Ragnar Lothbrok is no ordinary Viking. He wants to defy tradition and his Earl by raiding to the west for the first time in their history.

Ragnar's crew prepares to set sail west, towards the shores of Britain. The Earl realizes that his insistence on tradition has lost him his hold on the warriors.

The raid on a monastery in Lindesfarne is a great success, and after seeing the incredible haul, Earl Haraldson claims the spoils for himself and sends the warriors out on a second trip.

Lagertha joins Ragnar and his men for the second raid, with one of the Earl's spies in their midst. They pay the price for Ragnar's original disobedience.

The seer warns Earl Haraldson that Ragnar seeks his death. It is not clear who the gods favour. To force the gods' hands, the Earl attempts to destroy his adversary.

The injured Ragnar is lured out of hiding by the news of Rollo's torture. He now faces Earl Haraldson in single combat.