The "Vikings" season 4 episode 12 is about Aslaug's vision about Ivar drowning to death, when the ship he was on with Ragnar capsized in a fierce storm. Ragnar and some companions sailed with him to England.
King Ragnar Lothbrok, portrayed by Travis Fimmel, dreamt of going to England, but could not find some people who would traverse the sea with him. Nobody was convinced as he no longer has the power that was once his. Driven with the desire to perhaps re-invent himself, he unearthed his treasure and used it to bribe people to go with him.
His son Bjorn was generous enough to provide him with ships, but had another route. He and some men were sailing to Frankia, to his uncle who, according to this episode has found a kingdom.
Before the two groups left to pursue their dreams, Ragnar's sons spent supper together with Queen Aslaug, who lectured them about settling down.
"You should already be married," Aslaug began the conversation, "You don't have to love the woman," she sounded convincing. But her last statement stirred everyone's emotions: "You need one to breed with."
One of the best things about the "Vikings" is the lines that penetrate the soul. At this point of espisode 12, the supposed bonding moment turned sour and her sons started asking Aslaug some questions about love. One asked whether she loved Ragnar. Another queried whether there was any truth at all about Harbard. Ivar went to her rescue and quipped, "She has always loved me."
The night became wicked and Ivar became a subject of mockery. Sigurd told him Aslaug feels pity for him as they all do. But they wish their mother had left him to the wolves. Pained and furious, Ivar struggled to assault Sigurd, but was only taunted even more by Sigurd.
Ivar was determined to go with his father as soon as he learned about his journey. His mother was not happy and commanded him to tell his father he should not avoid her any longer.
Maybe Ragnar has been having the same thought because as soon as Aslaug went insider her room, Aslaug appeared. His words spoke only of humility and gratefulness.
"Love was not what brought us together," the once mighty king began, "But you endured me. You suffered my words and my neglect," he continued and added that she never turned their sons against him.
Aslaug, played by Alyssa Sutherland, had a vision on that night. Ivar was taken by the storm. Trembling in fear and perhaps grief, she tried to tell Ivar about it the following morning, when they were about to sail. But Ivar already made up his mind. He left with his father and men who received items of Ragnar's treasure.
Alas, the storm came and Aslaug wept. Episode 13 of "Vikings" airs on December 14, 2016.
