"Vikings" fans will have to wait until 2016 for the popular TV series to return for a fourth season. While fans already know that the they will soon be saying farewell to Travis Fimmel's Ragnar Lothbrok, the question in many viewers' minds is who will succeed him as king (or queen) of the Vikings. 

Fimmel, who played the role of King Ragnar Lothbrok for the past three seasons, is confirmed to be leaving the show to focus on his Hollywood career. The Australian actor is set to star in next year's "Warcraft" movie and needs to focus on that. 

Luckily, the character's storyline allows for a natural and realistic ending to Ragnar's tale. The king has been badly wounded at the end of season 3, and the show's writers will undoubtedly make use of that to segue to his departure. 

It's been reported that his son Bjorn Ironside (Alexander Ludwig) will depose of the ailing Ragnar and become the next Viking king. However, it has also been hinted that Ragnar's other sons, specifically Ivar the Boneless, will oppose him as they want the throne for themselves

Ragnar's wife Aslaugh (Alyssa Sutherland) and his brother Rollo (Clive Standen) will reportedly also fight for the right to rule the Vikings. According to reports, the Queen of Denmark has grown to love the power she wields and will not want to give it up. Meanwhile, Rollo has long desired to be king. He has already betrayed his brother by siding with the Emperor of France and will likely do so again. 

Even though Fimmel will be leaving, no one knows for sure how his character's end will come. Will it come from one of his sons or from his brother? Will he die a painful death from his wounds or will it be from natural causes? 

There are so many avenues to explore and stories to tell, but one thing is certain, Fimmel's take on the legendary Viking king will always be remembered.