I Researched Ragnar Lothbrok: Man or Myth?

Investigating the blurred lines between historical fact and mythological embellishment

Ragnar Lothbrok via MidJourney

Was Ragnar Lothbrok a real person? Or is he a mythical figure forged by oral traditions and folktales in the Viking culture?

Contrary to the TV show, there seems to be no mention of the legendary hero in specific milestone attacks, such as the raid on Lindisfarne, England, in 793 AD, which kicks off the popular series.

This leads one to wonder, who was he?

• Reginherus who besieged Paris in 845 AD?
• Ragnall, who raided in Ireland during a similar period.
• Ragnar, a man in hairy trousers trying to avoid a giant serpent bite and secure the love of a woman? (Seems likely!)

Historians agree that the legend of Ragnar is difficult to pin down, with the folktales having diluted history.

Is there any truth to the myths and legends of the man who lived on the edges of recorded history?

Let’s find out.

The Dawn of the Viking Age