Vikings: Valhalla – Season 2, Episode 2: “Towers of Faith”
Full-Length Summary
Episode 2 of Vikings: Valhalla Season 2, titled “Towers of Faith,” expands the world geographically and spiritually, diving deeper into the personal journeys of the main characters while continuing to explore the conflict between old and new beliefs, ambition and restraint, loyalty and treachery.
Freydis in Jomsborg: A New Uppsala
Freydis Eriksdottir, having escaped the destruction of the sacred city of Uppsala and deeply affected by the persecution of her people, arrives in the fabled city of Jomsborg, a hidden stronghold said to be a safe haven for followers of the old Norse gods. Jomsborg is led by Harekr and Gudrid, two influential figures who are committed to preserving the old ways in the face of growing Christian dominance.
Upon her arrival, Freydis is welcomed with reverence. She is seen by many in the city as a spiritual figure — possibly even a “Last Daughter of Uppsala” — someone destined to revive their faith and culture. Harekr quickly shows her the city’s inner workings, including how they’ve been hiding and sheltering refugees from Christian lands who have faced oppression or violence for following the old gods.
Despite the warm welcome, Freydis is initially cautious, unsure of Harekr’s true motivations. She sees that while Jomsborg is a sanctuary, its leaders have their own agendas. Nevertheless, she accepts the role that is being offered to her. In a symbolic and powerful ritual, she presides over a ceremony where she declares Jomsborg to be the new Uppsala, a place where the Norse faith can live on. This moment marks a major turning point for Freydis, as she steps fully into a leadership role, not just as a warrior but as a spiritual guide.
Harald and Leif in Novgorod: Path to Constantinople
Meanwhile, Harald Sigurdsson and Leif Eriksson travel far from Scandinavia, arriving in Novgorod, a bustling city on the edge of the Viking world. The contrast to Jomsborg is stark: Novgorod is a chaotic mix of cultures, currencies, and corruption. The brothers find themselves immersed in a world of opportunity and danger, where power is earned with coin or blood.
Harald, ever the ambitious prince, quickly learns that brute strength and charm are his best tools in this new city. He wins a brutal fight in the local pits and catches the attention of Lord Vitomir, a wealthy and influential nobleman. Vitomir offers Harald a lucrative job — to escort a caravan to Constantinople. Harald sees this opportunity as a crucial step in raising the gold and alliances he needs to reclaim his throne in Norway. Though the journey is long and treacherous, Harald agrees without hesitation.
Leif, on the other hand, is struggling deeply. He is still haunted by the death of Liv, the woman he loved, who died in the previous season. The trauma and guilt weigh heavily on him. In Novgorod, he finds himself slipping into self-destruction. He visits an opium den and is overwhelmed by visions of Liv. In one particularly emotional and surreal hallucination, Liv calls to him, beckoning him to join her in Valhalla. Leif is visibly shaken and emotionally broken, but at the final moment, he resists. He holds tightly to a Christian cross he carries with him — a symbol of his uncertain spiritual path — and falls unconscious. This scene shows Leif’s internal battle between despair and survival, between old beliefs and new.
Godwin and Emma in London: Unmasking the Assassin
Back in London, the court is still reeling from the attempt on Queen Emma’s life. Godwin, now serving as her chief advisor, interrogates the captured assassin, hoping to uncover the truth behind the attack. The prisoner reveals very little, but he cryptically mentions that he was paid by someone known as “Bear” or “Barr.” The name means nothing to them yet, but it becomes clear that a greater conspiracy is unfolding.
Emma, already wary of those around her, begins to question who she can truly trust. Godwin promises to dig deeper, insisting that the assassin still has both his eyes — a grim reminder that there are harsher methods he is willing to use. The political stakes are rising, and as tension tightens within the English court, Emma knows that the threats are far from over. The episode subtly teases that Godwin himself may have hidden motives, adding a layer of intrigue to the storyline.
Themes and Character Development
Episode 2 is heavily thematic, dealing with faith, ambition, loss, and identity:
- Freydis becomes more than a warrior; she embraces her role as a symbol of Norse spiritual resilience. She now represents the continuity of an ancient way of life, standing in opposition to both Christian suppression and opportunistic manipulation.
- Harald continues his arc as the bold and driven leader with royal ambitions. His journey toward Constantinople promises to be one of political maneuvering and increasing moral compromise.
- Leif’s journey is one of grief and spiritual crisis. His hallucinations reflect a man caught between the gods of his heritage and the temptations of oblivion. He’s physically surviving but emotionally collapsing.
- Emma and Godwin’s storyline introduces a classic element of courtly espionage and power games, setting up what will likely be a slow-burning storyline full of betrayal and secret alliances.
Conclusion
“Towers of Faith” is a richly layered episode that explores the inner worlds of its characters while expanding the global and religious scope of the series. From the wild forests of Jomsborg to the cold streets of Novgorod and the tense chambers of the English court, this episode connects personal struggles to greater political and spiritual conflicts.
It lays the foundation for several major narrative arcs: Freydis’s spiritual leadership in the old faith, Harald’s mission to the Byzantine Empire, Leif’s battle with his past and faith, and the mysterious threat looming over Queen Emma in England.
With beautiful visuals, emotional storytelling, and strong performances, this episode solidifies Vikings: Valhalla as more than just a historical drama — it’s a story about the survival of cultures, the evolution of beliefs, and the cost of ambition.
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