The History of Ragnar LOTHBROCK-1

As featured in the History Channel series "Vikings", Ragnar is a farmer who believes there is land west of Iceland. He is credited with the first raids on England. The TV series clearly places Ragnar in Norway based on the geography shown, and mixes elements of history and myth.

In fact, Ragnar Lothbrock (sometimes called Ragnar Lodbrok or Lothbrok) was a legendary Viking figure who almost certainly existed, although the Ragnar in the Viking Sagas may be based on more than one actual person. The real Ragnar was the scourge of England and France; a fearsome Viking warlord and chieftain. One highly probably link is to the real life character Ragnall.
Ragnar's death has been placed as occurring in 840 or 865. Danishnet subscribes to the theory that the later date is more likely. This would mean that Ragnar was probably born around 820 AD. He was a pirate and a raider who was later eclipsed in fame by his sons, Bjorn Ironside and Ivar the Boneless. The sons may have been adopted as this was a common practice by Vikings during the period. If they were adopted, this may have come about as a result of the death of their biological parent, or perhaps as a means of ensuring dynastic control. (This is similar to the Roman practice where Emperors adopted their preferred heirs)
ikings had raided England and Scotland since the late 700's. Ragnar was by no means the first to raid England. It seems however that he may have been the first to leave settlements and attempt to control areas of land, rather than simply plunder and leave.

The Vikings had also been raiding what is now France since at least 800. In 845, "Ragnall" sailed south with a large force said to include 120 ships and 5,000 men. He presumably navigated up the Seine river, and ravaged and plundered the western part of the Frankish Empire including Rouen. The story of Ragnall seems conflated with Ragnar and it is likely that these are the same person.