Ivarr the Boneless: Difference between revisions
imported>Alpine5000 merged "victims of Ivarr..." into this page, updated "trivia", fixed several grammatical errors. |
imported>Darman36 Expanded sources, though still missing details of Ransacking Wenlocan and The Supply Line |
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|death = c. 873<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]'' – [[King Killer]]</ref><br>[[Manstone Rock]], [[Shropshire]] | |death = c. 873<ref name="KingKiller">''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]'' – [[King Killer]]</ref><br>[[Manstone Rock]], [[Shropshire]] | ||
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*[[Sons of Ragnar]] | *[[Sons of Ragnar]] | ||
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'''Ivarr the Boneless''' (died c. 873), also known as '''Ivarr Ragnarsson''', was a [[Vikings|Viking]] leader who | '''Ivarr the Boneless''' (died c. 873), also known as '''Ivarr Ragnarsson''', was a [[Vikings|Viking]] leader who [[raid]]ed [[Anglo-Saxons|Anglo-Saxon]] [[England]] during the 9th century. The son of the legendary [[Ragnar Lodbrok]], he was also the brother to [[Halfdan Ragnarsson|Halfdan]], [[Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye|Sigurd]], [[Björn Ironside|Björn]], and [[Ubba Ragnarsson|Ubba]]. During his time in the [[British Isles]], Ivarr cut down nearly half a dozen monarchs, making a name for himself as the "King Killer". | ||
==Biography == | |||
===Early life=== | |||
According to [[Iceland]]ic {{Wiki|saga}}s, Ivarr was born to the legendary [[Denmark|Danish]] Viking raider Ragnar Lodbrok and his third wife, {{Wiki|Aslaug}}.<ref>{{WP|Tale of Ragnar Lodbrok}} </ref> In 845, Ragnar was killed by [[Ælla of Northumbria|Ælla]] of [[Northumbria]] after being captured in a failed raid and thrown into an [[Ælla's snake pit|execution pit]] filled with venomous [[snake]]s.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla''</ref> Ivarr and his brothers, established Vikings by this time, vowed to avenge their father's death and invade England.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla'' – [[Database: Ivarr and Ubba]]</ref> | |||
===Great Heathen Army=== | |||
The sons of Ragnar, including Ivarr, led the [[Great Heathen Army]]'s [[Viking expansion|invasion]] of England in 865. Around this time, Ivarr successfully avenged his father's death and killed Ælla by subjecting him to Ivarr's favored execution method, the [[blood eagle]]. Following his personal victory, Ivarr also killed two additional lesser kings of the [[Heptarchy]],<ref name="KingKiller" /> [[Edmund the Martyr|Edmund]] of [[East Anglia]]<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla'' – [[Edmund's Arrows]]</ref> and Osberht of Northumbria,<ref name="KingKiller" /> earning him the reputation of "King Killer".<ref name="WarWeary">''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla'' – [[War Weary]]</ref> | |||
In 873, Ivarr and Ubba, aided by the [[shieldmaiden]] [[Eivor Varinsdottir]] of the [[Raven Clan]], orchestrated [[Ceolwulf II of Mercia|Ceolwulf II's]] rise to power in [[Mercia]] taking part in the battle that removed King [[Burgred of Mercia|Burgred]] from the throne.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla'' – [[The Sons of Ragnar]]</ref> After Ceowulf's coronation, Ivarr took [[Ceolbert]], the new king's eldest son, under his wing.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla'' – [[Heavy is the Head]]</ref> | |||
= | As Ceobert's military advisor, Ivarr traveled with the young prince to [[Shropshire]]. Ceolwulf had appointed his son as the future [[ealdorman]] of the region as a test of character, and so Ivarr was ordered to help broker a peace treaty with [[Rhodri the Great]], a man with whom he had quarreled with many years prior. Rather than aid Ceobert in his efforts to secure a lasting peace, Ivarr killed Rhodri's brother [[Gwriad ap Merfyn]] and deliberately escalated the conflict.<ref name="WarWeary" /> | ||
With tensions high, Ceolbert left to [[Hunting|hunt]] [[wild boar]], but when he failed to return, Eivor set out from camp to look for him. She soon found him mortally wounded in a [[wolf]] cave, with a [[Britons|Brittonic]] knife stuck in his chest. Eivor carried Ceolbert back to camp as quickly as she could, but had only just set the boy down in time for him to say his last words to Ivarr before he died from his wound. Enraged at his ward's death through the apparent duplicity of the Britons' peace talks, Ivarr used it as justification to storm Rhodri's stronghold.<ref>''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla'' – [[The Bloody Path to Peace]]</ref> | |||
== | ==Death == | ||
Desiring a grand death following the [[Siege of Caustow Castle|Siege]] of [[Caustow Castle]] after having accomplished all of his life goals, Ivarr challenged Eivor to a ''{{Wiki|holmgang}}''. Though the [[Norsemen|Norse]] Viking was initially reluctant to cut down her former associate, Ivarr revealed that he had killed Ceobert. Enraged by his depravity, Eivor fought and defeated Ivarr in ritual combat, leaving him mortally wounded. He bled out shortly thereafter, pleased by the fact that he would be going to [[Valhalla (afterlife)|Valhalla]].<ref name="KingKiller" /> | |||
==Legacy== | |||
During his years raiding in the British Isles, Ivarr the Boneless gained the nickname "King Killer" after personally murdering a number of Britonic and Anglo-Saxon feudal lords. By the time of his death in 873, Ivarr had killed at least half a dozen noblemen, in addition to scores of [[soldier]]s. | |||
==== Royal victims==== | |||
*King Ælla of Northumbria (killed in 867) | |||
*King Osberht of Northumbria (killed in 867) | |||
*King Edmund of East Anglia (killed in 869) | |||
*King Rhodri "the Great" of Gwynedd (killed in 873) | |||
== | ====Other notable victims ==== | ||
*Ceolbert, Ealdorman of [[Shropshire]], Prince of East Anglia (killed in 873) | |||
*Gwriad ap Merfyn, brother of Rhodri (killed in 873) | |||
*[[Ynyr ap Cadfarch]], Brittonic captain (killed in 873) | |||
==Personality== | |||
Ivarr was crass, sadistic, and manipulative, taking genuine enjoyment in killing and hurting others. Unlike his brothers, he had no real desire to establish England as his home, viewing it as little more than his personal killing ground. He was obsessed with glory, hoping to eclipse all others in terms of kills and battlefield victories, and cared more about going to Valhalla than anything else. | |||
== | ==Trivia== | ||
*There are many theories as to how Ivarr got his moniker "the Boneless". Several of the sagas describe him as lacking legs or bones at all, having to be carried around on a shield by his men, while ''{{Wiki|Tale of Ragnar's Sons|The Tale of Ragnar's Sons}}'' hints that he was impotent. | |||
* There are many theories as to how Ivarr got his moniker "the Boneless". Several of the sagas describe him as lacking legs or bones at all, having to be carried around on a shield by his men, while ''{{Wiki|Tale of Ragnar's Sons|The Tale of Ragnar's Sons}}'' hints that he was impotent. | |||
*Once more deviating from the game, the ''Sagas'' portray Ivarr as being a reserved and calculating leader. | *Once more deviating from the game, the ''Sagas'' portray Ivarr as being a reserved and calculating leader. | ||
*In the game, Halfdan is stated to be older than Ivarr. In the ''Sagas'', Ivarr is older. | *In the game, Halfdan is stated to be older than Ivarr. In the ''Sagas'', Ivarr is older. | ||
==Behind the scenes== | ==Behind the scenes== | ||
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==Appearances== | ==Appearances== | ||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]'' {{1st}} | *''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]'' {{1st}} | ||
*''[[Echoes of Valhalla]]'' {{C|voice only}} | *''[[Echoes of Valhalla]]'' {{C|voice only}} | ||
Revision as of 18:00, 31 January 2021
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He who increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow. This article contains spoilers, meaning it has information and facts concerning recent or upcoming releases from the Assassin's Creed series. If you do not want to know about these events, it is recommended to read on with caution, or not at all. |
Ivarr the Boneless (died c. 873), also known as Ivarr Ragnarsson, was a Viking leader who raided Anglo-Saxon England during the 9th century. The son of the legendary Ragnar Lodbrok, he was also the brother to Halfdan, Sigurd, Björn, and Ubba. During his time in the British Isles, Ivarr cut down nearly half a dozen monarchs, making a name for himself as the "King Killer".
Biography
Early life
According to Icelandic sagas, Ivarr was born to the legendary Danish Viking raider Ragnar Lodbrok and his third wife, Aslaug.[2] In 845, Ragnar was killed by Ælla of Northumbria after being captured in a failed raid and thrown into an execution pit filled with venomous snakes.[3] Ivarr and his brothers, established Vikings by this time, vowed to avenge their father's death and invade England.[4]
Great Heathen Army
The sons of Ragnar, including Ivarr, led the Great Heathen Army's invasion of England in 865. Around this time, Ivarr successfully avenged his father's death and killed Ælla by subjecting him to Ivarr's favored execution method, the blood eagle. Following his personal victory, Ivarr also killed two additional lesser kings of the Heptarchy,[1] Edmund of East Anglia[5] and Osberht of Northumbria,[1] earning him the reputation of "King Killer".[6]
In 873, Ivarr and Ubba, aided by the shieldmaiden Eivor Varinsdottir of the Raven Clan, orchestrated Ceolwulf II's rise to power in Mercia taking part in the battle that removed King Burgred from the throne.[7] After Ceowulf's coronation, Ivarr took Ceolbert, the new king's eldest son, under his wing.[8]
As Ceobert's military advisor, Ivarr traveled with the young prince to Shropshire. Ceolwulf had appointed his son as the future ealdorman of the region as a test of character, and so Ivarr was ordered to help broker a peace treaty with Rhodri the Great, a man with whom he had quarreled with many years prior. Rather than aid Ceobert in his efforts to secure a lasting peace, Ivarr killed Rhodri's brother Gwriad ap Merfyn and deliberately escalated the conflict.[6]
With tensions high, Ceolbert left to hunt wild boar, but when he failed to return, Eivor set out from camp to look for him. She soon found him mortally wounded in a wolf cave, with a Brittonic knife stuck in his chest. Eivor carried Ceolbert back to camp as quickly as she could, but had only just set the boy down in time for him to say his last words to Ivarr before he died from his wound. Enraged at his ward's death through the apparent duplicity of the Britons' peace talks, Ivarr used it as justification to storm Rhodri's stronghold.[9]
Death
Desiring a grand death following the Siege of Caustow Castle after having accomplished all of his life goals, Ivarr challenged Eivor to a holmgang. Though the Norse Viking was initially reluctant to cut down her former associate, Ivarr revealed that he had killed Ceobert. Enraged by his depravity, Eivor fought and defeated Ivarr in ritual combat, leaving him mortally wounded. He bled out shortly thereafter, pleased by the fact that he would be going to Valhalla.[1]
Legacy
During his years raiding in the British Isles, Ivarr the Boneless gained the nickname "King Killer" after personally murdering a number of Britonic and Anglo-Saxon feudal lords. By the time of his death in 873, Ivarr had killed at least half a dozen noblemen, in addition to scores of soldiers.
Royal victims
- King Ælla of Northumbria (killed in 867)
- King Osberht of Northumbria (killed in 867)
- King Edmund of East Anglia (killed in 869)
- King Rhodri "the Great" of Gwynedd (killed in 873)
Other notable victims
- Ceolbert, Ealdorman of Shropshire, Prince of East Anglia (killed in 873)
- Gwriad ap Merfyn, brother of Rhodri (killed in 873)
- Ynyr ap Cadfarch, Brittonic captain (killed in 873)
Personality
Ivarr was crass, sadistic, and manipulative, taking genuine enjoyment in killing and hurting others. Unlike his brothers, he had no real desire to establish England as his home, viewing it as little more than his personal killing ground. He was obsessed with glory, hoping to eclipse all others in terms of kills and battlefield victories, and cared more about going to Valhalla than anything else.
Trivia
- There are many theories as to how Ivarr got his moniker "the Boneless". Several of the sagas describe him as lacking legs or bones at all, having to be carried around on a shield by his men, while The Tale of Ragnar's Sons hints that he was impotent.
- Once more deviating from the game, the Sagas portray Ivarr as being a reserved and calculating leader.
- In the game, Halfdan is stated to be older than Ivarr. In the Sagas, Ivarr is older.
Behind the scenes
In mid-October 2020, Assassin's Creed: Valhalla's narrative director Darby McDevitt revealed on Twitter that the voice of Ivarr was provided by Eric Johnson.[10] Ivarr also makes an appearance in the Spotify podcast Echoes of Valhalla, where he is voiced by Alex "Arekkz" Noon.[11]
Gallery
-
Concept art -
Concept art -
Promotional art
Appearances
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (first appearance)
- Echoes of Valhalla (voice only)
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla manhua (mentioned only)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – King Killer
- ↑
Tale of Ragnar Lodbrok on Wikipedia
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Database: Ivarr and Ubba
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Edmund's Arrows
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – War Weary
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – The Sons of Ragnar
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Heavy is the Head
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – The Bloody Path to Peace
- ↑
Darby McDevitt (@DarbyMcDevitt) on Twitter "Everyone is digging Ivarr the Boneless in our new preview, so give some love to @EricJJohnson79 for his mercurial portrayal of the man. There's more to come!. pic.twitter.com/5Iau8MXEuE" (screenshot)
- ↑ Arekkz (@arekkz) on Twitter "So this is something different, never done any sort of voice acting before, but I’m the voice of Ivar the Boneless in this podcast series"
