The Vikings, who reigned from the 9th to the 15th century across a vast territory spanning from Northern Europe to Italy, and from the Russian steppes to the American continent, instilled fear in the hearts of European peoples through raids, plunder, and brutal attacks.
Who was Ragnar Lodbrok?
The Viking Age, a period when Vikings were powerful and struck fear into the hearts of European nations, is characterized by legendary figures like Ragnar Lodbrok. Believed to have lived in the 9th century, Ragnar Lodbrok started as a farmer and later ascended to become the King of Denmark after enduring numerous struggles. As king, he led Viking expeditions to Western Europe and the British Isles, notably launching bold attacks in the region of France. Although Ragnar Lodbrok's name is prominent in many ancient Scandinavian sagas (written prose narratives from the 9th to 13th centuries containing stories), some historians speculate that it may represent a blending of achievements from several Viking lords who bore the name Ragnar Lodbrok.
Ragnar Lodbrok's Family
According to ancient Norse sagas, Ragnar Lodbrok began as a farmer and eventually fought for the Danish throne, successfully claiming it. He was believed to be a descendant of the Norse god Odin, a claim put forth by Ragnar himself. He was known as a formidable and ambitious commander, characterized by his strength, courage, and intelligence. His first wife, Lagertha, was also a skilled warrior. It is worth noting that Viking women held significant influence and were respected, a trait not always shared in Christian Europe of the time.
Lagertha, a remarkable female warrior akin to the Amazons, bore Ragnar four children and greatly influenced him with her courage and warrior spirit. Following Lagertha, Ragnar married the legendary Viking beauty Aslaug. Aslaug is a character featured in many Viking myths. Ragnar had three more wives, including Borgarhjorh, with whom he had many children. However, the most renowned descendants of Ragnar, featured in sagas, are his powerful sons Bjorn and Ivar.
Interestingly, the sagas depict Ragnar as fearing that his son Bjorn would surpass him in fame and reputation.
Ragnar Lodbrok: A Historical Figure
Much like the legendary King Arthur of England, Ragnar Lodbrok is believed to have been a real figure who lived in the 9th century. Unlike Arthur, Ragnar Lodbrok is substantiated in historical records from France, England, and other countries, confirming his existence. The legendary events associated with him, as well as the exaggerations in the sagas, stem from the amalgamation of several Viking kings or commanders who took shelter under the name Ragnar. While accounts of Ragnar's raids in Europe may contain inconsistent details in historical sources, his campaigns in France are consistently recounted.
Ragnar's raids in Christian lands targeted churches, as they were the wealthiest and most lucrative establishments in medieval Europe. Ragnar and the Vikings preferred to attack on Sundays, when defenders were fewer, and targeted churches during services when they were most vulnerable. This tactic allowed them to easily plunder these rich targets. Ragnar's choice of churches as targets became a Viking tradition, and prayers in European churches during the Viking Age included pleas like "God protect us from the evil that comes from the north."
How Did Ragnar Die?
In the 9th century England, there were two autonomous kings. One of them, King Ælla of Northumbria, captured Ragnar and imprisoned him. After a period of captivity, Ælla subjected Ragnar to the brutal traditional execution method known as "Blodørn" or "Blood Eagle." This involved laying the victim on their back, cutting their ribs, and killing them in an excruciating manner. While Ragnar's death date is recorded as 865 in sagas, some accounts suggest he died of dysentery after the siege of Paris.
Blood Eagle: What Is It?
Upon receiving news of their father's death, Ivar, driven by a fiery desire for revenge, leads a campaign to England. With his Viking army, he captures King Ælla and inflicts a gruesome execution known as the Blood Eagle. This method involves removing the victim's ribs while lying on their back, causing immense pain before death.
Travis Fimmel Portraying Ragnar in the Viking Series
Ragnar Lodbrok is a prominent figure in popular culture. He is a symbol for the NFL's Minnesota team, and there are also video games dedicated to his legacy. However, it was Travis Fimmel's portrayal of Ragnar in History Channel's 2013 series "Vikings" that truly catapulted him to fame.
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