Fans of the History Channel's top-rated drama "Vikings" are eagerly awaiting the show's fourth season, which is set to premiere early next year. Rumors about how the storyline of the historical drama might progress are making their rounds in blogs and online fora.

"Vikings" fanatics this week also got their first glimpse at some scenes from the upcoming installment as the channel released its first official trailer, which in short order garnered more than 1 million views on YouTube.

Some of the developments surrounding legendary viking Ragnar Lothbrok, played by actor Travis Fimmel, and his friends and enemies have already been confirmed, Crossmap reported.

Viewers know, for example, that Lothbrok will have a new love interest in the upcoming "Vikings" season.

Fimmel's character is based on a real-life Norse king and warrior who, according to legend, was married at least three times. In the series, meanwhile, Lothbrok claims to be a descendant of the god Odin. He rises to become a respected earl of his home settlement Kattegat, before eventually taking the crown as king of Denmark.

In the final episode of the third season, viewers saw the Viking hero fake his own death in order to infiltrate Paris and allow his warriors to ransack the city, Variety recalled. The move came with the useful side effect of a number of coffin-side confessions, including from his ex-wife Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) and shipbuilder Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård), the magazine added.

Meanwhile, "Vikings" makers have also confirmed that Canadian actress Dianne Doan will join the show's cast as a Chinese slave named Yidu, who attracts Lothbrok's attention because of her looks and exotic culture, Crossmap detailed.

Since the drama has tried to be generally historically accurate, it is likely that Rollo, played by Clive Standen, will plot to depose his brother Lothbrok. The historical Rollo eventually became the first ruler of Normandy, made himself independent from Norwegian King Harald Fairhair. He then sailed off to Scotland, Ireland, England and Flanders on pirating expeditions.

The expected betrayal means that Lothbrok will die at some point during the upcoming season, Realty Today reported.

"It will be devastating for audiences to witness the death of a great character and the end of a magnificent role," showrunner Michael Hirst told The Hollywood Reporter. "Travis [Fimmel] has been absolutely charismatic and magnificent."