Vig is the protagonist, a 15-year-old time-traveler from the modern world who awakens in 9th-century Northern Europe. Orphaned, he inherits a farm but faces crop failure. He defends his neighbor Joren from raiders, then travels to Gothenburg to pay taxes, where he encounters the legendary Viking Ragnar Lothbrok. When Ragnar is ambushed by Lord Olaf, Vig kills Olaf and saves Ragnar, thereby earning a place among his shield-bearers. Under Ivar's training and Ragnar's guidance, Vig quickly learns swordsmanship and gains strength. He participates in the Oslo pillage convention, witnesses Ivar's duels, and volunteers to pursue the fugitive noble Borg across Scandinavia and through the treacherous river routes of Eastern Europe, enduring grueling portages and battles with Pecheneg nomads. He matures into a capable warrior, resourceful and increasingly confident.
