Is Bjorn Ironside the Son of Lagertha in Real Life?
Is Bjorn Ironside the Son of Lagertha in Real Life?
In the popular historical drama television series, Vikings, the characters of Bjorn Ironside and Lagertha are often discussed in relation to their parentage. Many viewers are curious whether Bjorn Ironside is indeed the son of Lagertha, or rather if he is the son of Aslaug, as suggested by some historical sources.
The Question of Bjorn Ironside's Parentage
Theories about Bjorn Ironside's parentage are complex and varied, depending on the source material. In traditional historical narratives, Bjorn is typically portrayed as the son of Aslaug, a legendaryfigure, rather than Lagertha. Aslaug is often considered a significant historical figure, even if some scholars doubt her existence.
Wikipedia and Historical Context
Wikipedia provides a rich history of Bjorn Ironside, detailing key aspects of his life:
Born around 777 in Denmark Death in 859, specifically in 77-86 at Muns Eker in Stockholm County, Sweden Place of Burial in Sweden Immediate Family Members include his father, Ragnar, and his son, Refil Bjornsson, and Erik Bjornsson, the King of the Swedes Other brothers include Ubbe, Fridleif, and othersLiterary Sources and Controversy
The Gesta Danorum attributes Lagertha as the mother of one of Ragnar's sons, Fridleif, but suggests that after Ragnar divorced Lagertha, the other sons, including Bjorn, may have been fathered by Aslaug, who is often depicted as the legendary daughter of a Slavic chieftain.
However, in medieval sagas, Bjorn's parentage is typically attributed to Aslaug, not Lagertha. It is important to note that these sources are likely a mixture of factual information, legendary tales, and narrative innovations. Therefore, it is challenging to establish a definitive answer about which account is more accurate.
Historical Skepticism
Given the nature of these sources, it is widely recognized that none of the key figures mentionedRagnar, Aslaug, and Lagertha—are historically authenticated. They are considered legendary or folkloric characters, without concrete evidence of their existence.
Conclusion
There is no conclusive evidence to definitively state whether Bjorn Ironside is the son of Lagertha or of Aslaug. While the historical context and literary traditions suggest these different parentages, the lack of tangible historical documentation leaves the question open to interpretation and speculation. Viewers and historians alike must approach these topics with a critical mind, keeping in mind the nature of the sources available.