
10 Episodes
Short on time? Here's the essentials:
Ragnar Lothbrok, a ambitious Viking chieftain, seeks new lands and power for his people. His brother, Rollo, initially betrays him by siding with Jarl Borg, a rival chieftain. Meanwhile, Princess Aslaug arrives in Kattegat pregnant with Ragnar's child, leading to Lagertha, Ragnar's wife, leaving him with their son Bjorn due to his infidelity.
Ragnar leads new raids on England, encountering the cunning King Ecbert of Wessex. While Ragnar is away, Jarl Borg attacks Kattegat, slaughtering villagers and seizing Ragnar's home. Ragnar returns, uniting with Lagertha to reclaim Kattegat. Jarl Borg is captured and brutally executed by blood eagle for his betrayal. Athelstan, a former monk, becomes a trusted advisor to Ragnar.
After a major Viking defeat in Wessex, Ragnar brokers a treaty for land. Ultimately, King Horik plots to usurp Ragnar, but his betrayal is uncovered, leading to Ragnar brutally killing King Horik and securing his position as the undisputed leader.
Season 2 of Vikings covers episodes 1-10. Here's everything that happened:
Season 2, Episode 1: Brother's War - The conflict between Ragnar and Jarl Borg escalates, with Rollo siding against his brother. Rollo surrenders to Ragnar, unable to kill him, leading to an uneasy truce. Meanwhile, Princess Aslaug arrives in Kattegat pregnant, presenting Ragnar with a difficult situation. Lagertha, humiliated by Ragnar's proposal of polygamy and his affair, leaves him, taking Bjorn with her. The episode concludes with Ragnar facing a fractured family and a fragile peace.
Season 2, Episode 2: Invasion - Four years have passed, and Ragnar leads an alliance on a new raid of England. A fierce storm diverts the fleet to Wessex, where they are ambushed by English soldiers. Athelstan bravely saves Ragnar's life, solidifying his place among the Vikings and earning him a warrior's bracelet. The episode concludes with the Vikings realizing they have landed in the territory of King Ecbert, a formidable new adversary.
Season 2, Episode 3: Treachery - While Ragnar raids Wessex, Jarl Borg attacks Kattegat, slaughtering the villagers who didn't flee to the mountains. Athelstan grapples with his dual nature, killing a monk reflexively but showing mercy to a tortured bishop. Lagertha endures abuse from her new husband, Earl Sigvard. The episode concludes with Jarl Borg triumphantly taking control of Ragnar's great hall, setting the stage for Ragnar's return.
Season 2, Episode 4: Eye for an Eye - Ragnar reunites with Lagertha and Bjorn while Jarl Borg seizes control of Kattegat. Athelstan, choosing to stay behind in England, is crucified by the bishop of Wessex but is saved by King Ecbert. Ragnar learns of the invasion and returns to Scandinavia, leaving Athelstan's fate uncertain.
Season 2, Episode 5: Answers in Blood - Ragnar and Lagertha unite to reclaim Kattegat from Jarl Borg, successfully destroying his food stores and engaging his forces in battle. Bjorn carries out a ritualistic beheading of a prisoner. Ultimately, Lagertha decides to leave Kattegat and return to her husband, leaving Bjorn behind with Ragnar. Athelstan struggles with his faith, experiencing visions and internal conflict.
Season 2, Episode 6: Unforgiven - King Horik proposes an alliance with Jarl Borg, leading to Borg's capture and execution by blood eagle for his past betrayals. Meanwhile, Lagertha endures abuse from her husband, ultimately killing him in self-defense. Athelstan becomes King Ecbert's confidant, tasked with preserving ancient Roman scrolls. The episode concludes with Ragnar's grim decision regarding Jarl Borg's fate.
Season 2, Episode 7: Blood Eagle - In England, Kings Ecbert and Aelle forge an alliance through marriage. Back in Kattegat, Ragnar carries out the brutal Blood Eagle execution on Jarl Borg, who endures it stoically. Lagertha arrives, pledging her forces to Ragnar, while Floki and Helga marry. The episode concludes with Ragnar preparing for a new raid on Wessex.
Season 2, Episode 8: Boneless - Aslaug gives birth to a son with deformed legs, leading Ragnar to contemplate his death. Lagertha prepares her fleet for Wessex, while King Horik's men ambush and slaughter Aethelwulf's retinue, sparing only Aethelwulf. Aslaug names the child Ivar, with Ragnar adding the nickname "the Boneless." The episode concludes with the largest Viking fleet yet setting sail for Wessex.
Season 2, Episode 9: The Choice - A devastating ambush by King Ecbert's forces leads to a major Viking defeat, with Rollo severely injured. A treaty is brokered, securing land for Ragnar and the return of Rollo. Athelstan chooses to return to Kattegat with Ragnar, while many Vikings become mercenaries for Princess Kwenthrith.
Season 2, Episode 10: The Lord's Prayer - King Horik's plot to usurp Ragnar culminates in a bloody confrontation. Floki's loyalty is tested and revealed as he poisons Torstein, leading to Horik's brutal death at Ragnar's hands. Siggy's allegiance shifts, and Ragnar ultimately secures his position as the sole leader of Kattegat.

Katheryn Winnick
as Lagertha

Gustaf Skarsgård
as Floki

Alexander Ludwig
as Bjorn Ironside

Alex Høgh Andersen
as Ivar the Boneless

Travis Fimmel
as Ragnar Lothbrok

Clive Standen
as Rollo

Moe Dunford
as Aethelwulf

Alyssa Sutherland
as Princess Aslaug

Linus Roache
as King Ecbert of Wessex and Mercia

George Blagden
as Athelstan

Jessalyn Gilsig
as Siggy

Jonathan Rhys Meyers
as Bishop Heahmund