Episode 6 of Vikings: Valhalla dawns with Freydis's solemn return to the healer's humble abode, where a chilling discovery awaits. Yrsa, her once-loyal companion, now hangs lifelessly from the rafters, a grim testament to the hunters' brutal hand. Freydis's fury ignites as she storms outside, confronting a grotesque scene—a ring of severed heads encircling a man who sits unperturbed. Little does she realize, she's walked straight into a deadly trap, surrounded by a sea of mounted warriors.
Enter Jarl Kare, his presence announced by the gleaming sword of Uppsala, as he commands his troops to halt, his voice resonating with a mysterious reverence for "The Old One." He appears cognizant of Freydis's divine visions, exploiting them as a tool, instructing her to relay a chilling message to Haakon: "Jarl Kare is coming." With a turn of his steed and a gallop into the horizon, Freydis's life is spared, at least for now.
Obedient to Jarl Kare's bidding, Freydis journeys back to Kattegat, her heart heavy yet resolute as she warns Haakon of the impending threat. Her bravery and dedication are rewarded, as Kattegat embraces her as one of their own, inducting her into the ranks of their revered shield maidens.
In the throes of her rigorous training, Freydis uncovers a profound truth—she is The Last Daughter Of Uppsala, a revelation that sheds light on her enigmatic visions. Haakon, too, shares his own vision, one that once pointed to her but now converges upon Freydis, sealing her fate as a chosen one.
Meanwhile, in the bustling metropolis of London, the Viking horde fractures, with half choosing to sail back to their homelands. Leif, accompanied by Harald, embarks on this journey, but Canute remains, his mind set on a darker course. He tasks Godwin with constructing a gallows, his motives rooted in a sinister list of eleven reasons. The next day, nobles, including the elusive Cyneheard who fled Kent's wrath earlier, find themselves shackled and marched towards a grim fate, their lives hanging in the balance. Desperate to survive, they pledge their allegiance to Canute, sealing their doom under his unyielding rule.
King Canute harbors ambitions of forging a grand empire, stretching its reach across the northern expanse of Europe. Yet, the cornerstone of his vision rests upon the treasures of England. Emma, driven by purpose, proposes a straightforward tax upon every household's doorstep, a revenue stream that would not only fund his imperial dreams but also alleviate the oppressive taxes currently weighing heavy on the people.
As horns blare, Leif and his Viking comrades return triumphant to the shores, their arrival heralding a new chapter. Harald seeks Haakon's aid, while Freydis, resolved, elects to remain in Kattegat, embarking on a mission to safeguard the town's tranquility.
In a private moment with Harald, Freydis discovers his knowledge of Kare's ruthless crusade. Harald confesses that if innocent lives have fallen, justice must be served, though he acknowledges that all faiths harbor their own shadows.
Meanwhile, Kare treks to the hallowed temple of Uppsala, his steps leading him straight to the Seer, where he persists in seeking the truth. A vision, gifted by the mystic, ignites a new resolve within Kare. He marches to the gates of Uppsala, flinging them wide open to reveal his devout followers, an army poised for action.
Olaf's return to Denmark stirs discontent among the queen, who is none too pleased by Canute's lingering presence in England. Olaf, ever the instigator, sows seeds of discord, beseeching her support to rule Norway alongside him.
Amidst these shifting alliances, Canute and Emma find themselves growing ever closer, their bond fortified. This intimacy renders Godwin unable to penetrate their chambers, guarded by an unyielding wall of soldiers. Godwin, hinting at a coup, whispers his plans to Edmund, and together, they bide their time, waiting for the right moment to strike, hopeful that fate will present them with an opportunity.
With a letter from Denmark in hand, Canute readies his ship for the journey home. But before he embarks, he turns to Emma, posing a question that lingers in the air as the scene fades to darkness, leaving the audience to ponder the implications of his words.
