If you’re a fan of History Channel’s hit show Vikings, you may be wondering if Ragnar Lothbrok actually conquered Paris as depicted in the series. The answer is yes, but with a few caveats.
The Siege of Paris
In the show, Ragnar leads his army to attack Paris twice – once in season 3 and again in season 4. The first time, his forces are repelled by the city’s defenses and he is forced to retreat. However, he returns a year later with an even larger army and manages to breach Paris’s walls.
But did this really happen?
The historical record is a bit murky when it comes to Ragnar’s exploits. While there are plenty of tales and legends about his adventures, there is little concrete evidence to support them. What we do know is that there was indeed a siege of Paris in the 9th century – but it may not have been led by Ragnar.
The Siege of 885-886
The real Siege of Paris took place over the winter of 885-886 CE during the reign of Charles the Fat. The Vikings, led by a chieftain named Sigfred, arrived on the Seine River with around 700 ships and began their assault on the city.
Paris was well-fortified at this time, with walls that had been built by earlier Frankish kings. In addition to its defenses, the city also had access to food and supplies via the river and its surrounding countryside.
Despite these advantages, the Vikings were able to penetrate the city’s walls using a combination of siege engines and naval assaults. They held Paris for several months before finally being paid off with tribute by Charles the Fat.
What About Ragnar?
So where does Ragnar fit into all of this? It’s possible that he did participate in some way during the Siege of Paris, but it’s unlikely that he led the attack. In fact, the earliest written records of Ragnar don’t mention him at all – his legend was likely built up in later years as part of Norse mythology.
While we may never know for sure what Ragnar’s true role was in the Siege of Paris, it’s clear that the events depicted in Vikings are heavily fictionalized. Nonetheless, they make for great television and have helped to popularize Norse history and mythology among a wider audience.
- So what can we take away from all this?
- While Ragnar may not have conquered Paris himself, his legend lives on as a symbol of Viking prowess and cunning.
- The Siege of Paris was a real historical event that had lasting repercussions for both the Franks and the Vikings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is some truth to Ragnar’s siege of Paris in Vikings, it’s important to remember that the show takes many liberties with historical accuracy. Nonetheless, it’s fascinating to explore these stories and legends and try to separate fact from fiction. Whether you’re a fan of the show or just interested in Norse history, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of these tales.