‘Vikings’ Season 5 Theory: Is Sigurd Still Alive?

The Season 4 finale of History Channel’s Vikings saw a shocking turn of events when Ivar the Boneless threw an axe at his brother, Sigurd. The assumption is he was killed as a result of this wound. But could Sigurd actually survive this attack?

SPOILER ALERT: This article discusses Season 5 of History Channel’s Vikings as well as the historical counterparts of its characters. Please proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers from either medium.

The Season 4 finale of Vikings saw an argument erupt between Ivar the Boneless (Alex Hogh) and his brother, Sigurd (David Lindstrom). The end result was that Ivar threw an axe at Sigurd, hitting him in the chest. While that episode left it unclear as to whether Sigurd survived this attack or not, the trailer for Season 5 of Vikings made it pretty clear Sigurd died. A scene showing the body of Sigurd on a boat being readied for a Viking funeral was a good indicator that Sigurd was not returning to the show. This trailer also left some fans upset at the obvious spoiler. But could it just be a creative cut? Other Vikings fans now think so.

According to International Business Times, some fans think Sigurd is alive thanks to the story of his historical counterpart, Sigurd Snake-In-The-Eye. The “Sigurd is alive” theory involves Sigurd falling down unconscious after he is struck by Ivar’s axe and everyone assumes he is dead. Then, after he is set out to sea, his boat floats away and is “found by Blaeja (Caitlin Scott), the daughter of King Aelle (Ivan Kaye) and Ealhswith (Cathy White) of Northumbria.”

So what do the history books actually say about Ragnar’s son, Sigurd?

According to some Norse tales, Sigurd did die at the hand of his brother. This alone is a pretty good indicator that Sigurd is not going to survive Season 5 of Vikings.

However, another sees him dying at the the battle of Leuven in 891 against Emperor Amulf. Both the Annals of Fulda and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle mention this battle. Once again, things look grim for Sigurd in Season 5 of Vikings, but could he survive this attack by his brother only to die in battle later on?

Yet another tale, present in Saxo Grammaticus’ Gesta Danorum, sees Sigurd marry King Aelle’s daughter, Blaeja, after the vikings killed Aelle in much the same way History Channel did in Season 4 of Vikings. This union was a successful one and Sigurd and Blaeja went on to have four children: Alof Sigurdardottir, Pora “Tora” Sigurdardottir, Aslaug Sigurdardottir, and Helgi Sigurdarson.

The Gesta Danorum is a book that History Channel has used for a lot of the tales told about Ragnar Lothbrok (played by Travis Fimmel in the TV series), so it makes sense they would continue to follow on with the stories contained within. Blaeja also appeared in Season 4 of Vikings. Judith was seen talking to her and telling her to “learn to read.” So, could this mean that maybe fans will get to see more of Blaeja in Season 5 of Vikings? Only time will reveal this answer unfortunately.

However, while it is possible Sigurd would survive the Season 4 finale of Vikings, the show’s creator, Michael Hirst did state to TV Guide that Sigurd was dead.

“I think it’s fairly obvious that the death of Sigurd by Ivar will usher in a time of great conflict between the brothers,” Hirst revealed not long after the Season 4 finale of Vikings. “And that conflict between brothers will end up in a world war.”

What do you think? Is Sigurd alive or dead? Let us know by commenting below or by voting in the poll.

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You can view the official trailer for Season 5 of Vikings below.

Vikings has been confirmed by History Channel as returning in 2017 with Season 5.

[Featured Image by Bernard Walsh/History Channel]