‘Vikings Season 4, Episode 17 Spoilers: “The Great Army” – Ivar Continues Plotting for Revenge for Ragnar, Aslaug Deaths

‘Vikings’ season 4’s episode 17 titled, “The Great Army,” is set to feature Ivar as he continues to plot for revenge for the death of his parents Ragnar and Aslaug.

The synopsis for “The Great Army” posted on TV Guide reads, “A great Viking army assembles at Kattegat, while Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) remains vigilant in the absence of Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig).”

It would be expected that Ivar (Alex Hogh) is planning to avenge his father’s death now that Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) was gone for good after being thrown into a pit of snakes by King Aelle (Ivan Kaye). It seems clear in the promo that he is also in pursuit of his father’s first wife Lagertha, who currently holds Kattegat after killing his mother Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland).

In the preceding episode, titled “Crossings,” Lagertha decides to pick up the burden of rule after finding out that Ragnar has died, according to a recap posted on Entertainment Weekly. She tells her lover Astrid (Joesfin Asplund), “Ragnar hated it… It weighed him down, perhaps it even killed him.” However, she knows that she must not disappoint the sheildmaidens who fought and died for her.

The new Queen’s new goal is to fortify Kattegat’s rich lands and turn the small village into a true defended city that is the envy of all Norway. While many of Kattegat’s citizen agree with her, Aslaug’s sons Ubbe (Jordan Patrick Smith) and Sigurd (David Lindstron) are unsure while Ivar is unimpressed.

Ivar makes it clear that he wants justice for Aslaug and challenges the new queen to single combat. Lagertha refuses Ivar’s request saying that she does not want to kill him. However, Ivar threatens, “One day, I will kill you, Lagertha… Your fate is fixed.”

Perhaps the ruthless young Viking will find some help in his brothers Ubbe and Sigurd in planning for revenge for the deaths of their parents in the incoming episode. During a previous interview with Variety, showrunner Michael Hirst teased that the revenge plot will immediately come into play following Ragnar’s death.

Hirst said, “It starts the next episode. This is the reaction of the sons to the death of their father. And Ragnar of course had set it up himself, by taking Ivar with him to England. He’s set up the revenge plot. Bjorn will return. All the sons will be part of what was called the Great Heathen Army.”

 ‘Vikings’ season 4’s episode 17 titled, “The Great Army,” is scheduled to air on History on January 11, 2017. It will be followed by episode 18, titled "Revenge," scheduled for January 18.