During Season 3 of the historical drama TV series “Vikings” on History Channel, the intention of King Ragnar Lothbrok of Kattegat in Denmark, has been made clear in raiding and conquering Paris, despite the wheelings and dealings being made by his brother King Rognvaldsson Rollo behind the scene with Emperor Charles of France.
Based on history, it was also around that time when England was in constant war with France. The hate for France will be the common denominator between King Ragnar, played by Travis Fimmel, and King Ecbert of England, played by Linus Roache, in bringing down Emperor Charles, played by Lothaire Bluteau, and the entire country to its knees.
King Ecbert and King Ragnar will form an uneasy alliance based on the saying that the enemy of my enemy is my friend, notes Christian Today.
Showrunner Michael Hirst disclosed that King Ecbert is a fascinating character because he is a good foil for King Ragnar. He added that there are many things that the two kings have in common, which they recognize and they will be talking about some of the things they have in common including defeating Emperor Charles of France.
Betraying his brother twice
But Charles has forged an alliance with Ragnar’s brother, Rollo, played by Clive Standen, by agreeing to marry his daughter and keep the peace between the Nordic people and the people of France.
It can be recalled that Rollo once forged an alliance with Ecbert but betrayed him after losing to Ragnar so Rollo has already betrayed Ragnar twice already.
Thus, Rollo makes for a perfect target for both kings and the fact that he is working with Emperor Charles, making their fight extra special.
There were even reports that the hatred of King Ragnar over his brother’s betrayal has trickled on to his first-born son Bjorn Ironside, who has vowed to kill his uncle by any means possible.
However, based on history, King Ragnar’s alliance with King Ecbert will have dire consequences as it is actually King Ecbert who eventually killed King Ragnar by throwing the Viking legend into a pit of poisonous snakes.
History also tells that Ragnar’s son and his wife would eventually take revenge by killing King Ecbert too.
According to sources privy to the production of “Vikings,” it is possible that Season 4 of the popular TV series is already preparing Ragnar’s sons, particularly Bjorn, played by Alexander Ludwig, to become the new main characters of the TV show.
Slowly coming to his own
Bjorn is quickly turning into a leader in his own right and the prince of the Vikings will exercise his newfound power when he comes face to face with his uncle Rollo, details Enstarz.
In an interview in July, Ludwig said that he was unsure exactly what revenge his character would perpetrate against his traitor uncle. What he knows is that when Bjorn explodes, there will be no compassion at all for Rollo.
The actor said that Bjorn is so straight-edge in that when he makes a decision, he sticks to it.
It is not just King Ragnar and King Rollo who will have their share of sibling rivalry in Season 4 of “Vikings.” Apparently, Ragnar Lothbrok’s sons will also fight among themselves on who shall sit as King of Denmark after certain events will force Ragnar to give up his throne.
In the event that Ragnar abdicates the throne, his rightful successor is Bjorn Ironside, being the Prince of Denmark, and also his first-born son. But according to latest reports, Bjorn as the new head of the Vikings will not sit well with his brother Ivor.
As Ivor would find it difficult to be under his brother as the new King of Denmark, coming to terms with it will not be easy for him and will thus make a big issue out of it in the upcoming Season 4.
There are speculations that Ragnar will not really abdicate the throne because he wanted to but because he will be ousted by his people that will pave the way for Bjorn to take over his position.