Vikings Episode 8 Recap: Sacrifice

In my opinion, "Sacrifice" is the best episode to date. Ragnar and family and friends travel to Uppsala to worship the gods. Apparently the pillgramagd is made every 9 years. Shortly after their arrival, it becomes evident that someone/ several people will be sacrificed. I was pretty sure it was Athelstan but wasn't sure who else. It wouldn't be Ragnar. Since he's the main character. Could it be Floki's girlfriend? Could it be Lagertha since she had a miscarriage? That would be really harsh. Could it be Floki? I can only hope.

Turns out it was just Athelstan (and 6 other strangers). He seemed much way too calm to me. Run, scream, do something but nooo he stays and seems to accept his fate. When he goes into the temple, the priest realizes Athelstan has not abandoned his Christian faith. Thus the seer says he's not an acceptable gift and someone else must be sacrificed or bring the wrath of the gods upon them all. Lief volunteers to save the rest of the group.

At first I thought Ragnar had tricked Athelstan into being the sacrifice (which he sorta did because no one asked him). However it seems like a sign of honor among the Vikings. Now I'm not sure what I think. By today's standards it is definitely barbaric either way.

Did anyone else find those priests super freaky? And they need to do something to that seer. He is the cause of lots of problems in Viking Land. What ailment does he have to make him look like that.

In unrelated news, Siggy yells at Rollo for sleeping with other women. He says that's who he is and she can't change him. He also says she'll be sorry later when he becomes rich and powerful. Siggy says Rollo needs her as much as she needs him. She will push him to take power away from Ragnar. Trouble is brewing.

Earl Ragnar also joins forces with King Horik of Denmark. I'm sure we'll see lots more of him later. I don't trust Horik.

Ragnar blames Lagerta for the miscarriage. Is he going to give her the heave ho? He hinted at this in the temple when he said "who will bear my sons?" I hope not because they seemed very much in love.

Wikipedia:

Episode 8 "Sacrifice"
Ragnar and his people travel to Uppsala to attend a festival to their gods. Ragnar meets with King Horik who grants Ragnar's request to conduct additional raids in exchange for helping him repel an encroachment on his lands by Earl Borg. Siggy chastises Rollo for several political blunders. Athelstan learns about the festival's climax, a ritual sacrifice of both animals and men, and that he is one of the sacrifices. When it's revealed that Athelstan has not completely abandoned his faith, the Seer says his sacrifice would anger the gods. One of Ragnar's group must take his place and ultimately Lief volunteers for the honor. Lief is sacrificed and his body strung up with the other animals and men near the temple.

Grade: 5 Monsters (out of 5). It doesn't get much better than this. I both thoroughly enjoyed and was disturbed by "Sacrifice". Excellent cinematography and beautiful scenery. Even how the light was filtered around the Thor statue in the temple was scary. There is only one episode left in this season.