Episode 1 of "Vikings: Valhalla" unfolds amidst the turbulent landscapes of 11th-century Europe, a time when the exploits of Ragnar Lothbrok have long been etched into the annals of folklore, mere whispers of a bygone era. A hundred years have elapsed, witnessing the relentless march of the Vikings as they ventured far from their frigid northern realms, embedding themselves deep within the fabric of Europe and England. Yet, this influx has sparked a simmering resentment among the Saxons, who, desperate for a remedy, turn their gaze upon King Aethelred II, beseeching him to quell the Viking tide.
Nestled near the bustling metropolis of London lies a Viking stronghold known as the Danelaw, where Prince Harald Sigurdsson has now embarked on a journey of return, his heart yearning for the familiar shores of his homeland. This decision, perhaps prescient, as within the confines of London, Aethelred's stalwart guardians, the Sten, are viciously poisoned, with a bloodthirsty edict sealing their fate and all Vikings' alike: extermination without mercy.
The skies darken as flames consume the coastlines, painting a grim canvas of slaughter and devastation, as men, women, homes, and villages alike are reduced to ashes. This audacious act, destined to ignite the conflagration of war, would later be remembered as the St. Brice's Day massacre, a brutal purge that banished every Viking settlement from English shores.
King Canute of Denmark, apprised of this tragedy, marshals his forces for a crusade of vengeance. Among the valiant souls who rally to his banner are the indomitable siblings, Leif and Freydis, their introduction etched in the unforgiving fury of the sea. Amidst towering waves that threaten to engulf them, they brave the tempestuous journey from Greenland, navigating the treacherous waters with unwavering resolve, their destination: the storied shores of Kattegat, Norway.
Yet, their voyage is fraught with sorrow, as many of Harald's fleet lie shattered, their souls lost to the depths, while Harald himself, a solitary beacon of survival, perseveres amidst the wreckage.
Now, the Vikings have converged in a solemn gathering, their minds ablaze with thoughts of retribution against the English. Leif Eriksson stands apart, his motives distinct and profound. He seeks not vengeance, but a man adorned with the symbol of the English cross, a mark that hints at a hidden English presence within their ranks. Meanwhile, Freydis shares this quest, driven by a personal vendetta against the wearer of that cross, a man who once wronged her deeply. With whispers of his presence aboard incoming ships bound for Kattegat, their hunt intensifies.
Yet, their prey, Olaf Haraldsson, proves cunning, establishing his base within a fortified settlement guarded by a formidable army. This revelation casts a shadow of despair over Leif and Freydis' mission, the odds seemingly stacked impossibly high against them. Freydis, stubborn to the core, can only look on from afar, her heart heavy with regret for not confronting him at the docks when opportunity knocked.
Olaf, undaunted, presents himself before King Canute of Denmark, proposing a daring bargain. He offers invaluable intelligence on the English shores and strategies to breach their defenses, in exchange for a mass conversion of the pagan tribes united under one roof. A move that could ignite a civil strife, but without this knowledge, their attack would be blind. However, King Canute, unmoved by Olaf's offer, dismisses it with a firm hand.
As night falls, Canute rallies the Vikings, his voice ringing with fervor as he paints a vivid picture of the English assault, calling upon them to rally their forces and strike back with unyielding fury. Among the ranks, Leif finds himself questioning his own motivations, surrounded by fellow Greenlanders, each with their own reasons to fight. The air crackles with anticipation, as the stage is set for a conflict that will test the very fabric of their brotherhood and redefine their purpose.
Regrettably, despite Harald's meticulous efforts to rally the masses and ignite their passion for the cause, a fierce clash erupted between the faithful Christians and the steadfast Pagans. Harald, with a heartfelt and fiery speech that resonated deeply, managed to quell the tensions, inadvertently casting shadows on Canute's reign in the process.
Yet amidst this turmoil, Freydis remained an outlier, slumbering peacefully atop the hillside. Her solitude was interrupted by a visit from Estrid Haakon, a woman who gently reminded her of the vast distance separating her from her home. Estrid planted the seed of hope in Freydis' heart, urging her to set her sights on Kattegat, a suggestion that Freydis would later share with her fellow Greenlanders under the cloak of night.
Meanwhile, Leif found himself at the center of a storm, confronted by a vengeful horde of Vikings claiming that his father had wronged them through a heinous act of murder. Surrounded and with no other choice, Leif was forced into battle, his prowess shining as he emerged victorious over the warriors, his prowess catching Harald's admiring eye. Harald, seeking valiant ship captains for his quest, entreated Leif to join him in the glory of combat. Leif, though intrigued, tactfully declined Harald's offer regarding Freydis, mindful of their religious differences and the potential turmoil it could ignite.
In Kattegat, amidst the festivities, Freydis played the part of a silent intruder, slipping into the main hall undetected. Leif, acting as her unwitting accomplice, created a diversion that allowed Freydis to strike, leaping upon Gunnar Magnursan and etching a cross into his chest, revealing that her quest for vengeance had misidentified its target.
Olaf, enraged, demanded justice and threatened to reduce the city to ashes unless his demands were met. Harald, however, stood by Freydis, urging her to bare her scars as testament to her trials and tribulations. This act of bravery, though it swayed some hearts, proved insufficient to quell the doubts of all, as Freydis was escorted away to await the verdict of her fate.
