América
Astronomical Knowledge of the Mayans: Predictions, Calculations, and Meanings
Systematic Sky ObservationThe Mayan civilization, which flourished from approximately 2000 BCE to the 16th century, d...
Current articles
02 Dec 2024
4 min
Ragnar Lothbrok: The legend, the myth, the king!
Ragnar Lothbrok: His story When it comes to legendary figures who blend myth, history and fiction, Ragnar Lothbrok sits at the top of the Viking pantheon. His name conjures up images of conquests, epic battles and strategic decisions that shaped the Norse world. Known for his forays into unknown lands and his unwavering quest for knowledge, Ragnar is, for many, the archetypal Viking hero. Here we tell you who this fascinating character was from a historical perspective and his portrayal in the Vikings series. Full name: Ragnar "Lothbrok" Sigurdsson Gender: Male Birth: 766 AD Age: 55 State: Deceased Cause of death: Bitten by snakes Death episode: All his angels Home: Kattegat, England (for a short time) Ragnar Lothbrok: myth or reality? The figure of Ragnar Lothbrok comes from the Norse sagas, epic tales written centuries after the Viking period. According to these sources, Ragnar was a Danish warrior and king who lived in the 9th century. His surname, Lothbrok or “hairy tights”, comes from an ingenious coat made of animal skin that, it is said, protected him from snake venom in one of his first battles. Although historians debate his actual existence, Ragnar is deeply linked to historical events, such as Viking raids on England and France. Some believe he could be a composite character based on several Viking leaders of the time, such as Reginherus, who sacked Paris in 845 AD. Ragnar in the sagas The sagas attribute to Ragnar a life full of adventures: from being a humble farmer in Kattegat to becoming king. His first great love, Lagertha, was a fierce shieldmaiden and his equal on the battlefield. Later, he married Aslaug, a woman of noble blood and legendary wisdom, with whom he had his most famous sons: Björn Ironside, Ivar the Boneless, Hvitserk, Ubbe and Sigurd. These sons, according to legend, played key roles in the Viking period, taking Ragnar's legacy even further. Check out our Vikings collection. Ragnar in the Vikings series In the Vikings series, Ragnar, played by Travis Fimmel, is the absolute protagonist of the first seasons. The show presents his transition from farmer to leader, highlighting his ability to challenge the established order and his fascination with exploring new lands. His relationship with the Norse gods, especially Odin, adds a spiritual dimension to his character, connecting his decisions with the search for a greater purpose. One of the most iconic moments of the series is his foray into England, where he challenges the Saxon kings and establishes a Viking settlement. However, his downfall comes after his capture by King Aelle, who executes him by throwing him into a pit full of snakes. This act unleashes one of the most famous revenges in the sagas: the invasion of the Great Heathen Army, led by Ragnar's sons. Ragnar and his legacy Ragnar Lothbrok is not just a fictional character; he is a symbol of Viking audacity and ambition. Whether in the sagas, the series or in the popular imagination, Ragnar represents the spirit of exploration and the desire to leave a legacy. His stories have inspired books, video games and, of course, the Vikings series, which has been a bridge for new generations to become interested in Norse culture. Discover more items from the Vikings collection Was Ragnar real? We may never know for sure, but his legend lives on, captivating fans of history and fiction alike. What do you think of this character? Is he a hero, a villain, or simply a man trying to change his destiny? Leave us in the comments what you think about this legend and what was your favorite episode of the Vikings series on Netflix.
Read more
02 Sep 2024
3 min
Where are the Vikings from?
Where did the Vikings come from? Throughout history, the Vikings have captured the imagination of many with their daring expeditions, raids, and fascinating culture. However, there is often confusion surrounding the terms “Viking,” “Norse,” and “Germanic.” Although they are related, they are not synonymous. In this article, we will unravel where the Vikings came from and clarify the difference between these terms. Check out our Vikings collection, you'll love it! The origin of the Vikings The Vikings were explorers, traders and warriors who emerged in northern Europe during the Middle Ages, approximately between the 8th and 11th centuries. They came mainly from the regions we now know as Scandinavia, that is, from the current countries of Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The term " Viking " does not refer to an ethnic group or a nationality, but rather to an activity or way of life. In reality, "Viking" was a term used to describe those who engaged in exploration and plundering expeditions along the European coasts. In fact, the word "viking" comes from the Old Norse víkingr , which refers to a pirate or raider. Check out our collection of Viking Axes! What does it mean to be Nordic? The term "Norse" is broader and refers to people who lived (or whose ancestry is from) in the region of Scandinavia during the Viking Age. The Norse were inhabitants of Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland, and their culture, mythology and language shared a common root, which gave them a collective identity. Unlike "Vikings", not all Norsemen were explorers or warriors. In fact, most Norsemen were farmers, fishermen, and craftsmen who lived relatively peaceful lives within their communities. So while all Vikings were Norsemen, not all Norsemen were Vikings. You'll love these helmets! The Germanic peoples: an older root The Germanic peoples, on the other hand, are an older and more diverse ethnic group that encompasses many tribes that inhabited much of northern and central Europe before the Viking Age. This group includes the ancestors of the Scandinavians, but also other peoples such as the Goths, Franks, Saxons and Angles, who expanded and established kingdoms in other parts of Europe, not just in the north such as France, Italy or Spain. The terms "Germanic" and "Nordic" are often confused because the Norse are descendants of ancient Germanic peoples who migrated to Scandinavia. However, not all Germanic peoples developed Norse culture, which is specific to the Scandinavian regions. Thus, when we talk about the Vikings, we are specifically referring to those daring individuals who ventured into unknown seas in search of lands and treasures, but always with the certainty that they belonged to the Nordic world of that time.
Read more
News of the month
