Spoilers for this episode.
Heahmund faces Alfred over Cuthred's murder and argues that he acted against a conspiracy threatening the king. Alfred restores him to office, despite objections within his court. He marries Elsewith while Aethelred's connection to the dissatisfied nobles grows more troubling. The king's alliance with his Viking guests also becomes public when Ubbe and Torvi accept baptism, openly renouncing their old faith before the assembled court.
Bjorn rejects their religious compromise and meets Magnus, who claims that Ragnar was his father. Magnus resents the English royal family and questions why Ragnar's sons should serve Alfred. In York, Harald recruits the local jarl for his own plans, seeking both another attack on Wessex and an eventual move against Ivar. In Iceland, Floki tries to secure peace between the feuding families, but Thorunn's disappearance interrupts that effort.
Hvitserk challenges Ivar after Margrethe's death, reminding him that kingship does not mean that everyone loves him. Freydis has the man who fathered her child killed and promotes the claim that she carries Ivar's divine offspring. Ivar announces himself as a god and prepares an elaborate public ceremony with Freydis beside him. A chained, hooded figure is brought forward for sacrifice, leaving the victim's identity concealed as the ceremony begins and Hvitserk's dispute with his brother remains unresolved.