Norse MythsNorse Heroes

Ragnar's Sons' Revenge

Ragnar's sons lead the Great Heathen Army to England to avenge their father's brutal execution.

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Illustration for Ragnar's Sons' Revenge - a norse heroes Norse Myths story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Discover the epic saga of Ragnar's Sons' Revenge. Follow the Great Heathen Army's invasion of England to avenge Ragnar Lothbrok's death in this Norse myth.

When word reached Scandinavia that the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok had been executed in a pit of vipers by King Ælla of Northumbria, a cold fury gripped his sons. Ivar the Boneless, the eldest and most cunning, gathered his brothers—Bjorn Ironside, Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye, Hvitserk, and Ubba—to assemble a force unlike any seen before: the Great Heathen Army. They crossed the North Sea, landing on the shores of England not merely for plunder, but for retribution. After a series of brutal battles, the city of York fell to the Norsemen. King Ælla was eventually captured, facing the full weight of the brothers' grief. In a grim ritual known as the Blood Eagle, the sons of Ragnar exacted their revenge, ensuring that their father’s death was honored with the blood of his killer. Their conquest forever changed the map of England, cementing the legacy of the Lothbrok lineage in both history and saga.

The Moral

Honor and legacy are maintained through action and the fulfillment of blood oaths.

“How the little pigs would grunt if they knew how the old boar suffered.”

Fun Fact

While the sagas focus on personal revenge, the historical Great Heathen Army stayed in England for over a decade, permanently establishing the Danelaw region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Ragnar's Sons' Revenge?

The moral is that honor and family legacy are paramount, often requiring great sacrifice and unity to uphold. It highlights the Norse belief that a father's death must be answered with decisive action.

Who were the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok?

The primary sons mentioned in the sagas were Ivar the Boneless, Bjorn Ironside, Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye, Hvitserk, and Ubba. Each brother was a legendary warrior who led a portion of the Viking forces.

What was the Great Heathen Army?

The Great Heathen Army was a massive coalition of Norse warriors from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Unlike earlier Viking raids, this army sought to conquer and settle large parts of England starting in 865 AD.

How did King Ælla die in Norse mythology?

According to the sagas, King Ælla was captured by Ragnar's sons and subjected to the 'Blood Eagle.' This was a gruesome execution method involving the carving of the back to resemble wings.

Was Ragnar's sons' revenge a real historical event?

While the story is rooted in the real 9th-century Viking invasion of England, many specific details are legendary. Historians confirm the invasion occurred, but the snake pit and specific revenge rituals are debated.

What is the 'Blood Eagle'?

The Blood Eagle is a legendary Viking execution method described in Norse literature. It involved cutting the ribs away from the spine and pulling the lungs out to resemble the wings of an eagle.