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Ancient historical documents reveal there was a Viking leader known as Imar.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!
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!
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