Episode 7 of Vikings: Valhalla Season 3 unfolds with a somber dawn as traders dock in Greenland, only to stumble upon Aki's lifeless form, a grim harbinger of trouble. Freydis, her mind swiftly piecing together the puzzle, dares Erik to a trial by combat, a clash of steel and honor. She emerges victorious, yet Erik's revelation that he holds Little Harald captive casts a dark shadow over the outcome. The boy's safety is tethered to Erik's life, and with that, Freydis is imprisoned, her fate sealed for now.
Erik, undaunted by his defeat, endeavors to sway the enraged Jomsviking hearts, painting a bleak picture of the non-existent Golden Land. He insists he's safeguarding them, imploring Freydis to see the truth in time. Hrefna, her voice laced with accusation, confronts him over Aki's death, but Erik counters, weaving a web of necessity, claiming their survival through the Greenland winter hinges on his actions.
Meanwhile, in Norway, Magnus arrives with a sinister plan, dispatching his spy and presenting Olaf's seemingly undecayed corpse as a second miracle, shocking the priest into compliance. Their journey leads to Kattegat, where Magnus weaves a tale of Jomsborg, its people felled by a mysterious plague, unaware that Leif, eavesdropping, disbelieves every word.
Elsewhere, the stakes are raised as Maniakes presents Zoe with an ultimatum: marriage to him, securing his throne, or death at his hand, the throne still his. News of her predicament reaches Harald, who, in the depths of his dungeon, transforms bones into deadly shivs, fueled by a fierce determination for revenge. He cunningly lures crows with wine and bread, then, once they're intoxicated, ties more bread to their feet, a sinister plan brewing.
Stigr, meanwhile, orchestrates a rescue mission, convincing Erik's wife to aid him in locating Little Harald, who's been taken to the Kalallit settlement in the frigid north. As he sets out, she frees Freydis, tasking her with finding a ship and a captain to return to Kattegat. Freydis, undeterred, sneaks aboard a trader's vessel, striking a deal that will carry her back to the heart of the fray, her resolve unshaken.
In the bustling realm of Kattegat, a grand feast unfolds, painting the skies with joy as all gather to celebrate. Leif, relentless in his pursuit of truth, endeavors to extract it from Magnus' lips, yet his efforts prove futile. Canute, perceiving Leif's resolve, ingeniously enlists his aid to unveil his succession plans with a dramatic flair. Leif, his voice resonating with wisdom, remarks that the king of England must embody strength and cunning in equal measure.
The stage is suddenly set for a clash as Edward and Harefoot step forward, steel clashing against steel in a duel of epic proportions. Yet, Emma's timely intervention halts the battle, only to reveal the unexpected star of the show: the young Harthacanute. With a confidence beyond his years, he declares his intention to relinquish claims on Svein, his heart set solely on Norway's throne. He then cunningly orchestrates a plan, allowing Harefoot to dispatch Edward and Alfred, paving the way for his own ascension, backed by the mightiest army.
Canute, impressed by Harthacanute's foresight, announces his decision, naming Harefoot as regent to the young prince, who shall reign supreme over Denmark. Meanwhile, Emma is entrusted with the reins of England, a turn of events that stirs discontent among many, Harefoot included, who throws a fit of rage. But Godwin, ever the voice of reason, soothes his troubled mind, reminding him that in the aftermath of Canute's passing, his words will carry little weight. His true adversaries, he whispers, lie in Denmark and Normandy, and all that matters is their elimination.
As night descends, Leif's quest for vengeance takes a sinister turn as he confronts Magnus' priest, threatening him with the weight of his anger. The priest, swayed by Leif's intensity and convinced of Magnus' wickedness, spills the beans, though his knowledge of Freydis' fate remains elusive. Leif's heart sinks, convinced that Magnus has silenced her forever, but his thirst for revenge is momentarily quenched when the priest reveals Magnus' hasty departure to the North, seeking the Jarls' allegiance to conquer Norway.
Dawn breaks, ushering in a new day filled with anticipation. Canute, in a gesture of trust, assures Harefoot that his role as regent will be a crucible, forging him into a capable ruler. The Viking king also grants Aelfgifu the freedom to return to Mercia, yet she steadfastly refuses, her heart bound to Svein. Emma, with solemnity, pledges her oath to Edward, swearing that he shall succeed her as England's king. Amidst the tumult, Godwin and Aelfgifu forge an uneasy alliance, with Godwin cautioning her against Magnus' sinister schemes.
At last, the scene shifts to Harald, who ingeniously ignites the bundled loaves of bread, sending a trail of flames skyward. The crows, their mission accomplished, retreat to their roosts within the palace, inadvertently igniting the very stronghold they call home. As Harald is escorted towards the square, he employs his cunning shiv to free himself from his bonds and launches a surprise attack on the unsuspecting guards. The raging inferno serves as a chaotic backdrop, scattering onlookers in every direction.
In the aftermath of the confusion, only Maniakes and Zoe remain, their solitude shattered by Harald's ferocious emergence. A fierce battle ensues between the two adversaries, culminating in Harald's triumphant strike that fells Maniakes. Zoe, filled with excitement and relief, rushes towards Harald, her heart soaring. But just as she stretches out her hand, Harald vanishes into the night, leaving a breathless Zoe behind and marking the dramatic cliffhanger of Vikings: Valhalla Season 3, Episode 7.
