Vikings: Athelstan's Journal

Torn between two faiths, Athelstan pores over his journal looking for answers about where his heart belongs in this "Vikings" webisode.

Athelstan faces the temptation of earthly pleasures, but strives to resist them and maintain his honor before God. Lagertha and Ragnar fight a much more violent battle against determined enemies who would strip them of their own honor.

Athelstan realizes that loyalty is the key to surviving in Kattegat, as treachery and betrayal lurk around every corner. But Siggy proves her loyalty to Lagertha and Ragnar through kindness and devotion in the face of tragic events.

Athelstan reflects on the joy of being cleansed from sin and recounts a story of honor, sacrifice, punishment, and betrayal.

Athelstan comes to believe women shape the world much more than even the bravest men. His belief appears true when Princess Aslaug causes a rupture that will affect everyone in Kattegat.

Athelstan reflects on the family he has come to love since arriving in Kattegat. He would do anything for this new family, but this love and devotion now threatens Athelstan's life.

Athelstan explores the savage inside him – a figure he is both enthralled and repulsed by. Ragnar embraces his own savagery and enacts a brutal and bloody revenge on a bitter enemy.

Ragnar extends his empire by out-witting and out-fighting a powerful enemy. Athelstan still has no answers for his crisis of faith, so, torn between the Christian and Pagan worlds, he turns to an unlikely source for guidance.

Athelstan consults the Seer in search of answers about which path he should choose. The Seer consults the runes, but only offers a mysterious prophecy that the gods will soon test the strength of many vows.

Athelstan laments all that he has given up in the pursuit of truth, but the Seer mocks him and shockingly declares that one of Kattegat's bravest warriors will soon make the ultimate sacrifice.

The Seer tells Athelstan that he will soon be tested by earthly pleasures far greater than those he has so far faced. Athelstan is left wondering if he will have the strength to resist this new temptation.

Athelstan asks the Seer how his actions in this life will reward him in the next world. The mysterious answer the Seer provides hints at a bloody outcome in the future.

Athelstan's crisis of faith reaches a tipping point when the Seer proclaims that he can no longer walk both paths – Athelstan must choose his God.