Ragnar Lothbrok

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Ragnar Lothbrok (died c. 865), also known as Ragnar Lodbrok, was a Viking leader distinguished for his raids against the British Isles and the Holy Roman Empire during the 9th century.

He was famed for leading the Siege of Paris in 845, forcing the Kings of West Francia to pay a Danegeld to stave off further attacks.

Following his death, his children led the Great Heathen Army that invaded England in 865.

Biography

Early life

Ragnar was born to the Swedish king Sigurd Ring and his wife Alfhild Gandolfsdottir. During his adult life he married his first wife Lagertha and fathered Halfdan, and with his third wife Aslaug he fathered Ivarr the Boneless, Björn Ironside, Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye, and Ubba.

Besieging Paris

In March 845, Ragnar and a force of at least 4,000 men besieged the capital city of Paris, West Francia. One of his men, Sten Stensson, fought side-by-side with Ragnar during the battle. The siege ended in a victory for the Vikings, who plundered and occupied Paris before departing after King Charles the Bald paid a ransom of 7,000 livres of silver and gold.

Death

Seeing his sons grow into legendary heroes, Ragnar wished to outdo them by planning to raid and conquer England with only two ships. In 865, Ragnar and his drengir arrived in Northumbria, and the raids that followed were carefully calculated. However, Ragnar was eventually captured by ealdorman Ælla of Northumbria and put to death by being thrown into a pit of snakes.

Legacy

Following Ragnar's death at the hand of ealdorman Ælla of Northumbria, his sons began plotting revenge, while several of the warriors who served under him scattered throughout England and Norway, and were encountered by the Viking shieldmaiden Eivor Varinsdottir of the Raven Clan.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (flashback only)
• Echoes of Valhalla (mentioned only)
• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla manhua (flashback only)