In Vikings, love is as important as war and power. Some characters spend their lives juggling between potential partners while others are lucky enough to find "the one" quite early. Breakups are common. Even characters that appear destined for a happily-ever-after tale (like Lagertha and Ragnar) end up parting ways.
Ragnar's son Bjorn Ironside also has a list of lovers that's also quite long. Over the course of the series, the future King of Kattegat is involved with Thorunn, Torvi, Astrid, Saefrid, Elsewith, Gunnhild, and Ingrid. Among these partners, it is Torvi that stands out as his perfect soulmate as he has more beautiful and valuable moments with her compared to other lovers.
"Born Again" (S3E6)
The episode marks a "love at first chat" moment for Bjorn and Torvi. It's his wife Thorunn's actions that indirectly leads him to Torvi's arms. He tries to sleep with Thorunn but she doesn't have any interest, and suggests that he considers pursuing other women. This is proof of her diminishing love, considering how negatively some other wives in the series have reacted to their husbands being with other women. Lagertha and Siggy are prime examples.
As a depressed Bjorn is sitting outside, Torvi joins him. The two strike up a decent conversation with Torvi letting him know that she'll accompany the warriors to Paris. Those words are part of the reason Bjorn falls for her. He tells her he has a wife, but she has a husband too. None of them care. Lovers often risk it all so they make love on the beach.
"Paris" (S3E7)
The first Paris raid turns out great for everyone involved. During the preparations, there is joy and tranquility. Love is in the air with Bjorn apologizing to Torvi for getting intimate with her despite having a wife. Torvi has the perfect response: "I am not a child. Neither am I with child."
Her words serve as a green light to Bjorn who wastes no time in showcasing his generosity. He gifts her an expensive bracelet. It's a gesture that shows just how serious he is about her. Sadly, Torvi's husband Erlendur later rips the piece of jewelry from her hand and calls her out for infidelity.
"Yol" (S4E4)
After the successful raid in Paris, Torvi heads back to Hedeby with her husband Erlendur, and Lagertha. Elsewhere, Bjorn is feeling uneasy because he misses Torvi. Thinking with the heart instead of the brain, he goes to Erlendur's homestead in Hedeby and tells him he has come to take his wife.
Bjorn's actions impress Torvi who declares she will be following him back to Kattegat. Realizing he can do nothing about it, Erlendur decides to trap Torvi by holding on to their son Guthrum. Torvi doesn't care. She still insists on going. Choosing Bjorn over her own son is an action that speaks volumes regarding how deep her feelings are.
"Promised" (s4E5)
New love is sweet but at some point, partners start airing out their lamentations. Torvi is the first, telling Bjorn that he doesn't talk to her enough. She frames the complaint nicely by also letting him how her heart feels too close to him. She genuinely wonders why he took her from her husband and son only to be mute most of the time.
Bjorn gives an explanation that is being used by couples up to today—it's not you, it's work. He is being honest since he has a lot to think about. Torvi understands and they go on to make love once again.
"Death All Round" (S4E9)
The second raid on Paris doesn't end up being as great as the first one. Apart from the battle itself, there are many other minor personal wars. At the Viking camp, Bjorn finally tells Torvi how deeply he loves her. The two have sex but they have no idea that there is a jilted lover on the horizon.
It can be presumed that the Norse gods aren't quite ready to summon Bjorn yet because Torvi spots Erlendur aiming an arrow at Bjorn from a distance. There were no bullets to catch for lovers at that time so Torvi gets ready to catch an arrow. She puts her body in front of Bjorn's, ready to die for him. Not willing to kill his former wife, Erlendur leaves to aim another day.
"The Outsider" (S4E11)
Starting a family together is the best indicator of love and that's what Bjorn and Torvi have done when 10 years pass and Ragnar returns to Kattegat. They now have two children: Hali and Asa.
It's important to note that even though Bjorn gets married to a few women in the series, it is with Torvi that he has the most children. With every other woman he marries, he only has one child. Bjorn also doesn't stay as long (more than a decade) with the other women he marries.
"The Great Army" (S4E17)
Back from his quest, Bjorn finds himself in a dilemma. He can either join Ivar and Ubbe, who are causing havoc, or focus on the vengeance involving his father's death. Torvi gives him the best advice, warning him to not side with Ivar. He isn't too happy about it but it's what he needs to hear. Ivar isn't the best teammate.
Great relationships involve giving each other the best advice and that's what Torvi does. She does this on more than one occasion. None of other partners Bjorn ends up being involved with in the future offer counsel that's as valuable as Torvi's.
"Full Moon" (S5E7)
Love fades and that's what eventually happens with Torvi and Bjorn. Upon returning from his adventures in the Mediterranean, he realizes that he can no longer be there for her as he should. He proceeds to break up with her. He also gives her a gift.
Bjorn's breakup speech reveals that there is still plenty of love hidden inside him. He tells Torvi that even though he doesn't love her, he will always care for her and her children. It's something neither party is happy about but it has to be done. Future episodes prove that Bjorn never really did stop loving Torvi.
"The Joke" (S5E8)
Guthrum is Torvi's son from her earlier marriage to Jarl Borg but when Bjorn parts ways with Torvi, he still goes on to take care of the young man. Bjorn guides Guthrum in his first foray into war, even stating the words “It is a proud day when a father takes his son to his first battle!”
It isn't hard to see why Bjorn still considers himself Guthrum's mother. He still loves Guthrum's mother. He wouldn't want to see him become a weak warrior. Him turning out to be a weak warrior will mean Torvi isn't protected. Bjorn wants Torvi to always be safe and this is the only way he can make sure that happens.
"The Buddha" (S5E16)
A classic case of missing the ex is seen in this episode. Torvi has moved on and she is now madly in love with Ubbe. Bjorn doesn't like it. He gets even angrier when they both convert to Christianity. He feels that Torvi could have stayed true to the Norse gods if she had stayed with him. Still, he is the one who left her.
Bjorn also thanks Torvi for taking good care of their children. There is no bad blood between them. They might be seeing different people but they are civil. This is testament to the feelings they still have for each other.