Episode 8 of Vikings: Valhalla kicks off with Emma's ignominious expulsion, compelled to return to Normandy's shadows, her fate sealed by Aelfgifu's relentless machinations. The whispers of rebellion fade into silence as she's escorted from the room, leaving behind a failed uprising. Aelfgifu, unyielding, denies Olaf's aid with troops but guards her knowledge of their whereabouts like a treasure trove. This intricate web of deception is spun by none other than the cunning Godwin, who manipulates the court with his political acrobatics.
Determined to shore up alliances, Aelfgifu sets off for Mercia, her steed carrying the weight of her ambitions to forge a united front.
Elsewhere, Harald's arrival at Jarl Kare's side stirs the air with warnings of an army, both malevolent and fierce, lying in wait in Kattegat. Kare's resolve solidifies, choosing the path of brotherhood, to stand side by side with his kin. An army, vast and ominous, marshals under his banner, eager for battle, yet Kare bides his time, awaiting Olaf's reinforcements like a general poised for the decisive strike.
Harald, ever the strategist, proposes a daring parley: a sacrifice of Kattegat's tranquility in exchange for Haakon's surrender, a noble gesture that may spare them eternal damnation. The parley unfolds with the tension of a tightly strung bow, as both factions brace themselves for the impending storm, each step fraught with the heaviness of fate.
Aelfgifu gracefully ascends upon Mercia's shores, presenting herself as a sage councilor, weaving her way into the court's chambers to bear the burdens of its people and convey them as solemn pleas to the king's ears. Her dexterity in aligning their causes is remarkable, bringing negotiations to a swift and triumphant conclusion. However, upon her return to the bustling metropolis of London, a stark reversal awaits her: Emma reigns supreme on the throne, revealing Aelfgifu's entire endeavor to be a cunning ruse, a strategic delay to uncover her hidden fleet. The plan backfires, as the fleet is discovered, stripping Aelfgifu of her power, while Emma resumes her rightful place as queen, leaving Aelfgifu powerless and bereft.
Meanwhile, Kare's formidable army amasses, their march towards Kattegat a relentless tide of steel and fury, poised for battle. The Shield Maidens brace themselves atop the battlements, but the attack proves to be a two-pronged assault. On land, foot soldiers storm the shores, while Olaf's naval fleet unleashes its fury from the sea. Trebuchets roar, attempting to quell the onslaught, but Kare leads his charge on foot, his sole ambition to slay Freydis and parade her head as a grisly trophy. Yet, the vessels lining the shore reveal a deceitful emptiness, save for a sparse few souls, a masterstroke orchestrated by Olaf. He cunningly exploits Kare to divide Kattegat's defenses, manipulating Harald's emotions to hold back his forces, thereby positioning himself as the paramount Jarl.
In the carnage that ensues, Haakon falls, his life extinguished amidst the clamor of battle, along with many of the valiant Shield Maidens. Arne too meets his end, his bravery consumed by the heat of conflict as the gates crumble and Kare watches from his tower perch, witnessing Haakon being borne away on a stretcher by the Shield Maidens. Impelled by a primal urge, he gathers his loyal warriors and follows, unaware that he is treading the path of the ancient prophecy – 'The Last Daughter' of Kattegat, destined to remain.
Within Haakon's chambers, Kare's resolve hardens as he challenges Freydis to a duel, the reasons for such a confrontation shrouded in mystery. The clash of steel echoes through the halls, but it is Freydis who emerges victorious, Kare's fate sealed by a piercing stab to the gut, followed by the grim severing of his head. Outside, Harald returns, wounded and fighting desperately for his life, as the fate of Kattegat hangs in the balance.
Olaf swiftly appears, intent on purging the house with his blade, viciously stabbing Liv until she succumbs to her fate. In her final moments, she implores Leif to accompany her to Valhalla, her voice fading into the ether as she slips away from this mortal realm. Leif, solemn and resolute, vows to meet her in the afterlife, as Freydis rushes outdoors to lend aid to the gravely wounded Harald, hoisting him onto a steed for safety.
Amidst this chaos, Olaf greedily claims Kattegat and the throne for himself, only to be met with a dire turn of events. Forkbeard arrives on the horizon, his army at his heels, striking fear into Olaf's ranks who scatter like frightened mice. Olaf realizes the inevitable and flees, abandoning his throne dreams.
As Forkbeard and his warriors march triumphantly through Kattegat, the episode crescendos with Leif, fueled by grief and fury over the loss of his beloved, slashing through foes with reckless abandon. The scene comes to a dramatic close, painting a vivid portrait of vengeance and the heavy toll of war.
