Ragnar Lodbrok

Ragnar himself is a contested figure historically Ragnar himself is a contested figure historically. As to whether he really existed is subject to debate. It is estimated that he was born around 820. It is possible that Ragnar is a combination of numerous individuals. Ragnar had several sons, Ivar the Boneless - a Viking leader and be legendary reputation, a berserker, and Bjorn Ironside, Hubba, Sigurd Snake in the Eye, and Halfdan Ragnarsson. The Norse stories mention a Ragnar who was a menace for France at the time.

Ragnar Lodbrock was a skilled warrior who put fear in his enemies Ragnar Lodbrock was a skilled warrior who put fear in his enemies. One thing that made him a legend was his fear that his own sons would beat him. So he led raids against his enemies. France was his target of choice. He led several pirate raids into France. He used the rivers to his advantage in sailing his fleet of longships into the heart of the Frankish empire. His most famous raid was the one he landed in Paris in 845.

Ragnar raided and occupied the city Ragnar raided and occupied the city. He would only withdraw from the city after receiving a ransom payment. He took a liking to attacking France for the most part of the 9th century, and he was successful at that. His exploits and bloodthirstiness added to his legend.

During one of his voyages, it is said that his long boats got shipwrecked off the Northumbrian (England) coast. He and his army survived the shipwreck, however, they met the Northumbrians in battle. The Northumbrians effected a heavy defeat again Ragnar Lodbrok. Most of his men fell and Ragnar was captured by King Aelle. The King Aelle ordered Ragnar's murder by throwing him into a pit of poisonous snakes. Ragnar's death was supposedly somewhere between 840 and 865.

"It gladdens me to know that Baldr's father (Odin) makes ready the benches for a banquet. Soon we shall be drinking ale from the curved horns. The champion who comes into Odin's dwelling Valhalla does not lament his death. I shall not enter his hall with words of fear upon my lips. The Æsir will welcome me. Death comes without lamenting. Eager am I to depart. The Disir summon me home, those whom Odin sends for me Valkyries from the halls of the Lord of Hosts. Gladly shall I drink ale in the high-seat with Æsir. The days of my life are ended. I laugh as I die."

Legend has it, that on hearing the news of how their father met his untimely death, the Viking sagas show that his two sons, Ivar the Boneless and Ubba sword to avenge him. In 866, in a bid to avenge their father, they crossed the North Sea with a massive fleet. Several sources call it the Great Heathen Army.

In a show of might, the Great Heathen Army camped there for close to 14 years, waging a war on the small Saxon towns. They then looked for vengeance with King Aelle, whom they defeated and captured. To avenge Ragnar, they put Aelle through an extreme punishment.