SCANDINAVIAN WINTER 1013 AD 

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Arne leads the Berserkers of the Ulfhednar Clan into a battle against invading barbarians, ensuring a Viking victory. He presents the bloodied head of the barbarian general to King Rammir, who is grateful for the clan’s intervention, but also newly frightened of the power they possess. 

The Ulfhednar Clan is given an ultimatum: disband and be absorbed into the Viking ranks proper, or be banished by royal decree. Neither can be accepted by the Ulfhednar. 

Convinced by his conniving, power hungry son Prince Solveig to take a different tack, King Rammir grants Arne and his clan a final honorary voyage. But Solveig’s plan – which was ultimately designed to secure him the throne – backfires when his father assigns him the task of leading a campaign he himself designed to fail.

Thus, while chartering unknown waters, the clan’s ships are swallowed by a giant maelstrom. The Viking Gods Odin, Thor, Loki, Freyr, Frigg, Fenrir and The Great Serpent Jormungand intervene to prevent the fleet’s total destruction.

Arne wakes to find that he and a handful of his people have survived. His relief turns to despair when he finds his betrothed, Yrsa, who had survived the maelstrom only to be mutilated by some unknown local evil. Grief turns to anger. Arne needs revenge, and sets his sights on the unfamiliar temples smoldering in valley beyond.