Fans of History’s Vikings have been re-watching past seasons while they wait for the final season and have come to the conclusion that Ragnar Lodbrok (played by Travis Fimmel) and Rollo Sigurdsson’s (Clive Standen) destinies could have been very different.
Fans on Reddit believe Ragnar could still be alive for season six if he had treated his brother Rollo with a lot more respect.
One fan introduced the theory: “Since he is king, I was thinking he could have made him earl somewhere close by or some kind of powerful position so that he would be able to keep an eye on him….or was this even possible?
“In general, I feel like Ragnar could have avoided a LOT of betrayals and problems with various people, if he just treated them better….like the scene when he whispers that he loves Floki, and Floki breaks down crying.
“I get their culture isn’t all about telling people your feelings, but letting someone know they’re important and appreciated….I think those words would have gone a LONG way with a lot of people if Ragnar mentioned it from time to time.
“I feel like betrayal is in Rollo’s nature…but he can also be extremely loyal, so long as he’s reminded and is treated well.”
Could Ragnar still be alive for season six if he had been less of a dictator?
He was killed by King Aelle (Ivan Kaye) in season four after being captured and tortured.
The season before, Rollo had betrayed his younger brother by striking a deal with Emperor Charles of France (Lothaire Bluteau) to turn against his brother in his attempt to raid Paris.
Rollo chose land and marriage to Charles’ daughter Gisla (Morgane Polanski) over fraternal love and honour.
Fans think this could have been avoided if Ragnar had given him the respect he deserved.
One Reddit fan believes Rollo had to betray him to forge his own life: “I’m a Rollo fan too and I actually really liked his character arc and how he was finally able to distance himself from Ragnar.
“Yeah he betrayed them, but I could never imagine Ragnar executing him or hurting him seriously in any way. Especially considering their amazing opening scene of the series.
“I’m glad he was able to strike out on his own and how he had his own spiritual journey. I actually really liked seeing him in France and using the ‘savage’ Viking stereotype to scare people and just mess with them. I also like how he’s never fully happy and never will be.”
Meanwhile, there is the rumour that Ragnar could return in season six.
He could return supernaturally or in a flashback to preside over his sons Bjorn Ironside (Alexander Ludwig) and Ivar the Boneless (Alex Høgh Andersen).
Leaked photos have suggested there is a time jump in season six and this is how he could return to the show.
Previously, Asbjorn star Elijah Rowen has revealed anything could happen in season six.
He revealed to Metro.co.uk: “I’m very happy to not have a clue and not attempt to predict. I know there will be a lot of funky things that we never would have guessed as good writing always entails.”
Fans will have to wait to find out if Ragnar returns and whether his return affects his older brother and betrayer Rollo.
Vikings season six is due to arrive on History and Amazon Prime Video later on this year.
