9: The Choice

Main Theme: War and Destiny

Ragnar and King Ecbert meet for a peace negotiation, but it’s clear that both leaders are playing a long game.

Meanwhile, King Horik’s thirst for power drives him to make reckless choices, setting up a final showdown.

This episode explores strategy and deception, showing that Viking wars were won with both brains and brawn.

Episode 10: The Lord’s Prayer

Main Theme: The Ultimate Betrayal

The season ends with King Horik’s downfall, as Ragnar outsmarts him and executes his entire family. Ragnar is now the undisputed leader of the Vikings.

Meanwhile, Athelstan fully embraces the Viking way, leaving behind his Christian past.

The final scene shows Ragnar sitting atop a cliff, looking out at his future, holding a sword—a moment that symbolizes his rise as a true king.

The Legacy of Vikings Season 2

Season 2 is a masterpiece of storytelling, blending history, action, and drama to create a thrilling saga of ambition and betrayal. It cements Ragnar Lothbrok as a legendary figure, setting up future seasons where his power, family, and fate will be tested like never before.

Why Vikings Season 2 Is a Must-Watch

✔️ Epic Battles & Brutal Action – From Wessex to Kattegat, every fight scene is legendary.
✔️ Unforgettable Characters – Ragnar, Lagertha, Rollo, and Athelstan all evolve in fascinating ways.
✔️ Brilliant Storytelling – Power struggles, betrayals, and Norse mythology are woven seamlessly.
✔️ The Rise of a King – Ragnar’s transformation into a leader is gripping and emotional.

Final Thoughts: The Dawn of a New Era

By the end of Season 2, Ragnar Lothbrok is no longer just a warrior—he is a legend in the making. But with great power comes even greater enemies.

What challenges will Ragnar face next? Will his ambition destroy his family?

Find out in Vikings Season 3, where new lands, new enemies, and new betrayals await!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Vikings Season 2, covering its story, characters, and historical elements.

**1. What is Vikings Season 2 about?**

Vikings Season 2 follows Ragnar Lothbrok’s journey as he rises to power, faces betrayals, and expands Viking influence into England. With Rollo’s betrayal, Lagertha’s departure, and King Horik’s scheming, Ragnar must navigate political and personal challenges while leading his people to greater conquests.

2. Who are the main characters in Season 2?

Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel): The ambitious Viking leader seeking new lands and power.
Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick): Ragnar’s former wife and a fierce shieldmaiden.
Rollo (Clive Standen): Ragnar’s brother, torn between loyalty and ambition.
Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård): The eccentric shipbuilder and Ragnar’s close friend.
Athelstan (George Blagden): A former monk caught between Christianity and the Viking way.
King Horik (Donal Logue): A powerful Viking ruler with his own hidden agenda.
Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland): Ragnar’s new wife and the mother of his children, including Ivar the Boneless.
King Ecbert (Linus Roache): A cunning Saxon ruler in Wessex, challenging Ragnar’s ambitions.

3. How does Season 2 start?

The season begins with Ragnar and Rollo facing off in battle, as Rollo fights for Earl Borg against his brother. However, Rollo surrenders, setting the stage for his redemption arc. Meanwhile, Lagertha leaves Ragnar after he takes Aslaug as his second wife.

4. What happens to Rollo in Season 2?

After betraying Ragnar in Season 1, Rollo seeks redemption. He is spared but struggles with his identity and loyalty. Over time, he regains Ragnar’s trust and proves himself as a valuable warrior.

**5. What is the Blood Eagle scene in Vikings Season 2?**

The Blood Eagle is a brutal Viking execution ritual where the victim’s ribs are cut open, and their lungs are pulled out to resemble wings. Jarl Borg suffers this gruesome fate in Episode 7 after betraying Ragnar.

6. What happens to Lagertha in Season 2?

Lagertha leaves Ragnar and eventually marries Earl Sigvard, a cruel and abusive man. She later kills him and takes control of Hedeby, proving herself as a powerful leader. She later returns to help Ragnar reclaim Kattegat.

7. How does Ragnar become King?

Ragnar outsmarts King Horik, who had been plotting against him. In the Season 2 finale, Ragnar kills Horik and his entire family, solidifying his place as the most powerful Viking leader.

8. What role does King Ecbert play in Season 2?

King Ecbert, ruler of Wessex, is a strategic and cunning leader who sees the Vikings as both a threat and an opportunity. He captures Athelstan and tries to convert him back to Christianity while negotiating a temporary alliance with Ragnar.

9. What is the significance of Ivar the Boneless?

Aslaug gives birth to a crippled son, Ivar, who will grow up to become one of the greatest Viking leaders. Despite his physical weakness, he is believed to have a great destiny, foreshadowing major future events in the series.

10. How does Season 2 end?

The season ends with Ragnar sitting atop a cliff, holding a sword, symbolizing his transformation into a powerful ruler. With King Horik dead, Ragnar is now the undisputed leader of the Vikings, but greater challenges lie ahead.