| “ | Ragnar! | ” |
–The Great Heathen Army as they charge King Aelle's forces, Revenge | ||
The Battle of York is a decisive military engagement that is part of the Great Heathen Army's First Invasion. It depicts the confrontation between the Great Heathen Army and the Kingdom of Northumbria. The event takes place in Season 4 Episode 18, Revenge.
Prelude
Coming soon...
The Battle
The Great Heathen Army, having set sail from Kattegat, arrives on Northumbria's shores. Bishop Unwan and King Aelle set off to meet them immediately with an army numbering a few hundred. They form battle lines on the top of a hill to stop the Viking forces and to have an advantage. King Aelle is convinced that his army will rapidly dispose of the Norsemen as he sees what looks like a few dozen of warriors. However, thousands of Vikings emerge from behind the hills and regroup, forming a massive and astonishing invading force, much to the surprise of King Aelle. Led by Bjorn, the Vikings charge and quickly overrun the Northumbrian forces by sheer power.
Aftermath
With the defeat of the Northumbrians, the sons of Ragnar strike a heavy blow to Northumbria. With the capture of King Aelle, the first step of avenging their father could be carried out. The defeat at the hands of the Vikings left the Kingdom of Northumbria vulnerable, and ultimately resulted in King Aelle being blood eagled in revenge for the death of Ragnar.