The political “end” comes for Harald. After a tense negotiation with a Russian prince, Harald is betrayed by his own second-in-command. Stripped of his army and left for dead in a frozen forest, Harald experiences a metaphorical end to his ambitions of becoming King of Norway. This sets up his historical journey towards becoming Harald Hardrada (the last great Viking king), but in the context of this episode, it feels like a conclusive defeat.
While based on historical figures, the series takes significant liberties, such as the fictionalized circumstances of Canute's death and the simplified representation of Byzantine politics.
: Harald’s uncle, Yaroslav, reveals that Freydís has a seven-year-old son, prompting Harald to finally consider returning north to claim his throne. Leif's Journey of Forgiveness
The conflict between Norse beliefs and Christianity intensifies in Kattegat. People are forced to choose sides.