Magnus is still a potential heir to the throne of Mercia since Kwenthrith may be his mother.

Agreed. The story of Herald would be epic. Just imagine the visual contrast of "third world" Wessex and gilded Constantinople.

AGREED!!!

I don't think Ecbert would have let him go with Ivar. Magnus was a pawn and leverage against Ragnar.

Getting rid of Ragnar sends the signal that there is a larger story to tell. I think the new main character will not be a viking but the warrior priest introduced at the end of the season. It would not surprise me (if there's another time jump) to see a grown up, PO'd Magnus making war on Wessex.

Magnus may not have even been Kwenthrith's son. Remember that aethelwulf said that the nobles had not reported her as being pregnant.

Good point. I still wonder if Aethelwulf got rid of Magnus on his own or at his father's direction. I'm inclined to think he did it on his own to rebel against his father who could easily have poisoned and buried the kid. IMO It would not look good for Eckbert to have Magnus running around saying that he's Ragnar's…

Yeah. Imagine being that kid. His entire life and psyche was shattered in the span of a day or two. If he does survive, he may be better off tending sheep in a field as far away as possible from the "animals in the villa."

Angela, I think you're right on both counts.

Agreed! Gisla definitely was worthy of respect.

Agree! The two of them discussing the meaning of life was some of the best acting I've ever seen.

Amen to that!

Well said!

Interesting theory.

Agree! Fine acting! Kudos to the supporting cast as well who don't get the credit they deserve.

More likely as Magnus the Good. He's a bit earlier historically and has some similarities with our Viking's character—-Illegitimate son, his father not present at his birth, physically weak (at birth). Who knows? Hirst plays fast and loose with history. Understandably, he's trying to compress a lot of history.

Why do you think Magnus may end up in Ireland? In a 2015 interview, Hirst does say that he believes Magnus to be Ragnar's son and that Magnus will be an important child. Who knows? Two things are for certain; Nothing happens without a reason in this show and Hirst plays fast and loose with history. Magnus may…

When asked in an interview with Entertainment Weekly on April 23, 2015, regarding whether Magnus was Ragnar's son Hirst replied "My best guess is that it is Ragnar's child. The skepticism is justified, but that child will be an important child." So, imo if the show runs long enough, Hirst will develop Magnus.

One thing is certain about this show. Nothing happens without a reason. Magnus parentage and fate remain to be revealed in future episodes (if the show lasts long enough). Hirst did say in an interview over a year ago that Magnus would be an important character.

That's what I thought, too! With all the murder and intrigue at the Wessex villa Magnus probably has a better chance of survival on his own.