Farmer, family man and rebel Ragnar Lothbrok is determined to sail west to discover new lands and riches despite an intimidating warning from his village's tyrannical leader, Lord Haraldson, who makes it clear in no uncertain terms that doing so could result in severe consequences.

The journey west begins as Ragnar gathers a crew willing to risk their lives to travel into the unknown. Earl Haraldson's paranoia reaches new heights as his fear of Ragnar's success grows.

Ragnar and his crew sail out with Earl Haraldson's permission.

A seer reads Earl Haraldson's future and tells him that Ragnar searches for his death.

Ragnar, weak and still hurt, must meet the Earl head-on after it comes to light that Rollo has been tortured on Haraldson’s orders. The two men will come together face to face with a single outcome possible: Only one man will leave this fight alive.

Three Viking ships sail toward the Royal Villa of King Aelle in eastern England. Ragnar wants ransom in exchange for peace, but the king has a very different plan in mind.

Ragnar travels to Götaland to help King Horik resolve a land dispute with the area's leader, Jarl Borg. Meanwhile, sickness infects the village of Kattegat, and the people look to Lagertha to help them appease the gods.