The Viking Age refers to the years between the late eighth century and middle to late eleventh century when the expansion of Scandinavian kingdoms, ignited by notable leaders like Ragnar Loðbrók, started as raids and continued with occupation and further expanding raids. The precise details of the early Viking Age and preceding periods are largely unknown because of the lack of written records in the Viking kingdoms, leaving most of its knowledge sporadically revealed by limited external sources. The timing was in their favor due to a number factors, such as rising wealth all across Europe, and weakened political systems like the English heptarchy which suffered persistent infighting even prior to the Vikings' arrival. These campaigns ultimately led to the discoveries of Iceland, Greenland, and most notably Vinland (North America) by Leif Erickson in 986, the first known European to discover the continent.
Oseberg Ship at Museum of the Viking Age in Oslo
Viking warriors were a murderous threat to everyone they came across, with a powerful and efficient navy spanning its presence all across the coasts of Europe as well as some parts of northern Africa. They targeted sites of significant wealth like cities and monasteries, taking gold and slaves with them back to the Scandinavian mainland. Success in these endeavors were so prominent that even the Catholic church were terrified of them. To address the threat posed by Vikings, the Catholic Church employed a strategy for enticing Viking tradesmen and leaders into converting to Christianity in exchange for incentives. Slowly over time, this would weaken the kingdoms' drive for conquest until one by one Christianity became law. While most cultures feared Vikings, some embraced their prowess and hired them as body guards, mercenaries, and even armies to fight for them.
It should be noted that by no means were members of the Scandinavian kingdoms barbarians in the pejorative sense, contrary to popular belief. Although they had established civil constructs, display of their strengths in the form of civilization were somewhat lacking. They had no written system, as well as none of the fundamental advances other empires had during their time. They did, however, have an innovative nature for achieving their goals. Intelligence manifests in material forms by way of cultural sense of importance, so to say they were inferior would be a shortsighted underestimation. Historical evidence shows they valued hygiene and grooming, contrary to some fictional depictions. They had a strong sense of artistic style. And they also had something unique to their region absent of every other empire around the world in their time, which was respect for women as equals.
Without pointing to any one series or movie, if readers are fans of any fictional TV show depicting Vikings, it is important to note that many characters and plot elements are speculated or invented, so much so that one has to assume that none of it is necessarily correct until cross referencing it. Many inaccuracies, such as who is depicted where and when, have also been rewritten to produce good television. Some of these plots can't be disputed, but many of those also don't make a whole lot of sense when compared to the actual history.
The Ring, or Sigurd wood engraving by Napier Waller, 1923
Sigurd Ring (Sigurðr Hringr) was the father of Ragnar and the king of Sweden presumably in the 8th century. He was granted rulership over Sweden by his uncle Harald Wartooth, with whom he later went to war, claiming Denmark as part of his rule. He also possessed Northumbria, prior to Ragnar's involvement, although leaving it under the leadership of Olaf Kinriksson. With Ring's age, came the loss of territory with small successions on the borders of his rule, and most notably Northumbria, which ultimately led to the rule of king Ælla. The nature of his death is unclear, but it is established that with it came the immediate succession of Ragnar.
Ragnar Loðbrók, now a Swedish and Danish king, led raids against parts of what is modern day England and France (Francia). Everything else about him is either speculated or from conflicting sources, so not all accounts of Ragnar's life and legacy can be corroborated. He was eventually captured and executed in Northumbria under king Ælla around 865. Although he knew that his sons would avenge his death, the nature of his capture, whether or not it was planned intentionally is a mystery. The belief that Ragnar was executed by being dropped into a pit of venomous snakes holds strong merit. He had at least five sons with his wife Aslaug, including Sigurd, Björn, Ivar, Ubbe/a, and Halfdan (Hvitserk). Some sources suggest he had more children, as shown on sites like Geneanet, although all accounts and texts differ. Ragnar's sons continued his terrifying legacy and went on to rule long after his death.
Sigurd Áslaugsson, a.k.a. Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye eventually became the king of Denmark. While he was a young child, the Danish king Eysteinn Beli (Östen) had killed two of his half brothers. Sigurd had convinced his brothers Ivar, Halfdan, and Björn to avenge their deaths, who did so along with their mother Aslaug. He is also said to have travelled with Ragnar to both Scotland and the Strait of Gallipoli (Hellespont) in what is modern day northwest Turkey before inheriting his rule over Denmark, initially with Halfdan.
Björn, a.k.a. Björn Järnsida (Ironside) eventually became the king of Sweden where he and his lineage continued to rule. Prior to this, around 860, Björn is famously known for leading successful raids in a long campaign which spanned the Mediterranean coast. He remained in west Francia for years, and raided Paris. King Charles (the Bald) of Francia also had other conflicts on the east side of his kingdom while Björn's raids persisted. He was so desperate to rid of Björn's army that he had hired another Viking army, led by a chief named Veland to drive them out of the land. Ironically, this didn't end well for Charles when the two Viking armies joined forces instead of fighting each other. Eventually Björn simply left to continue his expedition.
Barbarian by The Darkness
Ivar Ragnarsson, a.k.a. Ivar Beinlausi (the Boneless) was a military genius who after Ragnar's death led Vikings into an invasion of England and Ireland with his brothers Halfdan, and Ubba. The execution of Ragnar fueled the desire for vengeance and sparked renewed interest in the invasion of the British isles. Initial attempts for revenge without Ivar had failed, giving Northumbria a grotesque overconfidence in their ability to prevail over Vikings. Ivar's arrival changed the tide of conflict dramatically, leading to the swift fall of Northumbria and the capture of king Ælla, who was then executed using the blood eagle. During his time in the British isles, Ivar was renowned for his superior combat tactics, and infamously cruel treatment and execution of Christians.
Map of the unification of Norway under Harald Fairhair (click to enlarge)
Harald Fairhair (Haraldr Hárfagri), a.k.a. Harold I, lived approximately from 850 to 930, reigning most of his life, is responsible for the unification of lands recognizable as modern day Norway. This is according to many sources, although all written not before the twelfth century and all of them conflicting in information, casting significant doubt on his existence. As with most in the early Viking Age, not much about his life is actually known.
He inherited his power of the small kingdom Vestfold from his father Halvdan the Black at age 10. Almost immediately, he understood conflict with an uprising in his own land. His acquisition of other parts of Norway were obtained by a tactful series of both alliances and invasions. Although he was successful in his endeavors at unifying the land, it came with negative impacts on the population. The primary concern was his phenomenal tax rate which began to drive people out of Norway, leading to a significant population decline. Although his reign is perceivably brutal, he is regarded as an icon for bringing a lasting unity to Norway.
Fairhair was succeeded by his son Eric Haraldsson, a.k.a. Eric Bloodaxe, for only a few years before ultimately being succeeded by his youngest son Haakon Haraldsson, a.k.a. Haakon the Good. Under Eric's rule, not much is mentioned and presumably the structure of rule had not changed. It was Haakon who systemically undermined Eric's rule by promising land owners to drop his father's tax policy, and effectively stealing power from underneath him, leaving Eric stranded in his own land with no one loyal to him. Haakon's promise to reduce the tax burden brought relief to the people, effectively restoring a sense of stability and happiness among them. This would also spark a messy and ongoing feud between the brothers and Eric's sons.
Björn, a.k.a. Björn Järnsida (Ironside) eventually became the king of Sweden where he and his lineage continued to rule. Prior to this, around 860, Björn is famously known for leading successful raids in a long campaign which spanned the Mediterranean coast. He remained in west Francia for years, and raided Paris. King Charles (the Bald) of Francia also had other conflicts on the east side of his kingdom while Björn's raids persisted. He was so desperate to rid of Björn's army that he had hired another Viking army, led by a chief named Veland to drive them out of the land. Ironically, this didn't end well for Charles when the two Viking armies joined forces instead of fighting each other. Eventually Björn simply left to continue his expedition.
