"Vikings" Season 4 saw a lot of upheavals recently but none could probably compare to the demise of its main character Ragnar Lothbrok, who was superbly portrayed by actor Travis Fimmel until the very end. While fans were still hopeful that Ragnar might have cheated in his apparent death inside the snake pit in episode 15, the latest episode "Crossings" revealed beyond reasonable doubt that Ragnar is already done for.
For those who might have hoped to see Travis Fimmel coming back as Ragnar Lothbrok in the coming episodes this season or even in "Vikings" Season 5, that seems to be a remote possibility for now. The latest episode confirmed what fans dreaded all along. Unlike in season 3 where he was able to fake his death, Ragnar's demise this time is for real.
Ragnar's fate is even confirmed by actor Travis Fimmel himself. When asked if there is a chance that the actor could be returning to "Vikings," the actor was direct in his response saying "I'm not returning," in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
But there is still hope apparently. Fans may yet get a glimpse of their favorite character in future episodes of the series, at least according to its show creator Michael Hirst.
In the same interview, Hirst hints that it will not be the last time fans will be seeing Travis Fimmel as well as the character he plays in the series, Ragnar Lothbrok. According to Hirst, Ragnar's powerful presence means that he will never disappear entirely. He could still reappear in dreams and in visions of those still living. This was shown to be correct in the latest "Vikings" Season 4 episode 16 when Ragnar appeared to Lagertha in a dream.
Meanwhile, the most palpable change in the series' storyline, aside from Ragnar's departure, is the shift in power among the Viking's ruling class. Instead of a king, they are now ruled by a capable queen in the person of Lagertha.
But Lagertha's reign will be far from peaceful, power struggles are bound to occur. In fact, it already did when Ivar the Boneless issued a challenge to fight Lagertha to avenge the death of his mother Aslaug. Fortunately for Ivar, the warrior Lagertha declined out of pity, Entertainment Weekly reported. There is no doubt who would have won had a fight between the two ensued.
But it is far from over though. While denied the right to fight for his mother's honor, Ivar made a chilling oath saying, "One day, I will kill you, Lagertha."
Meanwhile, enjoy the "Vikings" Season 4 episode 16 promo below: