Episode 8 of Vikings: Valhalla's second season unfolds on the shores of Pomerania, where Olaf cunningly lures Jorundr into his web of intrigue. As he feeds the captive, Olaf artfully weaves a tale of his sole intention: to eliminate Harekr, the formidable leader of Jomsborg, thereby fostering a more prosperous trade landscape. He whispers the seductive promise of a "divine intervention," painting a vision where Jorundr ascends to the throne, a prospect that ignites a spark of ambition within him.
Meanwhile, Olaf's shadow falls upon the shores of Jomsborg, where he confronts Freydis, his words laced with concern for her Christian son. The air is thick with tension, but a dramatic intervention from Jorundr's mother, who disowns him publicly yet whispers a cryptic message—"the harbour"—adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate chessboard.
Far away, amidst the ruins of the Pontic Olbia, a sanctuary once revered by the Ancient Greeks, our motley crew seeks refuge. It serves as a tranquil oasis before their journey to Constantinople, yet sorrow clouds their respite. Mariam, her strength waning, confesses her love to Leif before slipping away, leaving behind a poignant legacy. In her final moments, she entrusts him with a key, a tangible link to her past, urging him to seek the Gate of the Lion upon reaching Constantinople. Beyond it, nestled beside the Tower of Belisarius, lies her humble abode, now a gift to Leif. "Use the wisdom you find there wisely," she whispers, her voice echoing through eternity.
In London, the union of Gytha and Godwin is celebrated amidst royal pomp, yet beneath the surface, currents of deceit swirl. King Canute admonishes Emma to set aside her doubts, and she feigns compliance, offering Gytha a gift that speaks volumes—a necklace adorned with a ring, a symbol of betrayal that Godwin cannot bear to remove. He chokes back his anger, resigned to the fact that this token of his past transgressions will forever mark him.
In the heart of Jomsborg, the stage is set for a confrontation of epic proportions. Jorundr, a rogue leader, rallies Olaf's disheveled troops amidst the towering siege engines, only to treacherously turn against them, earning himself wounds in the process. Yet, his sudden assault gives his faction the upper hand, momentarily seizing Olaf's sentinel status, but this is merely a facade.
At the water's edge, Freydis stands vigilant, her plan unfolding with a sinister elegance. The dock lies desolate, the men in their boats, foolishly refusing to set foot ashore, unaware that Freydis has cunningly polluted the waters with dark vials of oil, staining them a macabre black. As Freydis ignites a wooden plank and casts it into the tainted depths, a fiery inferno engulfs all but Olaf and Svein, their survival a grim testament to her ruthless strategy.
In a climactic showdown, Freydis and Olaf face each other, their blades flashing in the dying light. With a swift, decisive thrust, Freydis impales Olaf through the chest, Svein looking on in horror. As Olaf's life ebbs away, he declares Freydis the slayer of a martyr, but amidst the devastation, with Olaf's men vanquished and Svein the lone survivor, Freydis offers a hand, proclaiming him the new King of Norway.
With Svein safely in the hands of Aelfgif, Freydis seeks peace, her victory bittersweet. As she departs, she embraces a newfound sense of purpose—that of being The Keeper of the Faith, her soul burdened yet resolved.
Meanwhile, Harald and his companions find themselves in the august presence of Emperor Romanos, who has traversed the vast distances from Constantinople to greet them. A revelation dawns—the prize they've journeyed to deliver is not the medallion Harald had envisioned, but Elena, destined to become the Empress. The Emperor presents Harald with a ring, a symbol of trust and promise, assuring him of future greatness and service in the Empire's grand design.
