Product Review

Ragnar Lothbrok: The Extraordinary Viking

From the misty depths of the Early Middle Ages comes the story of a mighty Viking warrior and king named Ragnar Lothbrok. The rich oral tradition of Norse legend, written down hundreds of years after the events happened, sifted the story of Ragnar’s exploits through time and poetry to create for Ragnar a lasting image of bravery in the face of the unknown.

The dramatic tale of Ragnar brings up interesting questions. For example, was Ragnar a real person? If so, have the facts about him been exaggerated to the point that they no longer have much basis in reality? And, if the story has been reshaped by its storytellers, what does this say about what the people wanted to hear? Also, how can Ragnar be called a hero when his most notable feat was invading and plundering Paris? As you read Ragnar’s story, you’ll find the answers to questions you may not imagine right now, such as: Why was Ragnar called Lothbrok, the Old Norse word for Shaggy-Breeches?

Through his legend, you see a man who had three strong wives and many vengeful sons. What kind of father and husband could this man have been? Ragnar was certainly no peacemaker. He was tall and powerfully-built, but what about his moral character? Modern people might see this “Scourge of England and France” as a brute and a warmonger, and rightly so – not exactly in keeping with modern mores.

Yet, even modern people can appreciate what he did for the world. We can thank Ragnar’s kind for creating trade routes throughout Scandinavia, Britain, Europe, and even into Russia. In expanding his empire, he aided in the settlement of the regions he conquered.

Learning about Ragnar’s life, times and character can give you a new way to view the world. The basic struggle of Ragnar’s life was between good and evil, but these two concepts are not as clear-cut as you might think. What Medieval Norsemen saw as good, you might see as wicked, aggressive and based on self-interest alone. And, what they saw as evil, you might see as simply the natural way of the life on this planet.

As you read this book, you can enjoy learning about a character that is larger than life and fascinating in a way only legends can be. After you finish reading, we suspect you’ll want to know more about Ragnar Lothbrok and delve into the poetry that tells his story so beautifully.

Ragnar Lothbrok: The Extraordinary Viking