The word “Viking” often evokes the image of tall, blond men with bright blue eyes and imposing beards. In practice, however, being a Viking was more of an activity: men (and sometimes women) set out to trade, explore, and plunder. These Norse seafarers departed from Scandinavia and traveled to large parts of Europe (and even beyond). Over time, many stories about them have been amplified by traditions and myths, making it difficult to always separate fact from legend.
In this list, you’ll read about ten famous names from Viking sagas and history. Some are demonstrably historical figures, while others are primarily described in literary sources like the Icelandic sagas. While one figure might excel in ruthless raiding, another focuses on voyages of discovery. However, it’s undeniable that they left a deep impression on both European history and our imagination.
10. Ragnar Lodbrok
Ragnar Lodbrok is one of the most famous Vikings from Old Norse stories. In sagas and Old Norse poetry, he is celebrated as a skilled warrior and raider. There are also television series, such as “Vikings,” where he plays a leading role. Although it’s difficult to say with certainty how historically accurate Ragnar’s adventures are, many stories connect him to raids in the area now known as England, and in France. According to legend, he also left behind a lineage of children, including the feared Ivar the Boneless and Bjorn Ironside, who later gained their own fame.
Ragnar’s end came, as legend tells, when he was captured during a raid in England and put to death. His sons allegedly avenged his death by invading Anglo-Saxon territory en masse with the “Great Heathen Army.” In doing so, they caused great devastation, which was recorded for a long time in the chronicles of that region.
9. Freydis Eiriksdottir
Freydis Eiriksdottir proves that not only men went down in history as “tough Vikings.” She was a daughter of Erik the Red (featured later in this list) and was born around 975 in Greenland. In various sagas – including the “Saga of the Greenlanders” and the “Saga of Erik the Red” – it is told that Freydis set foot in Vinland, an area in North America.
However, the writings paint two very different pictures. In one story, Freydis shows bravery in battle against indigenous peoples; in another, she is depicted as unscrupulous and cruel. Be that as it may: Freydis’s journey to North America, or Vinland, was an unprecedented feat for that time. After all, the Atlantic crossing was long and dangerous, which only strengthens her reputation as a fearless Viking woman.
8. Bjorn Ironside
As the son of Ragnar Lodbrok, Bjorn Ironside had a reputation to uphold. According to legend, he, along with his brother Hastein, was active in raids in what are now France, Spain, and Italy. His strategic insight and leadership made him notorious. In some sources, he is mentioned as the ruler of the Munsö dynasty in Sweden.
The sagas even suggest that he might be buried in a burial mound on the island of Munsö. Although Bjorn’s exact role in history isn’t fully established, one thing is certain: he has become an icon of the Viking Age, not least because of his alleged family connection to Ragnar Lodbrok.
7. Erik I of Norway (“Eric Bloodaxe”)
The nickname “Bloodaxe” speaks volumes about how Erik I of Norway expanded his power. He was one of the many sons of Harald Fairhair, the king who had greatly unified Norway. To secure his position, Eric allegedly eliminated several of his brothers. However, he couldn’t prevent eventually having to flee himself when his half-brother Haakon returned.
Through various wanderings, he ended up in England, where he briefly ruled over Northumbria. The fact that he still couldn’t refrain from raiding ultimately led to his downfall. His enemies seized their chance, and Eric Bloodaxe fell in battle during one of his military campaigns.
6. Gunnar Hamundarson
Gunnar Hamundarson is known as one of the great heroes of Icelandic literature, primarily thanks to Njáls saga. He is described therein as a formidable warrior with an athletic build and unwavering loyalty to his homeland.
Particularly notable is the story that he could strike down opponents with stones, even those at a great distance. Critics do suggest, however, that Gunnar might have been romanticized to give Viking society a more positive image. Regardless, he has become a symbol of Viking martial prowess, someone who confronted his enemies with physical strength and strategic insight.
5. Harald Hardrada
Harald Hardrada (c. 1015–1066), also known as Harald III of Norway, reigned from 1047 to 1066 and was known for his stern rule. He managed to unite the various petty kingdoms of Norway into one nation. Despite this, he is primarily remembered for the failed campaign in England in 1066, which is often seen as the end of the Viking Age.
Initially, Harald achieved successes against local English forces, but things went wrong at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Harald died in the battle, after which the remaining Viking troops retreated in disarray. His death symbolically marks the definitive decline of the once-feared Viking raids on England.
4. Sweyn Forkbeard
Sweyn Forkbeard (died 1014) was King of Denmark and, for a short time (1013–1014), also King of England. Contrary to what you might expect from a Viking, there are few stories depicting him as a brutal raider. His true legacy lies more in the fact that he laid the foundation for later Danish influence in England. For instance, just before his death, he was proclaimed king over a large part of the country.
After him, his sons took charge until the “House of Wessex” eventually regained power. However, the connection between Denmark and England persisted and gained renewed significance in later centuries, for example, through marriages between Danish and British royalty.
3. Egil Skallagrimsson
Egil Skallagrimsson is a legendary figure from the Icelandic Egil’s Saga. He allegedly committed his first murder at a very young age. He was known for his unpredictability and cruel deeds, which made him a sought-after mercenary in various conflicts.
At the same time, he was also a gifted poet, serving at the courts of various rulers. This peculiar mix of brute force and poetic talent has ensured that Egil captures the imagination. Today, his name can be found in various cultural references in Iceland, such as a brewery in Reykjavik. Whether he was truly as versatile as the saga claims, however, remains a topic of debate among historians.
2. Ivar the Boneless
Ivar the Boneless – son of Ragnar Lodbrok and Aslaug – is described in sources as a strong and wise leader, yet also as someone with a physical disability (though its exact nature is unclear). Together with his (half-)brothers, including Bjorn Ironside, he commanded the “Great Heathen Army.”
This coalition of Vikings invaded present-day England to avenge Ragnar’s death. Ivar’s reputation was thus partly based on acts of revenge and large-scale raiding, but he was also allegedly known for his counsel and diplomatic skills. There is much uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of his death: some sources cite 870, others 873 as the year he died.
1. Erik the Red
Erik the Red (c. 950–1003) is primarily famous for his voyages of discovery. He is known as the man who “discovered” Greenland – or at least was the first to extensively colonize it. His nickname “the Red” likely refers to his hair color or his temperament. Raiding and murder feature less prominently in the stories about Erik the Red. The story goes that he departed from Iceland and, after a harsh, multi-year journey, reached southern Greenland, where he founded settlements.
In doing so, he laid the foundation for a Viking community that would exist for centuries. His son, Leif Erikson, continued this drive for exploration and, according to some sources, may even have been one of the first to set foot on North American soil.
These ten Vikings, partly historical, partly mythical, offer a glimpse into the diverse characters and stories of the Viking Age. Some are known for cruel raiding, others for political cunning or voyages of discovery. The historical record is not always clear-cut, and often, the old sagas are the primary source. Nevertheless, whether pure legend or stories based on historical facts, the Vikings have left a lasting impression on European history and folklore.
