Ragnar Lothbrok was killed by King Aelle, who threw him into a pit of snakes.
The Grisly End of a Legendary Viking
Ragnar Lothbrok, the famed Norse hero and king, met his end at the hands of King Aelle of Northumbria. His death is a pivotal moment in both historical legends and the popular television series Vikings, with both accounts largely aligning on the gruesome details.
The Execution by King Aelle
King Aelle's act was one of extreme cruelty, intending to make an example of the legendary Viking leader. The method of execution was particularly horrific and is well-documented in sagas and depicted in media:
- Torture: Before his death, Ragnar endured significant torture. King Aelle had a cross cut into Ragnar's head, a deeply symbolic act of humiliation and religious defiance against the pagan Viking.
- The Snake Pit: Following the torture, Ragnar was cast into a pit teeming with venomous snakes. It was here, in this agonizing manner, that he succumbed to their bites.
This brutal demise, orchestrated by King Aelle, effectively set the stage for the Great Heathen Army's invasion of England, led by Ragnar's sons seeking vengeance.
Depiction in Media and Legend
The vivid depiction of Ragnar's death, as shown in season 4's episode “All His Angels” of the series Vikings, faithfully portrays the events described in the historical sagas and legends. This consistency underscores the impact and enduring nature of the legend of Ragnar Lothbrok's final moments.
| Aspect of Death | Detail |
|---|---|
| Perpetrator | King Aelle of Northumbria |
| Method | Thrown into a pit of snakes |
| Preceding Events | Torture, including a cross cut into his head |
| Significance | Led to the Great Heathen Army's invasion |
This iconic death cemented Ragnar's legacy and fueled the subsequent Norse retaliation against King Aelle, marking a significant chapter in Viking history.
