Ragnar is a faithful copy of a Viking from legends, or a character completely different from the original, having only the same name and set in the same times?
The Vikings is a historical drama created and written by Michael Hirst for the History Channel, which premiered on March 3, 2013. The series was filmed in Ireland and is inspired by the saga of the Viking Ragnar Lothbrok, one of Norway’s most famous and legendary heroes, infamous as the vanquisher of England and France. Is the film character very different from the historical one?
Ragnar Lothbrok, the main character of seasons 1-5, may never have existed, and if he did, not as depicted on the show. He is the protagonist of the Icelandic epic Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok (13th century AD), who slays the dragon and in his adventures comes into contact with various other mystical and fantastic elements and beings. Scientists now agree that the legendary Ragnar was possibly based on the Viking chieftain Reginherus (also known as Reginfred, 9th century AD) who is only known for the siege of Paris in 845. However, there are other possible inspirations for Ragnar, including the king Denmark Horik I (r. 827-854 CE), who appears as a character in the series.
He was first married to Thora (who dies) as reported by the Saga or to Lagertha as reported by Saxo Grammaticus (13th century AD). After the end of his first marriage, he marries Aslaug, the mother of his famous sons, whom he knew under the name of Krak and who was disguised as a peasant maid. Many of the elements from the Saga regarding Krak / Aslaug appear on the series, especially her gift of second vision.
The dramatic scene in Season 3:10 where Ragnar feigns his death, is brought into the cathedral, and then pops out to kill the cleric and open the gates for his army, was taken from the legends of the Viking chieftain Hastein (also known as Hasting, 9th century AD) who raided with Bjorn Ironside. Hastein is said to have used this ruse at least twice. Relationship with Athelstan – There is no information about the Christian monk turned Viking and seminarian who was Ragnar Lothbrok’s best friend. The most famous Athelstan of this period was the grandson of Alfred the Great (r. 871-899 CE) and the first English king (r. 927-939 CE).
As you can see, there are deviations from history in the character of Ragnar in the Vikings . The show doesn’t claim to be an accurate story, though, and is designed to entertain, not educate. Nevertheless, it resulted in the involvement of millions of viewers in the history and literature of Europe and the Vikings. Thanks to this, 6 seasons of the series were created, and Netflix decided to order a spin-off of the series, which will be called Vikings: Walhalla . Its action is to take place 100 years after the events of the last, sixth season of the Vikings . The third volume of Viking Fury , of which we are patron , was also released recently .