Ragnar Lothbrok is a name that conjures images of Viking longships, epic battles, and a legendary king. But how much of his story is rooted in history, and how much is myth spun by medieval sagas and modern television? This guide separates the historical threads from the legendary fabric and the hit TV series Vikings, offering a clear-eyed look at one of the most famous — and most elusive — figures of the Viking Age.

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Century active: 9th century (legendary) ·
Known for: Viking raids on England and France ·
Number of children (legend): 4 to 9 sons ·
TV series: Vikings (2013–2020) ·
Portrayed by: Travis Fimmel

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • The exact details of Ragnar’s life are blended with legend.
  • His parentage and number of children are debated among scholars.
  • Whether he had a wife named Aslaug is historically uncertain.
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Scholars continue to debate Ragnar’s historicity as a composite figure.
  • The Vikings series remains a major cultural reference, sustaining public fascination.

Six key facts about Ragnar Lothbrok show how legend and history intertwine.

Born c. 800? (legendary)
Died c. 865 (legendary: snake pit)
Known wives Lagertha, Aslaug (legend); Thora (some sources)
Famous sons Bjorn, Ivar, Ubbe, Hvitserk, Sigurd
Meaning of ‘Lothbrok’ Hairy breeches
TV series debut Vikings (2013)

How many wives did Ragnar have?

The historical Ragnar’s wives (Lagertha, Aslaug)

  • Medieval sagas identify two primary wives: Lagertha and Aslaug (BattleMerchant historical commentary).
  • Some legendary traditions add Thora Borgarhjört, though her historicity is disputed.
  • According to Wikipedia encyclopedic entry, the number of wives varies across sources, reflecting the fluid nature of the legend.

Ragnar’s wives in the TV series

  • The show dramatizes Ragnar’s relationships with Lagertha (first wife) and Aslaug (second wife) as central plotlines.
  • Lagertha is portrayed as a shieldmaiden and earldom ruler; Aslaug is introduced as a prophecy-bearer.
  • The historical record offers no confirmation of these specific relationships, but they anchor the series’ emotional arc.
The takeaway

The legendary tradition consistently names two wives, but the TV adaptation expands their roles for dramatic effect — a common pattern when history becomes entertainment.

The pattern: The number of wives attributed to Ragnar grows with each retelling, making it impossible to pin down a definitive count from the sparse historical sources.

Why was Ragnar removed from Vikings?

Plot reason: Ragnar’s death

  • Ragnar’s character was killed off in season 4 of Vikings, thrown into a pit of snakes by King Ælle.
  • This narrative mirrors the legendary death described in the Saga of Ragnar Lodbrok (BattleMerchant historical commentary).
  • His death marked a major turning point, shifting focus to his sons.

Actor departure: Travis Fimmel’s decision

  • Travis Fimmel, who portrayed Ragnar, chose to leave the show after season 4.
  • Creator Michael Hirst noted that Fimmel wanted to explore other roles and felt Ragnar’s arc was complete.
  • Fimmel’s departure was a creative choice, not a network decision.
Why this matters

Ragnar’s exit reshaped the entire series, demonstrating how actor decisions can alter a show’s trajectory even when the narrative has a legendary blueprint.

The trade-off: Staying true to the legend meant killing off the lead earlier than many viewers expected, but it allowed the show to explore the sons’ stories in depth.

Is Bjorn actually Ragnar’s son?

In the TV series: confirmed as Ragnar’s son

  • In the show, Bjorn is clearly portrayed as the son of Ragnar and Lagertha.
  • His parentage is a source of pride and identity for the character.

Historical ambiguity: Bjorn Ironside’s parentage

  • Medieval sources like the Saga of Ragnar Lodbrok and his Sons name Bjorn Ironside as a son of Ragnar (BattleMerchant historical commentary).
  • However, some historians question whether the genealogical links are accurate, as the sagas were written centuries after the events.
  • According to History Hit Viking history site, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records a prominent Viking raider in the 840s, but does not name Ragnar or his sons.
The paradox

The sagas assert Bjorn’s parentage, but contemporary 9th-century records never mention Ragnar — so the link rests entirely on later tradition.

What this means: Viewers can accept the show’s version as consistent with the legendary tradition, but historically, the father-son relationship remains unverified.

Who did Lagertha love the most?

Lagertha’s love for Ragnar

  • In the TV series, Lagertha’s deepest emotional connection is with Ragnar, despite their divorce and subsequent conflicts.
  • The show suggests she never fully moves on, even after marrying other men.
  • Historical accounts of Lagertha are almost entirely legendary — no contemporary source describes her affections.

Other significant relationships (e.g., Rollo)

  • Lagertha briefly marries Rollo (Ragnar’s brother) in the series, but the relationship lacks the depth of her bond with Ragnar.
  • Her later romance with the Earl of Hedeby is also portrayed as more pragmatic than passionate.
The catch

Lagertha’s story is almost entirely fictional; the only historical mention of a woman named Lagertha comes from the 12th-century chronicler Saxo Grammaticus, who offers no insight into her romantic preferences.

The implication: The show crafts Lagertha’s loyalty to Ragnar as a core emotional pillar, even though history leaves her character a blank slate.

Does Ivar regret killing Bjorn?

Ivar’s emotional arc in season 6

  • Ivar kills Bjorn in battle during season 6 of Vikings, mortally wounding his half-brother.
  • After Bjorn’s death, Ivar shows signs of grief, including a monologue where he questions his actions.
  • The show portrays his remorse as conflicted — tinged with madness and ambition.

Fan interpretations of regret

  • Many viewers interpret Ivar’s later behavior as genuine guilt, pointing to his increasingly erratic decisions.
  • Others argue his regret is performative, used as a tool to manipulate allies.
  • According to Wikipedia encyclopedic entry, Ivar the Boneless is a legendary figure whose deeds are part of saga tradition; the show’s depiction of fratricide is a dramatization.

Why this matters: Ivar’s regret, whether genuine or not, deepens the moral complexity of the series and keeps viewers debating — a hallmark of effective television writing.

Two versions of Ragnar, one legend: a comparison reveals how the show adapts the sparse historical record.

Attribute Historical / Legendary Ragnar TV Ragnar (Vikings)
Known existence Disputed — likely a composite figure (BattleMerchant historical commentary) Definite protagonist of series
Wives Lagertha, Aslaug (legendary); Thora (some sources) Lagertha, then Aslaug
Death Legend says snake pit by King Ælla (Facebook group community folklore discussion) Snake pit in season 4
Children 4 to 9 sons named in sagas Bjorn, Ubbe, Hvitserk, Sigurd, Ivar (five depicted)
Raids Linked to 845 Paris siege and English raids (History Hit Viking history site) Dramatized in multiple seasons
Cultural impact Inspires sagas, poetry, later literature Global TV sensation 2013-2020

Timeline of Ragnar Lothbrok

c. 800: Possible birth of Ragnar Lodbrok (legendary) ·
845: Siege of Paris by a Viking leader named Ragnar (historical record) ·
c. 865: Death of Ragnar in a snake pit (legend) ·
2013: Premiere of Vikings TV series ·
2016: Ragnar’s death depicted in season 4

Confirmed facts

  • Ragnar was a Viking leader who raided in the 9th century (History Hit Viking history site).
  • The name Ragnar Lodbrok appears in multiple medieval sources (Wikipedia encyclopedic entry).
  • The TV series Vikings aired from 2013 to 2020.

What’s unclear

  • The exact details of Ragnar’s life are blended with legend.
  • His parentage and number of children are debated.
  • Whether he had a wife named Aslaug is historically uncertain.

Key voices on Ragnar Lothbrok

“It is likely that the fearsome Ragnar Lothbrok legend was indeed built upon the reputation of the Ragnar who successfully raided Britain, France and Ireland.”

— History Hit Viking history site

“Ragnar Lothbrok flourished 9th century … his life passed into legend in medieval European literature.”

— Britannica encyclopedic reference

Ragnar is “arguably the most famous Viking warrior” and a “semi-legendary sea king.”

— History Hit Viking history site

For anyone fascinated by Scandinavian history (Norway Winter Olympics medals), the lesson is clear: Ragnar Lothbrok remains a potent symbol, but separating fact from fiction requires a careful look at the sources — and the legends that built them. Much like other legendary royal figures such as Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, the line between history and storytelling can be surprisingly thin.

Additional sources

youtube.com

The legendary figure was brought to life in the History Channel series, and a comprehensive guide to the Vikings TV series characters offers further insight into the show’s ensemble.

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Frequently asked questions

What age did Viking girls marry?

In Viking society, girls could marry as early as 12-15 years old, though age varied by region and family. Historical records from medieval Iceland suggest betrothal was common before puberty, with marriage consummated later.

Who was the most brutal Viking?

Ivar the Boneless, one of Ragnar’s legendary sons, is often cited as particularly ruthless due to his reputation for tactical cruelty and the “blood eagle” execution method. However, brutality is subjective and varies across saga accounts.

How many babies does Lagertha have?

In the TV series, Lagertha has one child with Ragnar (Bjorn) and later miscarries. In legendary sources, Lagertha is said to have had two daughters with Ragnar as well, but the historical record is silent.

Why did Ragnar not love Aslaug?

In the show, Ragnar’s affection for Aslaug dims after their initial romance, partly because he still loves Lagertha. The series suggests his emotional distance grew as Aslaug became more assertive. Historically, there is no evidence to explain their relationship.

What does Lothbrok mean?

“Lothbrok” is Old Norse for “hairy breeches” or “shaggy trousers.” One legend says Ragnar wore protective trousers made of animal skins coated with tar or pitch (Facebook group community folklore). The nickname likely became attached to the legendary figure through oral tradition.

Did Ragnar Lothbrok exist?

Most historians treat Ragnar as a composite or legendary figure rather than a single historical person. No contemporary 9th-century source confirms his existence (The Warrior Lodge Viking history commentary). The name appears in later sagas and chronicles, making his historicity uncertain.

How did Ragnar Lothbrok die?

Legend says Ragnar was captured by King Ælla of Northumbria and thrown into a pit of snakes, where he died reciting a heroic poem. This story is recorded in the Saga of Ragnar Lodbrok and was dramatized in the TV series. Historically, a Viking leader named Ragnar may have died in battle around 865.