Rites of Passage

"Rites of Passage" is the first episode of the first season of Vikings. It is the first episode of the series overall. It premiered on March 3, 2013. It was written by creator Michael Hirst and directed by Johan Renck.

Plot
Ragnar goes on a trip of initiation with his son. Meanwhile, he thinks he has finally found a way to sail ships to the west. However, his beliefs are seen as insane so he chooses to go against the law.

In the Eastern Baltic
In Eastern Baltic in the year 793 A.D, lightning hits a tree on a rainy hill, two Viking warriors Ragnar and Rollo fight Baltic tribesmen. Ragnar fierce in combat with a Baltic. During the duel Ragnars axe is broken resulting in him driving his sword through the stomach of the man. He turns to another Baltic man running at him, Rollo yells "Ragnar!" while tossing him his axe while Rollo grabs out his dagger and begins a duel himself. Rollo swiftly drives his dagger into the mans collarbone. Ragnar still heavy in a duel headbutts the man before smacking him across the face swiftly with his axe. Moments after Ragnar sees a man trying to run, he grabs a spear out of a corpse and tosses at the man with force, impaling him through the chest killing him. After the battle the brothers hug, Ragnar sees a large number of Crows circling the hill, Ragnar stops after seeing a man walking up the hill in a dark cloak, he rubs his eyes and the man is gone but the number of Crows around the hill grows. He turns to see the man again further down the hill, the man moves his spear to the corpses. Ragnar thinks to himself "Odin" before seeing Valkyries decending down through the clouds grabbing the dead Viking warriors and taking them to Valhalla. Rollo calls Ragnars name causing him to look away, when looking back he sees no Valkyries or Odin.

In Scandinavia
A small boat is sailing down a calm river, with a fishing spear in view. Lagertha and Gyda continue driving their spears into the water in hopes of catching Fish. Gyda tells her Mother that she missed a fish, Lagertha says "Here's one" before driving her spear and catching a fish. The Two Head home.

Ragnars Farm
Ragnar is training his Son Björn how to fight, with a shield and sword. Björns hit is stopped by Ragnar who grabs his sword and tosses it to the ground. Ragnar steps back as Björn goes to pick it up, he quickly takes a step foward alarming Björn. Ragnar points to his own eyes and says "Watch." Björn carefully picks up his training sword whilst looking at Ragnar, as soon as it's in Björns hand Ragnar swings, Björn blocks it with his shield stepping back, he continues to hold his shield up, with a scared look on his face. Ragnar grabs his shield pulls it down and hits Björn in the head with it lightly causing Björn to fight back with many swings. Ragnar laughs. Lagertha and Gyda walk back to their home, where Ragnar and Björn are. Lagertha asks what Ragnar is doing and he says to her he is taking Björn to the 'thing' tomorrow. Lagertha states he is "not old enough" Ragnar chuckles and says "He's 12 years old." Lagertha continues to debate, when Ragnar says "He'll need a silk ribbon Lagertha." At night Ragnar and Lagertha lay in bed together and Lagertha tells Ragnar not to "sleep with lots of women in Kattegat." Ragnar says he can do with out it and that he dreams of Lagertha all the time and that the night before she was feeding him blood pudding in his dream which he says means she was giving him her heart. In the morning Ragnar and Björn depart for Kattegat. They head up and across the mountains. After Ragnar and Björn leave their home two thugs appear, in hopes of raping Lagertha. Lagertha displays her prowess as a shield-maiden and effortlessly fends them off with her fire iron.

In the Mountains
Björn asks Ragnar what will happen at the 'thing'. Ragnar explains that the Earl with deal with some criminal offenses and then discuss the summer raids. Ragnar says that the Earl will send them east as always, to the Baltic lands. Ragnar informs Björn that he wishes to know what is to the west, "What cities and gods are over there." He mentions he is not satisfied with the way things are now. Ragnar explains to Björn that "Odin gave his eye to acquire knowledge" but that he would give "far more." At night Ragnar explains to his son how he earned Lagertha's hand in marriage. He asks Björn if he is ready to recieve his armring and become a man. He asks Björn what a man does, Björn says "He fights and looks after his family."

At Kattegat
Ragnar and Björn reach Kattegat. It is a small but lively place, home of the Earl. While walking through the town, Rollo sneaks up behind Björn and picks him up laughing, he see's Ragnar and greets him, they proceed to follow Rollo to get a drink. Björn drinks a cup of ale, Rollo says "Looking a little pale Björn." Björn looks at him all confused and groggy. Rollo teases Björn, Ragnar tells him to go lie down while they discuss where the Earl is going to send them. Rollo states "Those bastards to the east are as poor as we are." Ragnar agrees and brings up why they should sail west. Ragnar says "I've heard great tales Rollo. Great towns and cities and treasures. Hoards of gold and silver, and a new god." Rollo then states that they can't sail across an open ocean. Ragnar laughs and says that he believes there is a way and that he has something that will change everything. Ragnar goes to get something wrapped in cloth, he says that he met someone, a wanderer who told him it was possible to sail west using a sun board. Still in denial Rollo asks if the wanderer ever went west himself, Ragnar tells him to get water so he can show Rollo what it does. Ragnar says "Keep the noon shadow on the circle, and your course will be true. West." Rollo brings up the option of if there is no sun visible. Ragnar shows him and tells him to follow him outside where he holds the sun stone up to the cloudy sky revealing a bright circle, being the sun.

In the Earls Halls
Everyone is gathered in the halls, they are soon silenced. The Earl begins to walk into the hall to his seat with his wife Siggy, his Steward Svein and his bodyguards. Svein speaks beginning the first criminal offense, he pleads Olaf Andwend guilty of stealing. Svein says "Tomorrow you will run a gauntlet of stones and turf as punishment." The next accused is brought in, people shout at the man calling him a murderer and to burn him. Eric Trygvasson was accused of the murder of Sigvald Strut, Eric says that it wasn't murder but self defense. Svein questions, "If it wasn't murder then why didn't you declare your crime to the first person you met afterwards? As the law obliges? In fact, you passed by several houses before you reported it." Eric states that he thought the relatives of the dead man may be living in them. Eric argues that he and the man he killed argued about disputed land and that Sigvald drew a knife on him. Eric is called a coward before angrily turning yelling "I'm not a coward." The Earl silences everyone. Eric is found guilty and sentenced to death the next day by beheading. The Earl states that afterward they will feast and discuss the summer raids. The next day Olaf Andwend is stoned, Rollo throws a rock knocking him off his feet, Olaf completes his punishment. The Earl comes out for Eric's execution, Eric is seen smiling by Björn. Björn asks Ragnar why he is smiling, to which Ragnar says because he wants to die without fear to atone for his sins. Ragnar tells Björn that he must watch, Rollo says so that Eric can enter Valhalla. Upon being executed by Olafur Björn gasps in disgust as the crowd cheer. Earl Haraldson orders Olafur to feed Eric to his pigs and curses him saying "May he never enter Valhalla. May he never feast with the gods." Rollo and Ragnar stare at each other in resent of what the Earl said. Björn asks why he did that and Ragnar says he shouldn't of. Later at night, Björn and Olaf receive their armrings after swearing fielty to Earl Haraldson. Siggy kisses both of them and Ragnar cheers loud starting a chain of cheers in the halls. Haraldson wishes to comense the feast but Ragnar interupts and questions where the summer raids will be. Haraldson asks if it can wait before Rollo says that it can't and that they have a right to know. Haraldson says they will raid east again into Russia. Ragnar stands up and says "Every year! We go to the same places! But there is an alternative, if you choose." Harald stands up from his chair confronting Ragnar and says that he will not risk his ships or reputation on a deluded fantasy. The feast begins as Ragnar is looking at Björns arm-ring, Olafur approaches saying the Earl would like a word with Ragnar in private. Earl Haraldson asks Ragnar if he is hungry in which Ragnar says that he is. The Earl moves his plate away from Ragnar as he tries to reach for some food. The Earl asks Ragnar how he can be certain that there is anything west. Ragnar says he cant be, but he believes. Haraldson cuts him off and says "I don't care what you believe. You insulted me out there, and not for the first time, but believe me, it will be the last." Ragnar tries to leave before being stopped, he sits back down. Ragnar is further lectured about what he is followed with a threat. Ragnar leaves and Olafur is ordered to watch him.

The Seers Hut
Ragnar leads a tired Björn to the Seers hut. The Seer tells them to come in. Ragnar tells Björn to sit, the Seer asks what is it Ragnar wants. Ragnar says "I want to know what the gods have in-store." The Seer questions who for, Ragnar says himself. Ragnar is told that the gods desire him to have a great future but that they can withdraw their good will at any time. Ragnar asks if to have a great future must he challenge the law, he is told that he must convince the gods to alter the runes so that they will work is his favour. He is told that the laws of men are far below the workings of the gods. Ragnar asks "So i should take the laws of men into my own hands?" The Seer does not reply. Demanding an answer the Seer says "You already have your answer." Ragnar stands up and tells Björn to wait outside, Ragnar says to the Seer "You haven't helped me at all ancient one." Ragnar licks the Seers hand and leaves his hut.

In Haraldsons Home
A black tree shaded black by darkness with a green sky comes to view. As torches burn around the tree, Haraldson runs over to the group of men demanding where his sons are and that they said they had found them. Haraldson stops in horror as both their bodies are mutilated in a hole. Haraldson breaks down and falls to his knees before waking up. Breathing heavily and looking around, he sits up while Siggy lays next to him watching him. She places her hand on his shoulder as he stares at the wall

At Floki's Home
Ragnar and Björn row across a gap of water, Ragnar tells Björn that there is someone important they have to meet and that his name is Floki. On land, Björn asks if Floki's name is like Loki the god. Ragnar says "Yes, only different. he's not a god." Björn proceeds to ask why Floki didn't go to the 'thing' Ragnar explains that Floki is 'shy'. Floki jumps out behind a tree in-front of Björn and Ragnar wearing a mask before hysterically laughing. After taking off the mask Ragnar introduces Floki to Björn, Floki looks closely at Björn and says he has his fathers eyes unfortunately. Ragnar questions why it is unfortunate, to which Floki replies "It means he will be like you, and therefore he will want to do better than you, and you will hate him for it." Ragnar grabs his stick and flinches forward at Floki who backs away laughing cheekily. Björn asks how he knows that by looking at his face, Floki says that it's the same with trees and that he can tell which trees will make the best wood by looking at them. Ragnar tells Björn that Floki is a boat-builder among other things. Floki walks off to a tree and begins to feel it, he turns to Björn and says "This is one. Inside the tree are almost two perfect planks." Floki begins to hack away at the tree. Björn questions if he really can see that, Floki approaches Björn close to his face and whispers "I joke about many things, son of Ragnar, but never about ship-building." Ragnar interrupts Floki questioning "So what about our boat?" Floki shows Ragnar and Björn the boat, he explains how it will be lighter and carry a bigger sail and that the construction of this boat is different to others. It has a strong central plank and many other features, meaning that the boat won't "Butt against the waves like a goat. But move over them like a ripple." Ragnar asks if Floki thinks it can handle long sea voyages, Floki chuckles and states "That's why i'm building it." Ragnar wonders if it will be strong enough to which Floki explains that they won't be sure until they try it.

At Ragnars Home
Ragnar says how he has missed Lagertha, who then proceed to have sex. Down at the shore Rollo arrives and is greeted by Björn. Rollo sits with Björn and jokingly pushes his shoulder. At night, Rollo and Ragnar sit at the table, Rollo asks Gyda if her mother is teaching her how to use a shield. Gyda responds saying that she knows how to use a shield. Rollo tells her that Lagertha 'was' a famous shield-maiden which Lagertha questions by saying "Was?" Rollo corrects his error and tells Gyda how he fought beside Lagertha in the same shield wall against the Eastlanders and how she fought like a Valkyrie. Lagertha orders the children to bed, to which Björn complains. Ragnar asks for him to stay awhile but she again tells him to go to bed. Rollo asks Ragnar about the news of the boat, Ragnar tells him it is nearly ready. Rollo states that he will not go under Ragnars command when they go west, unless they go as equals. Ragnar says they will always be equal. Rollo says they need a crew, to that Ragnar steps outside for a piss. Lagertha comes back out and Rollo begins to show his affection. Lagertha tells him not to talk how he is, and he demands to know why not, he says he thinks about her all the time. Lagertha says "That's to bad" Rollo grabs her wrist and angrily says "Don't insult me shield-maiden." In disgust Lagertha he may be a great warrior but is not as good a man. Outside Ragnar sees the crow again he also sees Odin and takes it as a sign regarding the Seers advice, Ragnar heads back inside to tell Rollo the good news. Ragnar doesn't notice the tension in the room upon stepping back inside. He assures them it is a sign that they are doing the right thing by sailing west. With no reply he looks to Lagertha and says "Goodnight brother."

At Floki's dock
Ragnar inspects the boat that has been built by Floki, Ragnar goes to mention the boats beauty, but Floki says "There is no need, I see it in your eyes." to which Ragnar leans down from the boat and whispers "Beautiful." Floki gets a drift of self doubt saying "It's only beautiful if it works." While testing the boat Ragnar tells Floki to set the sail, Floki still filled with self doubt says that it will sink, Ragnar tries to reassure him that it will not, Floki continues to bash himself over how he never should of tried to think he could build such a boat. Ragnar and Rollo stand up and set the sails. Floki apologises to Ragnar about wasting his money, Ragnar tells him to shut up as the sails lower. The boat continues moving, Floki stands up in joy and excitedly says "It's beautiful! Why didn't you believe me? I told you i could do it!" Meanwhile up on a hill by the water a man Olafur the man issued to watch Ragnar by Haraldson watches them sail away.

First

 * Ragnar Lothbrok
 * Rollo
 * Lagertha
 * Gyda
 * Björn
 * Brondsted
 * Thug 1
 * Ulf
 * Earl Haraldson
 * Siggy
 * Svein
 * Olafur
 * Olaf Andwend
 * Eric Trygvasson
 * Rafarta
 * Olaf
 * The Seer
 * Floki

Deaths
Eric Trygvasson

Cast
Main Cast Guest Starring Additional Cast
 * Travis Fimmel as Ragnar
 * Katheryn Winnick as Lagertha
 * Clive Standen as Rollo
 * Gabriel Byrne as Haraldson
 * Jessalyn Gilsig as Siggy
 * Nathan O'Toole as Björn
 * David Pearse as Svein
 * John Kavanagh as The Seer
 * Eddie Drew as Odin
 * Ruby O'Leary as Gyda
 * Billy Gibson as Ulf
 * Eddie Elks as Olafur
 * David Wilmot as Olaf Andwend
 * Conor Madden as Eric Trygvasson
 * Donna Dent as Rafarta
 * Gerard McCarthy as Brondsted
 * Cian Quinn as Olaf

Memorable quotes
Ragnar Lothbrok: [to Björn] "I went to confess my love to her but I was set upon by a bear and an enourmous hound, who guarded he home. I killed the bear with my spear, and I managed to strangle the hound with my bare hands. And that is how I gained her hand in marriage."

Ragnar: "Are you ready to recieve your arm-ring and become a man?" Björn : "Yes." Ragnar: "And what does man do?" Björn: "He fights. Ragnar: "And?" Björn: "He looks after his family."

Ragnar: [to Rollo] Keep the noon shadow on the circle, and your course will be true. West.

Earl Haraldson: "I curse him. May he never enter Valhalla. May he never feast with the gods."

Earl Haraldson: [to Ragnar] "How can you be sure its a land of gold and riches?" Ragnar: "I can't be sure. But I believe..." Earl Haraldson: "I don't care what you believe... you insulted me out there. And not for the first time, but, believe me. It will be the last."

Björn: [to Ragnar] "Floki? Like Loki the god?" Ragna: "Yes, only different." Björn: "How is he different?" Ragnar: "He's not a god."

Floki: [to Björn] "You have your fathers eyes. Unfortunately." Ragnar: "Why unfortunately?" Floki: [to Ragnar] "It means he will be like you, and therefore he will want to do better than you, and you will hate him for it."

Rollo: [to Ragnar] "Do you trust Floki? Isn't he a great joker?" Ragnar: "He is a great boat builder. I trust him to do that.

Rollo: [to Ragnar] "I won't go under your command. I won't go unless we're all equal Ragnar: "We are brothers. You and I will always be equal."

Lagertha: [to Rollo] "No. I would never insult you. You're too great a warrior, but perhaps not so great a man."