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Thugs as Well as Diplomats: The 4 Most Famous Vikings in History
Interesting facts of the past
During the Middle Ages, many parts of Europe were plagued by raids from various warring factions. But very few have inspired such terror among their enemies as the mysterious seafaring Northmen. The Vikings were described by observers as ruthless warriors, but there were also skilled rulers and politicians among them. Explore four Viking names that left an indelible mark on European history.
Contents
The Vikings Appear in Britain
On 8 June 793, the inhabitants of Lindisfarne, an island off the coast of north-east England, suffered a devastating raid by Viking pirates for the first time. Those who survived the raid, never forgot about the horror of it. On the fateful day, the Vikings managed to arrive to their “Holy Land”, as they sometimes called the place - and slaughtered anyone who got in their way without blinking an eye.
They sacked the local St Cuthbert's Church, the most important Christian shrine in the Northumbrian Empire. News of the horrific events spread like a shockwave across Europe, and the Vikings began to write their first pages in the books of English history - as ruthless and bloodthirsty warriors.
But the role of “the Northmen” in the English history is much more complex than that. Let’s take a look at a few names that have shaped the way England and other countries look today.
1. Ragnar Lodbrok
Very little is known about the legendary hero from The Tale of Ragnarr Loðbrók. His name frequently appears in scholarly works, and fans of the popular series Vikings will definitely know it as well. However, experts tend to agree that he was likely a fictional character.
According to The Tale, Ragnar set out to conquer England with just two ships, despite warnings from his wife, Aslaug, against such a reckless act. But Ragnar could not resist, and his Viking expedition ended tragically.
Historical sources suggest that Ragnar was eventually captured by King Ælla of Northumbria († 867 AD), who famously had him thrown into a snake pit.
DID YOU KNOW ... a Viking bracelet was cherished by the Vikings much like a weapon or armour? A warrior sometimes received a bracelet as a token of thanks for saving a life, or for excellent performance on the battlefield. A Viking chief or leader often owned and wore several such bracelets.
2. Ivar the Boneless
Ivar the Boneless, Ragnar’s son, is remembered as an invincible cripple in many old legends. Norse sagas and Anglo-Saxon sources written in England describe him as a fearsome figure. Historians believe he had a genetic connective tissue disorder which gave him the appearance of being “boneless”.
Despite his physical disabilities, Ivar made history as a brilliant strategist who enjoyed endless respect from his followers. However, he almost didn’t survive his first hours of life: legend has it that Ragnar spared him only because a prophecy foretold a bright future for all his sons.
This decision had a major impact on the English king Ælla. After Ragnar’s death, Ivar embarked on a mission of vengeance, leading his forces to England, where he captured the city of York.
He then seized Ælla, the man responsible for his father’s death, and tortured Ælla to death by the method known as the “Blood Eagle”, which is carried out by cutting away all of the ribs from the spine, and then ripping out the victim’s lungs. Lungs pulled through the opening in the back resembled a pair of “wings” of a flying eagle.
DID YOU KNOW... according to preserved sources, Ivar was unable to walk and had to be carried into battle on a shield. Shields were often more critical to survival than helmets or axes, which is why warriors held onto them even after they died. A shield of a fallen warrior was placed in his grave to accompany him to the afterlife.
3. Leif Eriksson
The Norwegian seafarer, also known as “Leif the Lucky”, was best known as a skilled explorer. On one of his expeditions to Greenland, just before the year 1000, strong winds blew him off course, and Leif landed on the coast of North America.
According to accounts written after his death, Leif may have been the first European to set foot on continental America.
Despite this achievement, history did not give him credit for the remarkable discovery. It is Christopher Columbus who is renowned for having discovered America.
DID YOU KNOW... recent research on 442 Viking skeletal remains revealed that Vikings looked different than we often imagine. Vikings from Denmark were mostly red-haired, while those from around Stockholm were typically blonde-haired. Their genetic history carries influence of both Europe and Asia.
4. Rollo
Rollo, another renowned Viking warrior, is believed to have participated in the siege of Paris in 885–886. After Roman Emperor Charles the Fat paid a huge ransom to the Viking forces for lifting the siege, Rollo stayed in France, continuing successful raids on nearby settlements.
His activities did not go unnoticed by Charles the Simple, the king of West Francia. Initially, Charles considered paying him off as well, but he eventually chose a more diplomatic approach: he offered Rollo land and the hand of his daughter, Gisla, in exchange for protection against future Viking raids.
Rollo accepted the offer and honoured his commitment. Not only did he defend Normandy (as the region later came to be known), but he also improved the standard of living for the people living there. He reformed laws, restored many churches, and protected the empire from internal power struggles.
But Rollo was not the only member of the family who made it into the “Hall of Fame” of European history. William the Conqueror, one of Rollo’s great-great-great-grandsons, left an even more profound mark on history.
Get a Viking Outfit That Will Impress
Are you planning to take part in a reenactment of a historical battle, and do you want your costume to stand out? With our Viking clothes, you will be indistinguishable from a fearless warrior from the North!
Don't forget your Viking sword or axe at home – weapons were the main assets of any Viking!
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