Episode 5 of Vikings: Valhalla Season 3 unfolds amidst the frosty expanse of Greenland, where Erik reigns supreme as the settlement's formidable leader. Yet, the frigid terrain belies a harsh reality: scarcity plagues the land, with food, vessels, and trading essentials in dire shortage. Amidst this bleakness, whispers of departure linger among the restless inhabitants, but Erik's steely resolve refuses to buckle, fearing solitude's embrace.
When the horizon finally etches the silhouette of incoming vessels, Erik's battle-ready posture softens into elation, for the arrival is none other than Freydis, his cherished daughter. However, the atmosphere remains taut as the Jomsvikings tightly guard their provisions, drawing the ravenous gazes of the Greenlanders. Yet, Freydis and her parents are lost in the warm embrace of their reunion, her voice weaving tales of Leif, Harald, Norway's Christian embrace, and the enigmatic Little Harald. But Freydis' heart yearns for a different horizon, convinced that the land of her visions—Leif's Golden Land, aka North America—awaits her beyond the seas.
Meanwhile, Leif's quest leads him to the enigmatic mapmaker, Calinicus, in the sun-kissed isles of Corfu. Though Calinicus' feet may never stray far from his studio, his maps traverse the farthest reaches of the known world, crafted from the narratives of adventurous travelers. Together, they decipher Leif's fragmented map, confirming Greenland's eastern embrace while hinting at a mysterious western expanse—unbeknownst to them, the American continent. Leif's soul ignites with the desire to explore this unknown realm, to confirm if it truly is the Golden Land that captivated his senses during that tempestuous voyage with his father.
But Calinicus harbors a revelation even more astonishing: a comprehensive map of the known world, its secrets veiled in intricate detail. He conceals the forbidden corners of Asia, mindful of the heresy it might incite. The waters are mapped with currents, and he posits the existence of a powerful stream that could ferry brave souls to the West. Yet, he seeks a navigator like Leif to traverse those uncharted waters, adding their discoveries to the annals of history.
As for Canute, his return to England is marked by a holy relic—a fragment of Christ's cross—that cements his status as a king of unparalleled influence. Yet, shadows of infirmity creep into his reign, as his hands tremble, robbing him of the strength to wield even the simplest tools. Faced with this new challenge, Canute sets his sights on choosing an heir, summoning all his and Emma's offspring to his side for a fateful gathering.
Forkbeard, privy to this intelligence through his intricate web of spies, harbors the conviction that Harthacanute, the sole heir of Canute and Emma, stands as the foremost contender for the throne. Yet, recognizing the youth of this prince, Forkbeard seizes the opportunity and claims the crown for himself. To the surprise of many, Godwin lends his unwavering support to Forkbeard's bid, a move that stirs discontent within Harefoot's breast. In a cryptic exchange, Godwin whispers of the significance of timing, and that very night, with his connivance, Harefoot strikes, snuffing out Forkbeard's life in the depths of slumber.
Meanwhile, in the bustling metropolis of Constantinople, General Maniakes endeavors to persuade Harald to relinquish his hold and depart. Fearful that Harald harbors ambitions of his own for the imperial throne, the General paints a dire picture of the perils that accompany such a path. Harald, though acknowledging the truth in these words, steadfastly refuses to leave until the time is right, a stance that irks the General to no end.
In Greenland, festivities rage on as Erik and Freydis host a grand feast, their tables adorned with treasures procured from Jomsborg. Amidst the revelry, two Greenlanders dare to approach Hrefna, only to be met with Stigr's fierce retaliation. Erik's admiration swells as he learns of Freydis' triumphant vengeance against Gunnar, and he pleads with her to remain, assuring her of the resources necessary to rebuild Greenland anew. But Freydis' heart is set on the Golden Land, and nothing can sway her from her quest. Erik, resigned to her determination, concedes, yet not without first securing the use of her boats for his fishing endeavors before her departure.
Elsewhere, Harald finds himself invited to a mysterious masked banquet, where his path intertwines with Zoe's. She leads him, unwittingly, to Romanos, a revelation that sends shockwaves through Harald's being. Little does he know that Romanos, aware of Harald's fascination with Zoe, had orchestrated this encounter, hoping to exploit it. Childless, Romanos seeks to secure his legacy through Harald, entrusting him with the task of impregnating Zoe.
But fate has other plans. As Zoe lowers her mask, revealing herself to be a female assassin in disguise, she strikes swiftly, ending Romanos' life before fleeing into the night. Harald, in a desperate attempt to save his host, finds himself thwarted as Maniakes arrives on the scene, ultimately arresting Harald at the dramatic conclusion of Vikings: Valhalla Season 3 Episode 5.
