[This article contains SPOILERS from season 2 of Vikings.] 

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Vikings could have easily sauntered its way into a "sophomore slump" after a stellar first outing, lead by the creative wizardry of Michael Hirst (The Tudors).

Thankfully, the series came roaring out of the gates with its sensational season 2 premiere. Hirst's deft touch at creating unique and interesting characters propelled Vikings to solid ratings for History, earning it another season; following its premiere at San Diego Comic-Con 2014, the season 3 trailer is now available for viewing online (see above).

The trailer beautifully fits the dark and somber tones that the series is known for, featuring The Seer's (John Kavanagh's) frightening melodic voice. If The Seer is to be believed, then we are in for an even more grandiose journey when season three premieres in early 2015. When asked what we can expect to see next year, Mr. Hirst replied with this:

Hirst: Well, we're of course going back to Wessex, because we really like King Ecbert and Princess Kwentrith, she creates mayhem, which is fantastic. Ragnar and Ecbert are kind of equals, they can talk to each other and understand one another. When we go to Paris, we meet the French Emperor, whose the grandson of the great Charlemagne and his daughter. They're both very important, because this is a story-line that isn't going to go away. It's a story that will go right through season 3 and then straight into season 4. It will have a huge impact on several of our leading characters.

Scope is another aspect of the show that Hirst discussed throughout the interview. It appears that Vikings is going to continue getting bigger, with our leading players scattered between England and Scandinavia. Now, with the introduction of Paris and its emperor, Hirst and his team have a much larger cast of characters to play with. It will be exciting to see how the story unravels as this new season progresses.

Looking back at the season 2 finale, Ragnar is in a precarious position. While Floki's plan to deceive King Horik was a rousing success, Ragnar is slowly becoming more distant from his people. Sure, the blue-eyed viking loves his family, but his gaze is always off to the horizon. His last encounter with Athelstan had him learning the Lord's Prayer. Will Ragnar ever relinquish his faith in Odin and Thor, or will he float in ambiguity, like his friend the priest has? Either way, with the invasion of Paris on its way, Ragnar's faith will be tested in one way, or another.

What do you think of the new trailer and what are you most looking forward to seeing in season 3? Stay tuned for more updates as we draw closer to 2015.

Vikings season 3 will premiere in early 2015 on History.