The History Channel’s series, Vikings, recounts the adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok and his band of raiders. Lothbrok is based on a character in Norse history and mythology, whose life is featured in the Icelandic sagas and even the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. The real Lothbrok, or Lodbrok, seems to be a composite of a number of warriors. The true Ragnar Lodbrok is difficult to separate from the myth. However, he appears to have been a great warrior, leader, and Viking that devastated France and Britain before meeting his end at the hands of an English king.
Ragnar Lodbrok seems to be a composite of a number of individuals, including some kings. The most interesting is a Viking that attacked France and England in the mid-ninth century. The Irish annals call him Reghnall, who raided Paris and died in England. The Norse sagas mention Ragnar, who became the scourge of France at this time. They are most likely the same individual.
Lodbrok wanted fame, fortune, and feared his sons would eclipse his successes. As a result, he kept on the attack. France became a favorite target. Ragnar used its rivers as highways moving his men from target to target. He employed blitzkrieg-like tactics to keep the enemy off-balance. Viking mobility cancelled out any Frankish military advantage, including heavy cavalry. Lodbrok fought when the odds favored the Norse. He especially liked to attack when people were in church.
The Viking Era began in 793 A.D., while Ragnar’s French campaigns began in 845. The Vikings proved unstoppable, capturing Paris, and leading King Charles the Bald to pay a heavy tribute to Lodbrok. The Frankish military ran in terror after the Vikings viciously murdered their prisoners. Charles paid 7,000 pounds in silver to regain Paris. It took the Franks years to finally evict Ragnar.
Ragnar’s eviction from France may have led to his death in England. The warlord probably died in 865. He undoubtedly attacked England through the years as France. It appears Lodbrok’s luck ran out one campaign season. He shipwrecked in Northumbria and was captured by King Aella. The Anglo-Saxon king achieved a measure of vengeance by executing Ragnar Lodbrok. Aella tossed the Viking into a pit of snakes. Lodbrok allegedly warned the king of his son’s vengeance and sang a Norse hymn before succumbing to poison.
The Great Heathen army captured York in 866 and killed Aella. Ragnar’s son, Ivar the Boneless, led the expedition, achieved vengeance, and fulfilled the warning. Accounts of Aella’s demise vary. In one version, he dies in battle. On the other hand, the Vikings and Anglo-Saxon Chronicle claim Ivar captured the king and submitted him to the Blood Eagle. The Norse sometimes employed the Blood Eagle against their enemies. The executioner would cut the ribs and bend them back to look like wings. Next, he would rip the lungs out through the back. If still alive, then the Norse tossed salt into the wound for effect.
In addition to vengeance against Aella, Ragnar’s progeny also established a permanent Norse settlement in France. The Norse kept returning to the Frankish kingdom. Eventually, some decided to settle the west coast. The territory became known as the land of the Northmen, or Normandy. The Normans eventually played a key role in English history two hundred years after Ragnar’s death.
The History Channel’s Ragnar Lothbrok is based on a figure in the Norse sagas. Separating fact from fiction and the exploits of one versus many make a definitive biographical analysis difficult. However, the real Ragnar was a warrior that devastating France and England. He used his wits to outsmart his enemies and made a lot of money raiding. In the end, bad luck led to his demise, but his sons surpassed his accomplishments when they conquered kingdoms and avenged his death.
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