Where Did ‘Vikings’ Leave Off? A Recap Of The Season 4A Finale Before The History Channel Series Returns

After several months off the air, “Vikings” is coming back to History channel on Wednesday. Season 4A of the wildly popular series came to a temporary end in April with a bloody battle between the Lothbrok brothers.

When the episode — titled “The Last Ship” — opened, Rollo (Clive Standen) was shown praying to God before he headed into battle. The scene provided a stark contrast to earlier ones in which the former pagan denounced theology. Moments later viewers were transported to the battle field, where they found the Franks beaten to a pulp by the Vikings. The attack was just the first in a series — and things weren’t looking good for the opposition.

Despite having been brutalized, the Franks weren’t giving up. When asked by one of his men whether they should retreat, Rollo drove his sword into the man’s weakened body before throwing him from his ship. He then delivered a heartfelt speech, reminding his men that their entire lives have been building up to this moment. Rollo told them that no matter the outcome, they had to fight.

His strong words bred strength in the men, once on the brink of giving up. They decided to head back into battle and were more than ready to conquer the Vikings or die trying. During the second attack, the Franks fought harder and stronger and were able to defeat their adversaries. While fighting the good fight, Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) locked eyes with Rollo from across the battlefield and shouted to him that one of them had to die. This moment lead “Vikings” viewers into the most important — and stressful — fights of Season 4.

The Lothbrok brothers swords came together before the two resorted to hand-to-hand combat. During the fight Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) was hit with a blade, which penetrated her shoulder. Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) witnessed the moment from a distance away, running to be by her side. At Ragnar’s orders, he took her and boarded a nearby ship. Ragnar attempted to return to his fight with Rollo, but was thrown onto the boat before the battle could resume.

Rollo returned home and was praised as a hero for defeating the Vikings. Emperor Charles (Lothaire Bluteau) bestowed a high honor upon him before the episode dove into the future.

Years later, Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland) was shown with Bjorn. She introduced him to a man she found wandering in their village. It was later revealed that the man knew an elderman of King Ecbert (Linus Roache). The stranger shared some shocking information with the duo — Ragnar had another son with Queen Kwenthirth (Amy Bailey). The child’s name is Magnus. He’s now 12 years old.

He also revealed that Ragnar’s Wessex settlement was destroyed after the ship sailed away. Bjorn refused to believe him which forced the newcomer to confirm the truth with his father. Queen Aslaug shared with the man that Ragnar was unreachable as he sailed away to Paris long ago. She shared with him that no one had seen or heard from him in years.

Meanwhile Bjorn rushed to tell his brothers all the new information he had stumbled upon. Some of the men vowed to kill their rather for turning his back on their people. Others — namely Ivar (Alex Høgh Andersen) — decided to support Ragnar.

Bjorn then paid a quick visit to Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård) and Helga (Maude Hirst), who confirmed that what the wanderer had said about Wessex was true. Bjorn also hoped to convince Floki to build him a ship. The vessel was to be used to sail the Mediterranean Sea, which he wasn’t certain actually existed. Bjorn quickly convinced Floki to join him on the trip, which took minimal effort.

When Season 4A came to a close, viewers saw Ragnar headed for home. While he was excited to return, the people of Kattegat were less than excited to see him — which should set the tone for the Season 4B premiere on Wednesday.

“Vikings” returns to History Channel on Wednesday at 9 p.m. EST.