When Ragnar Lothbrok's story ended, the historical drama shifted its focus entirely to his ambitious sons and the fracturing Norse world. Season 5 of the History Channel series deals directly with the power vacuum left behind, turning brother against brother in a brutal civil war. Understanding who plays who in this sprawling ensemble helps make sense of the shifting alliances across Kattegat, England, and Iceland.
The core narrative centers on the bitter rivalry between Ivar the Boneless and his brothers, alongside new religious and military heavyweights entering the fray. From returning shieldmaidens to warrior bishops, the fifth season introduces complex power dynamics that reshape the entire trajectory of the History hit series.
Returning Favourites and Power Shifts
Several core veterans returned to anchor the massive 20-episode season, though their character dynamics shifted drastically following past tragedies.
- Katheryn Winnick as Queen Lagertha: As the ruler of Kattegat, Lagertha spends much of the season defending her crown against Ragnar's vengeful sons. Winnick also stepped behind the camera during this season to direct an episode.
- Alexander Ludwig as Bjorn Ironside: Ragnar's eldest son spends the early episodes exploring the Mediterranean and North Africa before returning home to contest Ivar's tyrannical rule.
- Gustaf Skarsgård as Floki: Following the grief of losing Helga, Floki sets sail alone, eventually discovering a remote land he believes to be the realm of the gods—Iceland—where his attempts to build a peaceful settlement descend into tribal bloodshed.
The Sons of Ragnar and Internal Conflict
With Ragnar gone, his surviving sons split into opposing factions, driving the primary political conflict of the season.
- Alex Høgh Andersen as Ivar the Boneless: Driven by tactical brilliance and deep-seated cruelty, Ivar seizes control of Kattegat with the backing of King Harald, styling himself as a living god.
- Jordan Patrick Smith as Ubbe: Opting to align with Lagertha, Ubbe attempts to forge a different path, negotiating land deals with King Alfred of Wessex and embracing Christianity for political survival.
- Marco Ilsø as Hvitserk: Caught in a constant crisis of loyalty, Hvitserk initially follows Ivar into battle, though the psychological toll of his choices weighs heavily on him throughout the campaign.
New Heavyweights and Major Additions
Season 5 introduced prominent actors who instantly altered the balance of power on both sides of the English Channel.
- Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Bishop Heahmund: A fierce, sword-wielding warrior bishop who opposes the Norse invaders in England. Heahmund enters a volatile, passionate dynamic with Lagertha after being captured on the battlefield.
- Peter Franzén as King Harald Finehair: Ambitious and ruthless, Harald continues his relentless quest to become the first true King of Norway, frequently switching alliances between Ivar and other regional lords.
- Ferdia Walsh-Peelo as King Alfred: Succeeding Aethelwulf, a young Alfred the Great tries to secure his kingdom through faith, strategic military defense, and uneasy truces with Viking settlers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Travis Fimmel return for Season 5?
No, Travis Fimmel's character Ragnar Lothbrok was killed off at the end of Season 4. While he appeared briefly in brief dream sequences or flashbacks, he was no longer part of the active main cast.
Who is the main villain of Season 5?
Ivar the Boneless functions as the primary antagonist of the season. His increasingly erratic and tyrannical rule over Kattegat forces his brothers and former allies to unite against him.
What happened to Floki's storyline in Iceland?
Floki leads a small band of settlers to Iceland to build a pure society. However, old tribal feuds and bitterness between families like the Kjetills turn the utopian colony into a cycle of revenge and murder.
How many episodes are in Vikings Season 5?
The season consists of 20 episodes split into two distinct ten-episode blocks, airing across late 2017 and early 2019.
