Ragnar Lothbrok (Vikings)
Fictional Viking warrior who rises from farmer to king.
Ya30n ka · via Wikipedia: Ragnar Lothbrok (Vikings) · CC BY-SA 4.0
Ragnar Lothbrok is a fictional character from the historical drama *Vikings*, produced by the Canadian network History. Travis Fimmel plays the role, which draws on the real-life 9th-century Viking farmer and warrior Ragnar Lodbrok, known for raiding Anglo-Saxon settlements in England. Across the first four seasons, Ragnar evolves from a contented farmer in his homeland into a fierce Viking raider in England, rises to the rank of Earl, and eventually becomes King of Denmark following the death of King Horik. Once he dies, the narrative turns to his sons.
During casting, the show’s creators struggled to find the right actor, largely considering Scandinavian and English performers. Series creator Michael Hirst recalled that his wife was uncertain about their initial choice and urged him to wait. Shortly after, Travis Fimmel submitted his audition reel, and he was hired. Hirst originally planned for the series to be a single season, ending with Ragnar’s death. He later realized, while filming, that the story was only beginning, and Ragnar ultimately died in season four. Hirst and Fimmel disagreed over the delivery of Ragnar’s final speech in the episode “All His Angels.” Fimmel felt uneasy about it but was later convinced of its significance for Ragnar’s sons, noting that the speech was meant for them, not for himself. Screen Rant praised Hirst for creating a complex, vibrant character grounded in historical and mythological accounts of Ragnar.
Ragnar’s character arc received strong positive reviews and is credited with launching Fimmel into international fame. *USA Today* called Fimmel’s performance “engaging,” while *The Huffington Post* described it as his “breakout role.”
Quick Facts
- Franchise
- Vikings
- First
- "Rites of Passage" (2013)
- Last
- "All His Angels" (2016)
- Based On
- Ragnar Lodbrok
- Creator
- Michael Hirst
- Portrayer
- Travis Fimmel
- Alias
- King of the Northmen
- Title
- Earl of Kattegat / King of Denmark
- Spouse
- Lagertha (divorced) / Aslaug
- Occupation
- Farmer
- Origin
- Kattegat, Norway
- Religion
- Norse paganism
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
During development of the series, creator Michael Hirst originally intended the show to be a one-off, with Ragnar dying at the end of the first season. However, while making the season, Hirst realized they were only at the start of Ragnar's journey, and the character ultimately died during the fourth season. Casting Ragnar proved difficult; producers considered mostly Scandinavian and English actors. Hirst's wife was unsure about their initial choice and convinced him to wait. A few days later, Travis Fimmel submitted his reel, and he was cast.
Reader's Guide
Ragnar Lothbrok is the central figure of Vikings for its first four seasons, and his character arc—from farmer to Earl to King of Denmark—drives the early narrative. His death marks a turning point, after which the series focuses on his sons. The role launched Travis Fimmel into international recognition, with critics describing his performance as engaging and calling it his breakout role. The character is based on the historical and mythological stories of Ragnar Lodbrok, and creator Michael Hirst was commended for adapting those sources into a complex and vibrant character. Ragnar's last speech, delivered in the episode 'All His Angels,' was the subject of an argument between Hirst and Fimmel over its delivery; Fimmel initially felt uneasy but was convinced of its importance for Ragnar's sons.
Did You Know?
- Ragnar Lothbrok is a fictional character in the historical drama series Vikings, created by the Canadian network History.
- Series creator Michael Hirst originally planned for Ragnar to die at the end of the first season, but the character lived until the fourth season.
- Travis Fimmel was cast as Ragnar after Hirst's wife convinced him to wait for the right actor; Fimmel's reel arrived a few days later.
- Hirst and Fimmel argued over the delivery of Ragnar's last speech in 'All His Angels'; Fimmel was initially uneasy but was convinced of its importance.
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