May contain spoilers if you watch the show. Vikings is an Irish-Canadian historical drama television series written and created by Michael Hirst for the television channel History. Vikings are inspired by the sagas of the legendary Norse ruler and hero from the Viking Age, Ragnar Lothbrok, starring Travis Fimmel as Ragnar.
Originally a farmer, Ragnar claims to be a descendant of the god Odin, and during the show’s run, he manages to rise to become a respected Earl of his home settlement Kattegat, as well as a feared warrior, a famed raider of undiscovered lands, and, finally, King of Denmark.
Ragnar was the scourge of France and England and the father of many renowned sons, including Ivar the Boneless, Björn Ironside, Halfdan Ragnarsson, Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye, and Ubba. According to legend, Ragnar was thrice married: to the shieldmaiden Lagertha, to the noblewoman Þóra Borgarhjǫrtr, and to Aslaug. Said to have been a relative of the Danish king Gudfred and son of the Swedish king Sigurd Hring, he became king himself and distinguished himself by many raids and conquests until he was eventually seized by his foe, King Ælla of Northumbria, and killed by being thrown into a pit of snakes. His sons bloodily avenged him by invading England with the Great Heathen Army.
