Vikings: Valhalla season 3 review: Does the finale live up to the hype?

Vikings: Valhalla premiered its final season on Netflix on July 11, 2024. The sequel to the popular series Vikings continued chronicling the tales of famous Vikings 100 years after the events shown in the original series.

Vikings: Valhalla season 3 signaled the conclusion of the tale of prominent Viking figures Harald Sigurdsson (Leo Suter), Leif Eriksson (Sam Corlett), and Freydís Eiríksdóttir (Frida Gustavsson). As per Netflix, the official synopsis of the third season reads:

"In pursuit of a new Viking home, our heroes must venture further than they ever have before. From Constantinople to Greenland to the edge of the known world. But before they can set sail for new horizons, they must travel back to where it all started for one last battle."

The final season of Vikings: Valhalla saw an end to the story arcs of the three focal characters, Harald, Leif, and Freydis. They return to their fictional village of Kattegat before setting off on their journeys.

The final season ties the story of the main characters while leaving space for the creators to take the show forward if renewed. Although the finale meets viewers' expectations, it feels rushed in certain aspects, which comes with the territory of wrapping up the series within a restricted timeframe.

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Vikings: Valhalla season 3 review: A fitting end for Harald, with more stories awaiting Leif and Freydis

Vikings: Valhalla continued the story seven years after the conclusion of season 2. Freydis Eiríksdóttir is now the high priestess of Jomsborg, the last remaining Pagan Viking settlement. Harald Sigurdsson leads the Byzantine Empire’s Varangian Guards, aided by Freydis' brother, Leif Eriksson. The three central characters meet their destinies to great effect, although the fates of multiple secondary characters could have been presented more effectively.

The third season focused on concluding the story of the core trio while shifting attention to Canute the Great (Bradley Freegard), ruler of Denmark, England, and Norway, and his wife, England’s Norman Queen Emma (Laura Berlin).

The politics of Vikings: Valhalla season 3 revolved around King Canute's heirs, giving viewers an intimate look at his family to date. Season 3 presented a lot of twists, turns, and action to the show's backstory. The fabled Viking Erik the Red (Goran Višnjić) made his appearance and is a fascinating addition to the plot.

Harald's goal has been steadfast since the first season, to become the future King of Norway and fulfill his destiny. In season 2, this ambition caused him to part with Freydís and his unborn son, whom he learns about in the season finale. Harald set off on a lengthy expedition shown in Vikings: Valhalla season 3, resulting in some of the finest combat scenes and character development of the whole season.

For the most part, the major characters' fates are resolved by the season finale. A recurring theme throughout the series, facing one's destiny, is the focus of the final season. With the finish line in sight, each episode of season 3 brought the characters one step closer to their endings, including some significant alterations to the core trio.

The religious conflict between the Pagans and the Christians is highlighted in greater detail in the third season. The season showcased the vile, brutal, and foolish nature of these conflicts of faith. Canute's attempts to validate his dominion in the eyes of the Pope and the Catholic Church serve as the best example of this.

The third season involved a lot of political intrigue and stellar action sequences, which made the season entertaining. However, the season felt rushed in concluding the storylines of Freydis and Leif. Harald Sigurdsson received a befitting conclusion to his saga, while Leif and Freydis' journey to the 'Golden Land' hinted towards a sequel, although there is no confirmation to date.

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All episodes of Vikings: Valhalla season 3 are available for streaming on Netflix.