"Vikings" is set to return for an explosive fourth season on History. Ahead of the new season premiere, the cast posed for a Last Supper-inspired photo, which suggests that someone will be betraying Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) very soon.
Show creator Michael Hirst offered an in-depth look at the artwork for Entertainment Weekly, along with a few teasers for the upcoming season.
Hirst started off by explaining that a picture of the Last Supper portrayed by pagan Vikings in the role of Christ and the apostles might seem very controversial to some. But the show creator said that the shot "emphasizes the centrality of belief systems and spirituality in the show," adding that they are addressing the conflict between Christianity and paganism.
It can be recalled that back in season 3, Ragnar was baptized as a Christian as he was influenced by Athelstan. However, his conversion to Christianity was a plot to get him to Paris, and while he was truly interested in the religion, his priority was getting into the city.
Hirst previously told The Hollywood Reporter that now that Ragnar is a Christian, he understands the importance for the Christian community to observe certain customs, such as giving Christian burials, especially to people who have turned away from their old ways and became Christian.
Ragnar wanted to observe this particular Christian rite as it can be recalled that Ragnar pretended to be dead so that his men can infiltrate Paris. His son Bjorn requested a proper Christian burial as he said that this is what his father wanted, otherwise, they will not leave the city.
Bjorn has started following in his father's footsteps towards the end of season 3, and it was previously reported that he might be leading the people in his father's absence. But in the photo for season 4, the show creator pointed out that Bjorn does not have a place at the table, suggesting that he might be excluded from the succession.
In the photo for season 4, Bjorn is standing on the left side of his father and whispering in his ear, and Hirst suggests that he could be telling Ragnar about the person who will betray him.
"Vikings" returns on Feb. 18 at 10 p.m. on History.
