'Vikings' season 4 premiere spoilers: Bjorn rises as King, Ragnar conquers France

Alexander Ludwig as BjornHistory HD

"Vikings" season 3 ended with Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) successfully raiding Paris, and according to a report from the Ecumenical News, he will be coming back to conquer the entire country instead of simply raiding it for treasures.

Back in season 1, Ragnar explained that the real treasure wasn't gold but land, particularly because foreign land was much better for his people to relocate and live in because of the healthier soil for farming and the more open trade routes to other nations. It is possible that this is the same goal he has in mind when he takes France.

The only problem other than Emperor Charles (Lothaire Bluteau) is that Ragnar's brother, Rollo (Clive Standen), has once again betrayed his people and is now siding with France after marrying Charles's daughter. 

It is highly speculated that season 4 may be the last season with Ragnar as the lead character, as actor Travis Fimmel is beginning to move from television shows to movies, particularly with next year's "Warcraft" movie, but that doesn't mean the show is going to end with Ragnar's death.

As previously reported, Ragnar will be replaced by his sons, most notably Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig), Ivar the Boneless and Sigurd "Snake-in-the-Eye." 

"It will be devastating for audiences to witness the death of a great character and the end of a magnificent role. Travis has been absolutely charismatic and magnificent," series creator Michael Hirst told THR back in April. "But by that stage, his sons will be young, hot guys and hopefully the audience will already be engaged with them and want to follow them."

According to legends and history, Ragnar would die in the hands of King Aelle of Northumbria. His sons would then plot together for revenge, eventually capturing Aelle and executing him via "blood eagle" ritual in which the prisoner's back is carved with the image of an eagle, their ribs and finally their lungs are removed.

"Vikings" season 4 premieres in 2016.