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The Best Episodes of Vikings Season 1

Every episode of Vikings Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Vikings Season 1!

The adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok, the greatest hero of his age. The series tells the sagas of Ragnar's band of Viking brothers and his family, as he rises to become King of the Viking tribes. As well as being a fearless warrior, Ragnar embodies the Norse traditions of devotion to the gods. Legend has it that he was a direct descendant of Odin, the god of war and warriors.

Genres:Action & AdventureDramaWar & Politics

Season 1 Ratings Summary

The best episode of "Vikings" season 1 is "Rites of Passage", rated 7.6/10 from 9455 user votes. It was directed by Johan Renck and written by Michael Hirst. "Rites of Passage" aired on 3/3/2013 and is rated 0.2 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "Wrath of the Northmen".

  • Rites of Passage
    7.6/10 9,455 votes

    #1 - Rites of Passage

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 3/3/2013

    Farmer, family man and rebel Ragnar Lothbrok is determined to sail west to discover new lands and riches despite an intimidating warning from his village's tyrannical leader, Lord Haraldson, who makes it clear in no uncertain terms that doing so could result in severe consequences.

    Director: Johan Renck

    Writer: Michael Hirst

  • Wrath of the Northmen
    7.8/10 7,966 votes

    #2 - Wrath of the Northmen

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 3/10/2013

    The journey west begins as Ragnar gathers a crew willing to risk their lives to travel into the unknown. Earl Haraldson's paranoia reaches new heights as his fear of Ragnar's success grows.

    Director: Johan Renck

    Writer: Michael Hirst

  • Dispossessed
    7.9/10 7,332 votes

    #3 - Dispossessed

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 3/17/2013

    Ragnar and his crew return from their trip with treasure, and Earl Haraldson has no choice but to sanction another raid. The west is open for the taking, and the Vikings' world will never be the same.

    Director: Johan Renck

    Writer: Michael Hirst

  • Trial
    8.2/10 7,145 votes

    #4 - Trial

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 3/24/2013

    Ragnar and his crew sail out with Earl Haraldson's permission.

    Director: Ciaran Donnelly

    Writer: Michael Hirst

  • Raid
    8.2/10 6,917 votes

    #5 - Raid

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 3/31/2013

    A seer reads Earl Haraldson's future and tells him that Ragnar searches for his death.

    Director: Ciaran Donnelly

    Writer: Michael Hirst

  • Burial of the Dead
    8.2/10 6,870 votes

    #6 - Burial of the Dead

    Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 4/7/2013

    Ragnar, weak and still hurt, must meet the Earl head-on after it comes to light that Rollo has been tortured on Haraldson’s orders. The two men will come together face to face with a single outcome possible: Only one man will leave this fight alive.

    Director: Ciaran Donnelly

    Writer: Michael Hirst

  • A King's Ransom
    8.4/10 6,871 votes

    #7 - A King's Ransom

    Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 4/14/2013

    Three Viking ships sail toward the Royal Villa of King Aelle in eastern England. Ragnar wants ransom in exchange for peace, but the king has a very different plan in mind.

    Director: Ken Girotti

    Writer: Michael Hirst

  • Sacrifice
    7.6/10 6,811 votes

    #8 - Sacrifice

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 4/21/2013

    The traditional pilgrimage to Uppsala to thank the gods brings a torrent of emotions for Ragnar, Lagertha, and Athelstan. Ragnar, pulling farther away from his wife goes to make peace with the death of his unborn son. Lagertha, still reeling from her miscarriage, wants to find out from the gods if more sons are in her future. As the Vikings come together to sacrifice and give thanks to their gods, Athelstan discovers just how strong his Christian faith still is.

    Director: Ken Girotti

    Writer: Michael Hirst

  • All Change
    7.7/10 6,636 votes

    #9 - All Change

    Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 4/28/2013

    Ragnar travels to Götaland to help King Horik resolve a land dispute with the area's leader, Jarl Borg. Meanwhile, sickness infects the village of Kattegat, and the people look to Lagertha to help them appease the gods.

    Director: Ken Girotti

    Writer: Michael Hirst