'Vikings: Valhalla' Ending Explained: Why did Olaf flee? What happened to Harald?
Tensions rise in the sequel to hit period drama 'Vikings'. Titled 'Vikings: Valhalla', the brand new series follows a new generation of Norsemen as they fight for survival and glory. Set 100 years after the events of 'Vikings', the series takes place in an era that marks the decline of the Viking age.
'Vikings: Valhalla' starts with a brutal slaughter of Viking Christians at the Danelaw settlement in England. News of the slaughter, ordered by King Aethelred, reaches the Danes whose king Canute calls for all Vikings to unite to avenge those massacred. Led on different fronts by Canute, Prince Harald, Jarl Olaf, and boatsman Leif Erikkson, the Vikings emerge victorious at the battle in London, but what follows comes as a wrecking ball to all. The multi-layered series surely left viewers with some questions, so read on to know how 'Vikings: Valhalla' ended.
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How did Jarl Olaf betray his brothers-in-arms?
Olaf's ambitions of becoming King of all Norway are revealed right from the beginning. He's also shown to hate the Vikings who follow the Old Ways, wanting a mass conversion before the battle at London. Olaf's scheming begins after the beheading of Eadric Streona as he finds out Harald's desire to overthrow him. Olaf convinces Queen Aelfigu, the wife of Canute, to hand over the Danish fleet to him to invade Kattegat and by doing so, he robs Canute of his men as he fights a civil war in Denmark. He goes on to join hands with Jarl Kåre, using his hatred of pagans to his advantage. With Canute's fleet and Kåre's support, Olaf initiates the invasion of Kattegat, which upon completion would result in him consolidating enough power to become the King of Norway.
Why did Jarl Olaf flee after winning the battle at Kattegat?
Half-brother of Harald Sigurdsson, Jarl Olaf connivingly ended up winning the battle at Kattegat by invading the port city on foot while pretending to enter by water. He takes the defending warriors by surprise, slaying all in his path, including Leif's partner Liv. However, his celebration at the Great Hall of Kattegat is cut short by a bloodthirsty Sweyn Forkbeard. Forkbeard, father of King Canute, comes seeking revenge after finding out about Olaf's betrayal. This makes Olaf join his men as they run in terror fearing Forkbeard's wrath.
What happened to Harald Sigurdsson?
Harald returns to protect Kattegat after finding out Olaf's true intentions. He fights valiantly against Jarl Kåre's men but ends up getting seriously injured in the process. To make things worse, the sight of Freydís turning her back on him makes him give up hope completely. Fortunately, Freydís returns with horses, and the two make it out of Kattegat safely.
What is to become of Lief Eriksson?
Leif Eriksson suffered a series of losses after joining hands with Harald and Canute but the battle at Kattegat finally broke the stoic boatsman from Greenland. After figuring out Olaf's play, Leif pulls back all warriors to defend Kattegat but they're overpowered by the fanatic Christian army of Jarl Kåre. As they fight fearlessly, Olaf makes a sudden entry, killing Liv among others. The death of Liv breaks Leif completely, who maniacally begins to kill all those around him. 'Vikings: Valhalla' ends with Leif chasing one of Forkbeard's grandsons and only time will tell what is to become of Leif Eriksson.
Do you have any more questions about how 'Vikings: Valhalla' ended? Let us know!
'Vikings: Valhalla' is streaming on Netflix.