Ragnar Lothbrok (or Lodbrok) is a name that captures the imagination, synonymous with the fierce and adventurous world of the Vikings. Known from Old Norse sagas, poetry, and recently popularized by the TV series ‘Vikings’, Ragnar is a legendary hero and king who led raids into England and Francia. But what is fact and what is fiction surrounding this iconic Viking?
1. Historical Figure or Legend?
The big question surrounding Ragnar Lothbrok is whether he actually existed. Although he features prominently in Viking sagas and Danish historiography (like Saxo Grammaticus’s ‘Gesta Danorum’), there is no direct, irrefutable contemporary evidence confirming his existence.
Many historians believe Ragnar may be a composite figure, based on the deeds of several historical Viking leaders from the 9th century, or that a historical figure was later embellished with legendary elements.
2. The Meaning of ‘Lothbrok’
His nickname ‘Lothbrok’ literally means ‘Hairy Breeches’ or ‘Shaggy Trousers’. According to the sagas, he earned this name because he once wore protective trousers made of animal hides (possibly treated with tar and sand) when he defeated two venomous snakes in Sweden to win the hand of the maiden Thora Borgarhjort.
This rather remarkable nickname adds to his legendary status.
3. Famous (Legendary) Sons
An important part of the Ragnar legend revolves around his famous sons, who do appear to have been historical figures and played a major role in the Viking invasions of the late 9th century. The best known are:
- Ivar the Boneless: A feared leader, possibly disabled, who played a key role in the invasion of England.
- Björn Ironside: Known for his raids in the Mediterranean.
- Halfdan Ragnarsson: One of the leaders of the Great Heathen Army that invaded England.
- Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye: Named for a mark in his eye resembling a snake biting its own tail (Ouroboros).
- Ubbe Ragnarsson: Also a leader of the Great Heathen Army.
The fact that these historically known figures were considered ‘sons of Ragnar’ reinforced his legendary status.
4. Sacking of Paris (845 AD)?
One of the most famous exploits attributed to Ragnar Lothbrok (or a Viking leader with a similar name, like ‘Reginherus’) is the sacking of Paris in 845 AD.
A large Viking fleet sailed up the Seine, defeated the Frankish army, and occupied Paris. The West Frankish king Charles the Bald paid the Vikings a huge ransom (7,000 pounds of silver) to leave the city. Although the sagas attribute this to Ragnar, the historical identity of the leader of this raid is uncertain.
5. The Invasion of Northumbria
According to the sagas, Ragnar sailed to the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria (in England) in his later years with only two ships to prove he was still a great warrior. This would have been a reckless undertaking.
He was shipwrecked on the coast and captured by King Ælla of Northumbria.
6. Death in the Snake Pit
The legend of Ragnar’s death is particularly gruesome and dramatic. King Ælla supposedly sentenced Ragnar to death by throwing him into a pit full of venomous snakes.
As he died, Ragnar allegedly swore that his sons would avenge his death, possibly uttering the famous words: “How the little pigs would grunt if they knew how the old boar suffers!”, referring to his sons.
7. The Great Heathen Army
Ragnar’s death in the snake pit is cited in the sagas as the direct cause of the invasion of England by the ‘Great Heathen Army’ in 865 AD. This army, led by his (alleged) sons Ivar, Halfdan, and Ubbe, was supposedly assembled to take revenge on King Ælla.
The Great Heathen Army conquered large parts of England and did indeed defeat King Ælla (who, according to some sources, was killed gruesomely using the ‘blood eagle’ method). Historically, the invasion was likely more complex than just revenge, but the link to Ragnar gave it a powerful narrative.
8. Multiple Wives
The sagas attribute multiple wives to Ragnar. The best known are:
- Lagertha: A legendary shieldmaiden who fought alongside him. Her historicity is highly questionable, but she is a popular character (partly due to the TV series).
- Thora Borgarhjort: The Swedish princess he rescued from the snakes (see fact 2).
- Aslaug: A mysterious and wise woman, according to legend the daughter of the hero Sigurd and the shieldmaiden Brynhildr. She is said to be the mother of Ivar, Björn, Sigurd, and Ubbe.
9. A Figure in Old Norse Poetry
Ragnar Lothbrok and his legend were popular subjects in Old Norse skaldic poetry and saga literature, such as the ‘Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok’ and the ‘Krákumál’ (a poem supposedly recited by Ragnar in the snake pit).
These texts, though written centuries after the Viking Age, are our main sources about him, but must be read critically as literary works, not direct history.
10. Symbol of the Viking Spirit
Whether he truly existed or not, Ragnar Lothbrok has become the archetype of the Viking hero: brave, adventurous, ambitious, a leader of men, an explorer, and a formidable warrior who did not fear battle or death.
He embodies the spirit of the Viking Age as idealized and romanticized in later times.
11. Popularity Through the TV Series ‘Vikings’
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The recent History Channel series ‘Vikings’ (starting in 2013) has introduced the name Ragnar Lothbrok to a vast new audience. The series, although dramatized and not always historically accurate, is loosely based on the sagas and portrays Ragnar (played by Travis Fimmel) as a charismatic and complex protagonist.
This has greatly fueled interest in the Viking Age and the figure of Ragnar.
12. The Search for His Grave
Given his legendary status, it is not surprising that there has been speculation over the centuries about the location of Ragnar’s grave. Various locations in Denmark, Sweden, and even England have been suggested, often based on local legends or burial mounds.
To date, however, no archaeological evidence has been found that can be definitively identified as the grave of Ragnar Lothbrok, further emphasizing his elusive, semi-mythical status.
