The Sack of York is the destruction of the city of York as 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 5 Episode 1, The Departed Part 1.
Prelude[]
The Great Heathen Army had sacked Winchester and the sons of Ragnar had exacted their revenge on King Aelle and King Ecbert. Newly crowned King Aethelwulf has fled to the marshes with the royal family and the remaining soldiers of Wessex and Mercia. Floki had left the Viking Army to set sail. Bjorn, Halfdan, and others had left to explore the Mediterranean. The idea to take York was Ivar's, who wanted to establish a Viking stronghold near the coast, which would allow them to raid deeper into England unmolested and able to resupply. Ubbe had the idea to attack on the Saxons' holy day, Saint's Day, because it would give the Vikings the element of surprise.
The Battle[]
While the citizens of York are attending mass in honor of Saint's Day, the Vikings sneak as close as they can to the town walls. The small number of soldiers guarding the walls are drinking and distracted. One of them is taken out by an arrow, alerting the others. Confused about where the attack came from, the soldiers grab their bows and begin trying to pinpoint the Vikings' location. Using this moment, siege ladders are put in place by the Vikings.
Though facing some resistance at first, the Vikings make it up the walls with relative ease. Ubbe is the first one on the walls, followed by a swarm of others. They care their way down to the gates of the town, where upon opening them, Ivar, Hvitserk, and the rest of the Great Heathen Army is waiting to pour in. Rushing inside the city yelling and screaming war cries, the Vikings begin sacking the city. Ivar charges in on his chariot with Hvitserk beside him. Hvitserk jumps off the chariot, and immediately begins cutting down numerous citizens of York. Ivar continues his charge down the streets of York screaming at the top of his lungs.
When the Vikings arrive outside the church, they open the doors and creep in. They begin slaughtering just about everyone inside. Bishop Cynebert, the Archbishop of York, is captured. Ivar tortures him by pouring molten gold down his throat. As he does so, Ivar whispers, "Now you can kiss your cross" in a truly creepy fashion. Afterwards, Ivar sits on the ground laughing hysterically.
Aftermath[]
Following the slaughter, the town of York now belongs to the Northmen, though this capture does not go unnoticed. As Bishop Heahmund prepares to reclaim it, he is joined by King Aethelwulf. The consequence of taking the town of York leads to the Battle of Yorktown.