When it comes to the historical accuracy of the popular TV show Vikings, there have been several debates and discussions among fans. One of the most talked-about events in the show is the Siege of Paris, where Ragnar Lothbrok led a Viking army against the Franks in an attempt to conquer the city. The question on everyone’s mind is – does Ragnar defeat Paris in Vikings?
The Siege of Paris
The Siege of Paris was a military campaign that took place in 845 AD when Vikings raided and besieged the city of Paris. The Vikings were led by Ragnar Lothbrok, who was a legendary Norse hero and king. The siege lasted for several months, during which time the Vikings faced fierce resistance from the Franks.
Ragnar’s Plan
Ragnar’s plan was to attack Paris by sailing up the Seine River with his fleet of longships. He hoped to take advantage of the fact that Paris was not well fortified at its riverbanks. However, his plan did not go as smoothly as he had hoped.
The First Attack
The first Viking attack on Paris was repelled by Frankish forces led by Count Odo. Despite their initial setback, Ragnar and his men refused to give up and continued their assault on Paris.
The Second Attack
The second Viking attack on Paris was much more successful than the first one. The Vikings managed to breach the walls of Paris and entered the city. However, they were eventually driven back by Frankish forces led by Emperor Charles the Bald.
Does Ragnar Defeat Paris?
In short, no – Ragnar did not defeat Paris in Vikings. Although he managed to breach its walls and enter the city during his second attack, he was ultimately unsuccessful in conquering it.
- One reason for this was that he underestimated the strength of Frankish defenses.
- Another reason was that he did not have enough men to sustain a long siege of the city.
- Finally, Ragnar was forced to retreat after suffering significant losses, including the death of his trusted companion and advisor, Floki.
The Aftermath
Although Ragnar did not succeed in conquering Paris, his raid had a significant impact on the Franks. It highlighted the vulnerability of their defenses and forced them to invest in fortifications to prevent future Viking attacks. It also marked the beginning of Viking raids on Western Europe and paved the way for their eventual conquest of Normandy.
In Conclusion
While Vikings is a fictionalized account of historical events, it is based on real events and characters. The Siege of Paris was a real event that took place in history, and while Ragnar did not defeat Paris in Vikings, his raid had a significant impact on both the Franks and Vikings.