"My Death comes without Apology." Ragnar Lothbrok

  Ragnar speaks to the Seer:  " I guided my fate! The gods were created to give answers to men that are afraid to give themselves!  " The Seer cries: " I may have been wrong! I have groped for meaning!"

  Ivar is returning home...while King Ragnar remains in chains. In the eyes of Ragnar, it is far more important for Ivar to remain alive. Why? Because Ivar has become Ragnar's most powerful son. Why? Because Ivar does not think like other men ( much like Ragnar.) Why? Here then is their bond: they are Unpredictable! Because of this trait, the world will fear the clan of Ragnar Lothbrok once more!

  Here is another concept Ragnar shares in his parting: Ragnar himself does not believe in Valhalla, BUT his sons and people DO! Therefore, " Faith is important to all people."

  Ragnar's eyes gaze on the young boy Alfred, the son of Athelstan. Later to be hailed Alfred the Great, Ragnar yields the necklace given him by Althelstan and says: "Here, take this, in the end, people will choose...your kind."

  Religion can be a horrible thing. The unknowing feeling at death...Is there nothing more sacred?

  In the end, with Ragnar in a cage with poisonous snakes below, speaks: " It gladdens me that Odin prepares a feast. Soon I shall be drinking ale from curved horns...there I shall want for my sons...soon to join me! There I will bask in their triumph! My death comes without apology, and I welcome the Valkyries...to summon me home!"

  The question lies: Did he say that because he believes that, or did he say that for the love of his people? Personally, I believe the latter.

  King Ella of Northumbria, what a horrid future ahead for you! Although you speak of doing God's work by stating: " Before you die Ragnar, you will atone for your sins against my countrymen," the hollow thoughts of his logic give greater credence to the words of Ragnar!

  Ragnar gives final instructions to his son Ivar concerning King Ecbert of Wessex: " Ivar, Be Ruthless!" Why? Because King Ecbert gave up Ragnar to King Ella of Northumbria...to advance his own cause...and to do so in the name of Religion! Besides, King Ella will meet his Maker...in due time!

  As in the skaldic poem known as Krakumal, a line of poetry composed to a tribute to a Viking King:

" We swung our swords, that was ever long ago. I stabbed the spear...into the loop of the earth!"  Long live King Ragnar!

Forever we will miss you!

Ragnar Lothbrok! "Two Journeys" December 14th, 2016.

  As the enjoyment continues on the latest episode of The Vikings on The History Channel, the character "Ragnar Lothbrok" becomes more fascinating.

  I am intrigued how King Ragnar has become so disliked by many of his own, yet seemingly ignores all the rejection and proceeds forward.
  Ragnar's conversation with his crippled son Ivar is personal and appears to be one that will have an all but hopeless end, yet King Ragnar is unpredictable. I love his statement " I didn't come here to go back." (Both King Ragnar and his son Ivar were now back in England, knocking on the door step of King Ecbert of Wessex.)
  Ragnar informs Ivar they must separate from the rest of the men who came with them to attack King Ecbert , the largest kingdom in all of England known as Wessex. King Ecbert is a visionary, well versed in hierarchy, and is motivated by a "moral journey" in life.
   King Ecbert is deceptive in diplomacy,  numerous selfish intentions, and yet harbors a deep fear.  His fear?...Ragnar Lothbrok! King Ecbert is fully aware Ragnar Lothbrok is no ordinary man, he is not "just a man."
  Upon the discovery of Ragnar's banner "the Raven," King Egbert proclaims Ragnar has finally returned...illegally.

  In a deep conversation between Ragnar and his crippled son Ivar, the producer Michael Hurst sprinkles humor in the midst of a seemingly tragic scenario. Surviving a terrible storm, both men are found on the shores of England...alive! Ragnar is asked a question by Ivar stating his father has never considered him a strong son. In fact, Ragnar would have preferred Ivar be put to death at birth. Ragnar then answers in a humorous tone, " Only when you talk." Later Ragnar explains to Ivar how his judgment was wrong, stating " Your legs have given you a strength... a strength even your brothers do not have. You are like a deaf man whose eyesight is better than anyone else's. You are special, not in spite of your legs, but because of them." Ivar than responds that this may be the first time Ragnar has admitted he was wrong. Again, humor is injected as Ragnar responds " It will never happen again, so...enjoy it!"
  Later Ivar speaks of the "verdict of the gods" in reference to their lots in life, and once again Ragnar responds in humor " You give the gods too much credit."

  Equally, Rollo has returned! When Bjorn ( son of Ragnar,) asks for safe passage through territories ruled by Rollo and the French, Rollo responds "No....unless I come with you!" After all the bloodshed, the killing of Vikings by the French led by Rollo, and the animosity of Rollo's betrayal to his native countrymen...he now wants to join them? What a twist. Rollo identifies with our present day culture mentioning to Bjorn of a Muslim caliphate awaiting their journey. As Rollo explains his decision to join his native countrymen on this journey to his wife Princess Gisla, she is not so receptive to such a decision. Rollo in defending his decision, explains to her " There is a part of me still Viking. When you hear thunder, it is only thunder. For me, it is Thor beating his hammer!"The viewer is left with a thought...Rollo longs to see and be with his brother, Ragnar!

  Lagertha returns to Kattegat, this time to gain control and remove Queen Aslaug. And Margretha, the slave girl which all the sons of Ragnar seem to enjoy, becomes more visible in each episode.
  This Viking series is becoming intense and leaves one on the edge of their seat....

"Skol!"


  

"Ivar the Boneless"...The Vikings on the History Channel

  As the historical fiction series The Vikings on the History Channel returns, the producer Michael Hurst continues to keep this saga relatively close to actual history records. It is a difficult task to accomplish as real Viking history has been passed down in fragmented segments.
  Ivar the Boneless is an interesting character both in this series and in the real history of the Vikings.

  Ancient historical documents reveal there was a Viking leader known as Imar. He is thought to have a dynasty around the mid-9th century to the 10th century A.D. This Viking dynasty ruled Northumbria of England with its capital city being York.
  The Vikings TV series has introduced a main character Ivar the Boneless, who does have similarities to the historical Imar.
  Ivar, or "Ivarr hin Beinlaus" in the ancient Norse language, is presented as the son of King Ragnar and Queen Aslaug. Some historical manuscripts say this was Ragnar's 3rd wife, while others claim it was Ragnar Lothbrok's ( referred to as "Lodbrok" in history) as his 2nd wife.
  Norse legend writes this son of Ragnar was named Ivar the Boneless because he lacked bones in his lower extremities as a result of a curse. Queen Aslaug was thought to have powers in sorcery. Legend dictates Ragnar and Aslaug were to wait 3 nights before entering the marriage bed. Ragnar ignored warnings from the gods and the result was Ivar was cursed physically.

  Although Ivar is described of his physical disabilities in numerous ancient Norse sagas, his upper body strength is equally told. Ivar has been deeply admired in both song and stories through the centuries for his great wisdom. He was particularly known for his knowledge and insight in battle strategy and tactics.
  This Viking leader in history known as Imar was a leader in both Ireland and Scotland. He was the son of a king named Lochlam. Further information is found in the Fragmentary Annals of Ireland.
  Viking history does tell of a "Great Heathen Army" invading England around the year 865 A.D. This invasion is led by Imar ( possibly Ivar,) attacking 7 kingdoms within England including Sussex, Wessex, Northumbria, East Angilia, Essex, Kent, and Mercia.
  This invasion is recorded in history was organized by the sons of Ragnar. It is thought Ragnar had been executed by the king of Northumbria in 865 A.D., being thrown into a snake pit.

  This king of Northumbria, a King Ella, is thought to have been overtaken in 867 A.D. and was the recipient of the infamous Viking execution known as the Blood Eagle. The city of York then became Ivar's home.
  Ivar seemingly disappears from historical records around 870 A.D. Although the death of the historical king Imar is uncertain, it is thought he passed in 873 A.D. in Dublin, Ireland.

  The Viking series on the History Channel is remarkable! As the producer Michael Hurst said, " It's really about a family that really...existed." It is a culture brought back to life that influences our lives today.
  The real question remains: How did they get there? That seems to be the real challenge!

Woo-hoo! The Vikings are back!..season 4, episode 11

  The gaps between episodes of The Vikings on the History Channel were beginning to challenge my interest as the series sailed into the 11th episode of season 4. Then, I heard him!...It is Ragnar! "Who....Whoooo wants to be king?!" Okay, forget the gaps, I'm here already! Ragnar has returned to Kattegat!
  Although Ragnar is out to seek revenge with the English king of Wessex, King Ecbert, his heart still dreams. He desires to go to Rome and discover new shores of the known world.
  Floki!...love the new look. While Ragnar and Floki have an older, well-seasoned warrior physical appearance, the joy of adventure still gleams in their eyes. Floki is at work doing the very same work he did when Ragnar first visited him in season one...creating the infamous Viking longboat. In this episode, Floki is building a new state of the art longboat for Ragnar's son, Bjorn. The reunion was extremely heart warming.
  Then Floki heard the "magical words" he had yearned for since the day their bromance began. " I love you Floki." For many Viking fans, we felt a tear or two running down our cheek, Almost keeling over from Ragnar's words, Floki emotionally responds " I love you too Ragnar Lothbrok!," a deeply moving scene.
  The scene concluded with Ragnar making it clear to Floki if he does not come with Ragnar, they will never see one another again. Floki reminds Ragnar how they will see their friends and participate in the great eternal party in Valhalla, Yet, Ragnar was not so sure...he would be at that party.
  Then Ragnar moves on and visits Lagertha, the beautiful Viking goddess. Ragnar asks for her forgiveness and then came... "the kiss." Viking fans had longed to see this much like Floki had longed for the love of Ragnar. Lagertha's wisdom-like statement was deeply thought provoking: " All our journeys are in the mind."
  The more recent characters of The Vikings series now begin taking center stage. The slave-girl Margrethe is quite dynamic. Her personality as a Viking character certainly received high marks in my opinion with her life saving statement to Ivar the Boneless: " Sex is easy, greatness is hard."
  Ragnar's other sons Huitserk, Sigud, and Ubbe have all but lost hope in their legendary father. All of them think Ragnar is no longer loved by anyone...including the gods. Yet, there is still one who loves his father. It is "the cripple," Ivar the Boneless!" I love the ending of this episode when Ivar lets Ragnar know he had not even asked Ivar to go with him. As Ragnar begins to ask him, Ivar jumps in and says "Of course I will!"
  Oh, and Lagertha's new lover "Astrid,"....cool hair!

  What's going to happen next? I am not sure. I keep hearing those words in my head "Shield Wall!" echoing from ear to ear.
  'Love them Vikings!