Ragnar Lodbrok

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Written by
4 years ago

You’ve probably watched the TV series Vikings too. I enjoyed all the parts. Although my favorite were the first parts in which RAGNAR LODBROK was still young.

According to numerous historical records, Ragnar Lodbrok was a Viking leader from the first half of the 9th century who claimed to be a direct descendant of the god Odin. He was the king of Sweden and Denmark who regularly attacked and plundered Western Europe.

Ragnar's statue

family tree

https://www.genealogieonline.nl/en/family-tree-scandanavia/P749.php

Most of the things we know today about Ragnar come from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which originally originated in the 9th century, and from the Gesta Danorum, a piece of Danish history written by Saxo Grammaticus in the 12th century. Sax's version of Ragnar was later confirmed by numerous Icelandic sagas. According to French historians, Ragnar was king, and he and his sons ruthlessly plundered France.

Ragnar was the father of many historically famous sons, including Ivar Ragnarsson (Ivar Beskosni), Björn Ironside, Halfdan Ragnarsson, Sigurd (snake-in-the-eye) and Ubba. While all the well-documented historical figures are listed, it is still impossible to determine whether Ragnar himself was real and whether he was their father at all.

According to Anglo-Saxon and Nordic legends, Ragnar became popular among the Vikings when he was 15, when he got his nickname Lodbrok (this is not his last name). To get the princess's hand, fifteen-year-old Ragnar had to destroy a poisonous snake's nest, wearing a suit made of boiled animal skin rolled in mud and sand. It has since been dubbed Lodbrok - which literally means Hairy Pants.

The stories of Ragnar's life differ from each other in detail, however, he is always described almost identically in each story as a fearless Viking who regularly plundered France and England.

Ragnar Lodbrok became known as a warlord who amassed wealth by plundering lands and kingdoms in the west. He allegedly attacked while people were at the church. He is described as a witty leader who had a well-disciplined and ruthless army that often attacked using Blitzkrieg (quick and sudden attacks) tactics.

Ragnar's most spectacular endeavor was the attack on Paris in 845. The city was then spared destruction only thanks to the fact that the Frankish emperor Louis the Pious paid a fabulous ransom.

Another common thing mentioned in many stories about Ragnar are his three wives: the warrior Lagertha, Queen Aslaug and the noblewoman Thor who bore him sons Ivar Ragnarsson (Ivar Beskosni), Björn Ironside, Halfdan Ragnarsson, Sigurd (snake-in- eye) and Ubba.

Ragnar's death and the revenge of his sons

There are two versions of the story of Ragnar's death. One says he died of a deadly diarrhea-like illness right after he attacked Paris.

The second, which can be found in many more historical records such as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle which is generally believed to be true, tells us that Ragnar Lothbrok met death at the hands of his enemies.

According to this version, on his way home from Paris, Ragnar suffered a shipwreck and ended up on the coast of the Kingdom of Northumbria (present-day England), which he had previously attacked frequently. Wanting revenge for all the attacks, King Aella of Northumbria captured Ragrnar and threw him into a pit full of venomous snakes. Legend has it that, just before his death, Ragnar sang the Nordic anthem and warned King Aella that his sons would come to take revenge.

His warning soon came true. The Great Heathen Army, which combined Vikings from Denmark and Sweden, invaded England in 866. At the head of the army were the sons of Ragnar, and King Aella was killed in the attack.

Ragnar's influence on Western Europe continued after his death. About two centuries after his reign, some of the Vikings who descended directly from his sons settled the west coast of France and called the area the "land of the Northerners," present-day Normandy.

If by chance you haven’t watched the series yet, you need to do so. The story is set at the beginning of the Viking Age (793) The main character of the Vikings series Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) is a historical figure and one of the most famous Norman heroes, as well as one of the most infamous. Among other things, he was nicknamed the Scourge of France and England. The series about Scandinavian invaders puts us at the crossroads of mythology and history, and the story draws inspiration from both history books and Nordic sagas.The events are based on real Viking attacks on English cities, as well as on the French capital. The series is full of battles, intrigues, and there are also strong female characters. Among them stands out Lodbrock’s hot-blooded wife Lageretha (Katheryn Winnick).

Ragnar, who has risen from an ordinary farmer to a fearless warrior and legend, is driven by pride and an inexhaustible desire for the unknown. When his faithful friend and local specialty Floki (Gustaf Skarskgård) builds a unique ship, they challenge the local ruler Earl Haraldson to allow them a journey into the unknown - to the west, towards what was then mystical England. Ragnar's brother Rollo (Clive Standen) also goes on a hike, but he keeps a fig in his pocket all the time, as he harbors a hidden resentment towards his brother.When the Vikings reach England, the astonished Englishmen are unaware of what has befallen them. Ragnar ravages the monasteries, confiscates valuables, and takes home a prisoner, the Anglo-Saxon priest Athelstan, with whom he soon forges an unusual friendship. Ragnar begins to learn about Christianity, and the priest is obsessed with Norse mythologies and customs.

I hope you enjoyed reading. Now I recommend you watch the series again.

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Avatar for apela
Written by
4 years ago

Comments

very good article.

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4 years ago

Obozavam istorijske serije i filmove.. A i vikinge...Nekako su mi fascinantni. Sjajan post.

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4 years ago

i ja ih obozavam

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3 years ago

Someone has translated your article into Bengali. Do you know it?

$ 0.10
4 years ago

again? how rude they are ... I'll find out.Thank you for the information.

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4 years ago

Great post, i love Ragnar Lodbrok

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4 years ago

i didnt watch these series

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4 years ago

quarantine is the time to watch the series

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4 years ago

That sounds interesting.. I've seen vikings series. It was so cool. I hope this series also keep my expectation higher

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4 years ago

another proof that history is full of interesting stories in all parts of the world

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4 years ago

Really, it's a great series

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4 years ago

I didn't know about this series. But after read your article I think I should watch this. All the word, information you mentioned is very good.❤

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4 years ago

I watched the series. I'm glad I learned some more facts about Ragnar.

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4 years ago

Well written. Good job. Want more this type of informative article in history.

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4 years ago

Great written article...carry on Subs back plz

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4 years ago

While he acting in series, there was popularity of it... Btw, serial is brutal, but that's how they do. Thank you for this wonderful post! Cheers!

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4 years ago

That’s true but there are so many things to think about in the series. What is interesting to me is his belief in Valkala and then his conversion to Christianity.

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4 years ago

That's was fiction.. I don't believe any Viking become a Christian..

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4 years ago

well ..history says that when they conquered they stayed in this territory..they married the locals and became Christians

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4 years ago

Maybe..

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4 years ago

You spelled his surname wrong :)

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4 years ago

The story was very interesting. Great work.

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4 years ago

wow, amazing article, , well written ,carry on dear

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4 years ago

Very interresting article!

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4 years ago

Great post, i love Ragnar Lodbrok

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4 years ago

jap i decided to take a look at everything again this winter.

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4 years ago