Did you know? Ireland has not escaped Viking assaults throughout its history. Illustrious Scandinavian warriors settled on the Emerald Isle to reign and extend their power. Among the most famous is Ivar Ragnarsson, better known as Ivar the Boneless, a legendary figure who left his mark on Irish history in the 9th century.
We take a look back at the life of this great warrior, whose story is both history and legend.
Ivar in the Viking series (played by Alex Høgh Andersen)
If the name rings a bell, then you’re undoubtedly a history buff, or a big fan of Michael Hirst’s Vikings series (which, incidentally, was filmed in Ireland). The series, which caused quite a stir in its early seasons, focuses on Ragnar Lothbrok and his legendary feats. Over the course of the episodes, we discover a true intergenerational saga, as the show unveils Ragnar’s great raids in England, and ends up devoting itself to the future of his sons, including Ivar Ragnarsson.
The series, while taking great historical liberties, was a real hit on the small screen. A well-deserved success, thanks to a fascinating storyline and atmosphere… but also to colorful characters, such as Ragnar, or Ivar the Boneless, portrayed as a being of great complexity, terrifying, cruel and fragile at the same time.
Portrayed as a great warrior, cunning and bloodthirsty, he is a well-known figure in the Viking saga, who continues to fascinate to this day.
What many people don’t know, however, is that Ivar left his mark on Ireland through his many exploits. Here’s a glimpse into the life of this great warrior.
Before talking more concretely about Ivar’s life, it’s important to know that the question of this character’s real existence is complex and subject to debate among historians. There are several reasons why its historical existence is controversial.
First of all, information on Ivar Ragnarsson comes mainly from Norse sagas and medieval chronicles, which often combine historical facts with legendary elements. These sources are not always consistent with each other, which casts doubt on the veracity of its existence.
It’s also possible that Ivar the Boneless is an amalgamation of several historical figures who bore the same name. For example, some researchers suggest that he could be confused with other Viking chieftains named Ivar, a very common appellation at the time.
Although there is archaeological evidence of Viking raids in Ireland and Britain, specific evidence directly linked to Ivar the Boneless is limited.
Because of these factors, although most historians accept that a Viking chieftain named Ivar existed and played an important role in the Viking invasions of Ireland and England, the specific details of his life and identity remain unclear and open to interpretation.
So you’ve been warned: Ivar The Boneless remains a vaporous figure who undoubtedly existed… but who remains shrouded in legend and speculation. So take with a grain of salt.
With that disclaimer, here are the facts about this legendary Viking.
A representation of a Viking warrior – © Fernando Cortes
According to the Norse saga, Ivar is the son of the legendary Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok (a great warrior famous for his raids on England) and his wife Aslaug (a warrior or prophetess shrouded in mystery).
Ivar the Boneless had several brothers:
Although little is known about his childhood, many believe that Ivar was raised to be a future leader. He would have been taught combat, strategy, etc., enabling him to become a true leader of men, unafraid of war and with a fine grasp of political issues.
As a child, Ivar Ragnarsson was known as Ivar the Boneless. A nickname open to interpretation.
Although no proof can be provided, some theories suggest that he may have suffered from a disease that made his bones brittle or flexible. A significant handicap, which would have set him apart throughout his life, as well as in his participation in fights.
The Vikings series abounds in this sense, presenting Ivar with deformed legs, forcing him to crawl on the ground to get around, or to use a tank in battle.
Others think the nickname could be metaphorical, referring to his cunning or ability to command without using physical force.
There’s no guarantee that the Viking was actually disabled.
In any case, Ivar is credited with several notable feats, although the precise historicity of these accounts is often debated. Here are some of his major achievements:
Ivar is said to have played a key role in the Viking invasions of Ireland. Around 853, he landed in Ireland with his army and established a Viking kingdom around Dublin, which, thanks to him, became an important center of Viking trade and power in Ireland.
Under Ivar’s reign, Dublin would have gradually developed into a flourishing city, profiting from trade and Viking raids.
At the same time, Ragnarsson’s reign was marked by alliances and conflicts with local Irish kings. Legend has it that he used his diplomacy and military might to divide the local clans and secure his power over the island.
His role is thought to have profoundly transformed the island’s political and social structure, both dividing and uniting Irish territory, crystallizing tensions with Gaelic clans, redrawing the boundaries of local kingdoms, and foreshadowing future larger battles such as the Battle of cContarf.
Clearly, it’s hard to separate legend from history when it comes to Ivar the Boneless. He remains an important figure in Ireland, however, and is worth knowing to better understand Irish-Scandinavian culture. It doesn’t matter that his existence is a fact: he remains a fascinating figure in his own right, still represented in the collective imagination!
