King Ecbert finds himself facing an entirely new kind of foe; Ragnar races to dominate in the west; Jarl Borg has his own plans in store for the future of Kattegat.

Ragnar and Ecbert come face to face; Jarl Borg rules Kattegat with an iron fist; Rollo must now become the leader his people need in Ragnar's absence.

Lagertha and Ragnar unite to try to win Kattegat back from Jarl Borg; Aslaug must face the truth of her prophecies; Athelstan struggles to define his faith; Bjorn must once again make a choice.

Ragnar and King Horik clash over how to dispense justice to Jarl Borg. In Wessex, King Aelle arrives and Ecbert has an eye on a new alliance.

Princess Aslaug's latest prophecy comes to fruition as she readies to give birth once more. Ragnar, Horik and their new ally Lagertha set sail for Wessex - Ragnar and Horik have very different ideas about the true purpose of this trip.

Ragnar's warriors march on to King Ecbert's villa and are met with a surprisingly vicious welcome party.

Ragnar and Lagertha's fleets depart Kattegat once more for Wessex and this time they bring a group to colonize there. King Ecbert hosts the Norsemen and proposes a deal. Despite the misgivings of some of the other leaders, Ragnar leads his forces into battle once more, but this time as allies of Wessex.

Lagertha and Athelstan help to set up the Viking settlement. A mysterious wanderer arrives in Kattegat.

There is bitterness in the camp, Floki is angry over the alliance with Ecbert.

Preparations for the Paris raid pick up speed, and Rollo thinks about the Seer's prophecy.

The Viking fleet causes panic in Paris. The Emperor Charles declares he will remain in the city.

As Ragnar and Floki remain at odds, Rollo makes great efforts in Paris to win over his new bride, Princess Gisla. Meanwhile, King Ecbert sets the task for his son Aethelwulf to rescue Queen Kwenthrith.

King Aelle goes to Wessex for Christmas and is not impressed with how family relations are developing. Rollo's future hangs in the balance.

There's an air of betrayal as those whom Odo trusts plot against him. Ecbert agrees to support Kwenthrith in Mercia. Pregnancy brings happiness to Lagertha and Kalf and a marriage is arranged.

Ragnar declares another raid on Paris at the Thing in Kattegat. Ecbert also has a journey in mind as he dispatches Aethelwulf and Alfred on a pilgrimage to Rome.

In England, King Ecbert's true ambitions are revealed as he plots to gain the crown of Mercia while outside Paris. The Vikings attack Paris with considerable force, but will Rollo's defenses be too much for them to overcome? Meanwhile, Harbard, the mysterious wanderer, returns and causes a stir amongst the women of Kattegat.

Defeat for the Vikings calls Ragnar's leadership into question as they evacuate their camp and move back down river. Ragnar remains inscrutable until he orders the fleet to beach at a cliff face and unveils an ingenious plan. Rollo and Gisla have news that strengthens Rollo's position at the French Court.

The labors of the Vikings eventually bear fruit as, within sight of Paris, they re-launch their boats but this time along with some interesting structures that Floki has built. Aethelwulf and Alfred eventually arrive in Rome and honors are conferred by Pope Leo but relations are not so cordial in Wessex between King Ecbert and the disgruntled King Aelle.

The Viking army causes panic in the English countryside as King Ecbert and Aethelwulf plan the defense of the realm.

Prince Aethelwulf finds himself subject to the Vikings' battle master plan. Ecbert remains behind with a plan of his own.