Ragnar: Where was he REALLY from?

Looking over what the ancient primary sources say about Ragnarr Loðbrók and where he was from? Was his lineage from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, mixed?
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[@Morpholaf]

Danish father, Norwegian mother, and born in Sweden. I think we can certainly call him a scandinavian =)

[@cutiesoupia4900]

Lol, definitely.

[@cutiesoupia4900]

@J Burn is this a joke or what?

[@MrFasho123]

@J Burn You are green.

[@MrFasho123]

@@cutiesoupia4900 Some lame 12 year old joke

[@findus3d]

@J Burn ?

[@TheBarser]

As a danish person I dont find it all that interesting what area of scandinavia these people where from, as back then the people wouldn't had cared much. Nationalism as we know it is a pretty new thing in europe from the 1800s. Back then they had loyality to there chieftan/king which could quickly change. What is important is that all of the scandinavians had the same culture, and where doing the same thing.

[@eccobravo188]

I agree! we are so mixed. I myself took a dna test resently , and 96% Scandinavian dna 2% finish and 2% baltic. And it popping upp both Norwegians and Danish relativs. Im from Sweden

[@stephenfletcher5391]

Great comment. I totally agree. Nationalism was not a thing back then and I wish it wasn't today either, it had brought nothing but trouble.

[@Sigfuss01]

Absolutely right, they wouldnt even know the concept "nationality", it was affiliation that defined them more then anything. They also interworked with each other a lot more then they pillaged and robbed so we should focus on that and maybe learn from it. Most of todays southern Sweden was most likely considered Dane territory at that time so would people from that area in 8th century be counted as Swedish or Danish today? Does it matter? What I find so exiting is the signs of interworking in between all people up here in this era, the findings in Valsgärde that almost exactly match the findings in Sutton Hoo and other find on Öland, Sweden. Proof that these people not only met and traded, but most likely traveled in between them 300 years before the "vikingage".

[@MrFasho123]

@@-_pi_- I think it would do everyone well if Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark came together as one. If no fuckery happens the standards for people of all those countries could be improved even more by having a much bigger economy and power towards other countries in the world. I dont know how they would do it tho. Would it be like USA where each country form a "state"?

[@olesams]

This is very true. But it makes me wonder. Most of the "viking" conquests and achievements were mostly undermined by their own inability to keep something "viking". Like, most of their infighting, killing off kings or seizing lands from either Norway, Denmark or Sweden, is what kept them from becoming a truly dominant power. If they had managed to stop infighting and focus on outward conquests or agree that any conquests outside of Scandinavia had to be secured, what would Europe have looked like? England and the coast of France would be Scandinavian. Ireland and probably Wales. For sure the coastal areas of Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and probably most of the Kiev holdings. Although they were not directly Scandinavians themselves. They could never have beaten the military powers of the east Franks(holy Roman Empire) or the western Franks(France) outright, but keep them at bay for sure. They had the logistical advantage. It would be much easier for the Scandinavians to muster armies to attack the Franks, than for the Franks to send an army to for example, Denmark. Besides, total war would just decimate the populations of scandinavia. That would inherently eliminate their need for expansion, if 20% of the male population died in a war or two. Keep in mind "the great heathen army" was not numerically larger than the Wessex army. Just that, should tell you how small the populations in Scandinavia were, compared to England at the time. And let us not even talk about cavalry advantages of European powers, in a pitched battle. But they could maintain alot of land simply by their flexibility and mobility. And considering they were the northern most countries, they technically had no need to protect their national borders. Except for the Danes, maybe. Idk much about Poles or Germans in the early medieval period.

[@jonathanhunter7670]

I love that the once most feared warriors in Europe are now just the nicest people... along with the Canadians.

[@JAGsFamily80]

I'm Canadian and now learning that my family is Scandinavian I'm so intrigued ... Was wondering why I'm so passive but always ready for war....✌️👍

[@sidekickbob7227]

@Don Posizione No culture or intellectualism? How can you claim that? Mostly they where farmers living under rough conditions. They also did a lot of trade, and occasionally when it was a good opportunity, they raided and looted other people. When they got to an area they enjoyed, they often settled down. They had a rich culture and no less intellectualism than you and me.

[@Wiwaz]

@@sidekickbob7227Don’t waste your time on him, he's just a troll. He has made that comment throughout the section

[@sidekickbob7227]

@@Wiwaz Yeah, I didn't notice before it was too late. I guess some Viking raped his grand,grand,grand,grand,grand,grand mother , and he is the proof of it😉

[@nooneyouknow1132]

@@sidekickbob7227 Na, he's just jealous and wished they did.

[@Angelusloco15]

This Channel is pure Gold

[@Jame629]

Indeed. Very educational in these times of people making history up to suit there gains . Channels like this are important

[@electropoopoo1453]

@@Jame629 and the guy is very likeable

[@kungfumcgee7992]

true true but he was totally swedish lol D

[@secretsanta3366]

@@kungfumcgee7992 norwegian*

[@rw8185]

Man I am from Sweden and I have to lift my hat off to you. You are a true talent. Both in the way you present your videos, your knowledge and your radiating personality. I dont know if you are a teacher but you would pull off tremendous history lessons. Your knowledge, connection with today by playing off national stereotypes of today (as you did in the video about differences between Danish, Norwegian and Swedish vikings) and your sense of humour makes your videos perfect educational material. Facts, mixed with relatable anecdotes and lots of humour makes it stick. People learn while being entertained and you take that concept and run with it. I am a PE teacher myself with the authorization to also teach history and you are true inspiration my Norwegian brother.

[@TacticalSquirrel]

We Germanic people got around. So it's common for us to have intertribal marriages and even find wives of neighboring ethnic groups (ie Celts, Slavs, Balts, Finns, etc). So, it'll be no surprise that Ragnar has a multi-tribal heritage.

[@NordicTG]

Thing is the Swedish, Danish & Norwegians we all hail from Old Norse or the Norse Culture Group, a Ragnarr was Norse Culture Group, which hails its own from the Germanic Culture, which existed way long before Norse became bigger. as being Party Swedish & Finnish, if I could change as whole? I rather be Norse & have Danes, Swedes & Norse as Whole Nation, but on State level we have Danes, Gothian's & Norwegians. (Gothians is old name from the Swedish Culture name). I would rather see ous Scandinavians Joined as Nation function as Germany does, they have Saxons, Bavarians etc.. as whole Nation... we Scandinavians Could have the same, we proably would include Finnish, Icelandics & Norwegians Isle, possible extend it to the Greenland too. even bigger is to included the Baltic States, in a Bigger Nation realm, but its far feteched I admit.

[@muzziebozz2995]

@Arisk umgang yeah in-breeding to keep the blood pure is the way to go! (y)

[@muzziebozz2995]

Intertribal marriages are a great way to establish allegiance between cultures (Got-style) and in order to accumulate a healthy gene pool (the Danes probably didn't know this though).

[@benbaker2965]

@Arisk umgang Are you a Nazi? Or just arrogant? We are all from the same ancestors.

[@muzziebozz2995]

@@Gevixel just exaggerating to prove my point (bear in mind I was responding to the other guy's comment). You'll up your chances of inbreeding/acquiring a bad gene pool if you narrow your mating choices within your own "tribe" depending on the size of your tribe. But do what ever you want, I won't judge. But I'll recommend going for some kind of exotic gene pool instead of someone from your own.

[@baldrodinsson7922]

I’m latino but dear lord, I love Norse history, mythology and legends. Such a rich culture, such fascinating tales and characters, and in my opinion Norse mythology is by far the best, Odin and his ravens (not even going to try to write their names), Thor and his hammer Mjolnir, Loki the trickster, Freya, Freyr, Baldr, Tyr, the jotnar, Yggdrasil, Jormundgandr, Skoll, Hati, Fenrir and a lot, lot, more. People had incredible imagination in that era.

[@stephanreichelt1960]

Hel, Fenrir, Bor....

[@TacticalSquirrel]

@Tw1st3dxTc, right, and those people will call us Nazis for wanting to preserve our culture.

[@Wiwaz]

@Cro Magnon yes but the earth is flat, vikings where black and Oare linda is bs!

[@olafharoldsonnii4713]

@@Wiwaz everything was false except the dark Vikings:)

[@olafharoldsonnii4713]

@King Of Scorn Native Americans and Norsemen are pretty much the same people

[@skyfreakfussrodah2718]

Jeg kan godt lide dit indhold! lige meget hvor Ragnar var fra, vikinger var kun stærke fordi scandinavien stod sammen, god dag alle mine norden brødre! :)

[@kylej741]

Skål! Og har en godt dag.

[@raphael2407]

well, unlike "Rollo" (we know exactly who he was and no he was not Ragnarrs brother) and unlike the "sons of Ragnarr" (we know pretty exactly who they were) we do not know who Ragnarr really was, and we can not agree if he did exist as one person. The TV Show "Vikings" is as *IN*accurate as it gets. They happily mixed historic people, heritage, timelines, everything... pure fiction based on some historic figures and events. as usual, very good video and sources on this subject :-)

[@wendelahansencrows]

Robert or Rollo was not brother to Ragnar its true world, because Rolo comes first later about Ragnar's first wife, was not lagertha, its was Tori from Norway and then she died, he found Aslaug and Boneless was the first born. after all, we can believe all in this movie and Ragnar was a Denmark nearby Roskilde the town, Lejren

[@edrianluyt8735]

Well. I will say this for the TV show: It maybe inaccurate (OK it is inaccurate), but it actually did a good job of making Scandanavian/Viking history known to people around the world. Personally I started researching all of the characters and some of the events from Vikings (And Last kingdom) Here are some of the things I learned: 1) The existence of Ragnar, Bjorn, Rollo, Ivar, Halfdan, Herald, Horik, Sigurd, Aslaud, Lagetha, Hubbe etc. 2) The pillaging of Paris by the Vikings 3) I knew about Normandy being Viking colony, but not about Rollo. 4) The great Heathen Army 5) Alfred the Great (OK, that was from Last Kingdom) 6) Dane Law (Again Last Kingdom) 7) The (debatable) Kievan Rus Vikings 8) Contact between Vikings and the Byzantine Empire (Body guards etc) Yes, a lot of the show is fiction (Halfdan was Actually Ragnar's son, Rollo was not the brother of Ragnar etc. etc.) but it opened up a whole world of Viking information to me. The same with The last Kingdom and England's history. TLDR: The show was not accurate, but exposed a lot of uninformed people about Viking/Scandanavian history and culture.

[@ludvigrollo]

Portuguese here, proudly carrying that name!

[@danymalsound]

@@wendelahansencrows where'd you get "robert" from? Rollo's norse name was Hrolfr. "Rollo" was the Frankish version of that...

[@wendelahansencrows]

@@danymalsound Robert was his really name, He was Ruda-jarlen Robert vilhjalm ( before Langspade Rikardsson)

[@jorgenskyt]

I really like your balanced view on these complex subjects. I am a Dane, or actually I am from Jutland which technically speaking wasn't more "danish" then, than the now Swedish parts of what was then ruled by "Danes". I like the balanced view on all matters concerning the origin of the personalities it was "worth writing about". It is complicated and it is VERY important to understand how dynamic and mixed up heritage and "borders" were at the time. It's my feeling you cover it really well!

[@Hammerhook12]

Ground zero of Danes comes with the construction of Dannevirke in southern Jutland, which is dated back to 500ad thanks to modern science. Its first mention from actual historical sources comes from Charlemagne in 808ad. This is in southern Jutland. So that, and a bunch of other factors like the Jellinge Dynasty unifying Denmark and more, suggests that Dan's marsh "came" from Jutland.

[@MartinRuiz-di4ng]

Love these videos, personally I am not Scandinavian but I love learning about history and there is no doubt that the Vikings were a huge part of history. Thanks for all the information you give

[@derpmc.herpson6571]

@Don Posizione lol

[@AntonioMontana_7.5]

@Don Posizione k Brit

[@jamesharrison1975]

@Don Posizione well the British royals believe they are from tribe of Daniel, which they believe are the vikings, there family tree is of the most highly researched. I wouldn't call that 'of nothing'. Not necessarily good, but abit more than fishermen

[@pyromorph6540]

@Don Posizione Lmao someone watched Vikings

[@wolfsbane1991]

Great video! Love learning about this stuff (I'm Danish). Also, you look exactly like I always imagine Norwegians in my head (lol). That big snuggly bear you'll meet at metal festivals, fun, chill and always ready to drink. I've had the pleasure of visiting our brothers and sisters in Norway, beautiful country and people. I've always been interested in our heritage, but embarassing as it is to say, I got even more interested after playing the new Assassin's Creed game called Valhalla. It really drove me down a rabbit hole of learning even more. It also made me obsessed with Wardruna!

[@zarahandrahilde9554]

No shame in that! Valhalla is a fun game with history in it, it's just a spark to start the fire.

[@HaydenLMaxwell]

Wolfsbane try Valheim

[@olesams]

I have said this before, and i will say this again: History is so full of amazing real events. One example: A Samurai went to Acapulco, on his way to Europe in the.. 15th century ( i think). He got into a fight over different cultures, killed some dudes and was sent to prison. That is more fantastical than most stories. HUNDRED PERCENT REAL. When it comes to scandinavian vikings, just look at the life of Olav Tryggvasson. Son of a small king, fled to Kiev or more likely, the orkney islands after his father was murdered, and spent his youth and young adulthood fighting in modern Germany, Denmark, Poland and England. He was christened in England (or earlier) and returned to Norway with a sizeable army and priests later on. He managed to seize the throne of trøndelag and had great influence over all of Norway. He minted coins and made alliances and he then christened Norway by butchering anyone who refused to convert. He ultimately met his end at the battle of Svolder, where he was heavily outnumbered by Swedish, Danish and his Norwegian enemies. It was something like Olavs 75 ships versus 150. But such numbers are very, very, VERY unreliable :D But it was basicly "gg wp" before the battle started. This would be such a cool movie. And with an epic final battle on ships, would be super interesting if done right, because such fighting is very complicated. They fight from ship to ship, and every man is either hacked to pieces or thrown overboard. You also have to interlink your own ships and ensure your enemy does not outflank you or dislodge some ships from the main body. Also, you do not have the large front line fights. You have tons of smaller fights, on each of the boarded ships. Or, Harald Hardrada, who started out as a fleeing heir to the throne, who fled to Constantinople, where he had spent time as a child. He spent his youth there, learning how to fight in the Varangian Guard. He would most likely have seen combat in Turkey, Sicily and North Africa. He participated in sieges, massive pitched battles and tons of raids or other smaller missions. He sent alot of gold to Kiev where he had relatives (i think). When he decided to return to claim the throne, he most likely used that gold he saved in Kiev to buy his way to soldiers and influence. Plus, him and his men were highly skilled, experienced and tactically knowledgeable. So they were superior fighters. he co-ruler for a time, constantly undermining his co-ruler and eventually ousted him. Since he now was king of Norway, he figured he had a claim to earlier Norwegian holdings in England. So he sailed over and the last chapter is the battle of Stamford Bridge. Where one viking held the bridge Against the whole anglo-saxon army. But they lost, as you all know. Both of these men have land battles, raids, sea battles and so much interesting story around them. I mean, just imagine a story that spans from Turkey and the opulent Byzantine Empire, to Norway and England. What a medieval EPIC that is! Or, as a sidenote, the Norwegian crusade. ;) Google it :D

[@olesams]

@ Never forget that religion often follows with politics. Conversions of populations are never peaceful. And all religions promote non- violence. Problem is, alot of them also excuse violence. Especially the monotheistic ones, are very positive towards killing or using force on non-believers.

[@zeligtheodorovich7403]

I've been to Denmark once, and Norway twice. Sweden is next. I was very impressed with the Viking Museum in central/western Norway. Although the guides did not speak English, I was able to use my limited Norwegian to be able to understand how it was possible for 1940s soldiers to be able to use boats made in the 1000-1100 ad period to travel to the UK. Great videos.

[@V3ntilator]

Everyone in Norway is forced to learn English at children school, so i find it weird that guides don't know English. Perhaps the guides were immigrants?

[@Tostito422]

Wait, really?!

[@LolloSkoldmo]

Ragnar Lodbrok was king of parts of present day Sweden, Norway and Denmark (i.e. neither of Norway and Denmark only nor of the complete countries mentioned as their borders are not the same today). Parts of present day Sweden was part of Viking age Denmark. The same is the case with regard to Sigvurd Ring Radnversson (Ragnar’s father) (He was king of parts of present day Sweden and Denmark). Ragnar’s grandfather was king of Sweden. Again, the borders do not correspond to present day boarders. It has also been proposed that Ragnar Lodbrok is a name that mirrors/represent the deeds of several viking age individuals.

[@Smurfen249]

The borders of what we know today of Denmark and Sweden comes from when the Kalmar Union disolved, Norway did not gain there independence until the 1900th century. Sigurd Ring was a legendary king of Swedes wich is Svear one of the Tribes, however he was a vassalking to his uncle and father in both Denmark and Norway, Ragnars mother comes from Bohulslän in Sweden, however since there were also Danish kings from Götaland wich is in Sweden. Beowulf was a legend from Götaland, it does not matter where they come from, Swedes, Danes and Norweigens are basicly the same regarding culture and ancestry. Danes went west, Swedes went east and south, Birka connected the Varangians routes all the way through modernday Russia down to the Eastern Roman empire in Constantinople. In the Atlantic you had the North sea empire with Denmark as its seat of power with Brittain and Norway.

[@Minalzz]

Really interesting channel you have here mate. I ve been following you for few months already and your channel is getting so much better and better. Keep up with good work and continue eduticating us. Cheers mate !

[@Ahreman_egy]

just wanted to say I'm an Egyptian fan of your channel, love your videos keep it up.

[@michaelbkchristensen4135]

I as a dane, grew up reading of Ragnar, and him being danish. But it really dos'nt matter where he's from! It was great storys! Awesome video and channel btw:D

[@ladyliberty417]

Thank you for your honesty, it helps when trying to learn history and sources are not always reliable! I have family in northern Scotland and all believe they are from Vikings, it’s just a given!! So I agree we are all one going back far enough- and it is fun trying to educate ourselves at the same time- ✌🏼🥰

[@maikenlsten]

You're the first Norwegian I've "met" to NOT claim him for your own! Thank you :) from a proud Dane

[@LS2258]

@XcXcz mate, Norway takes all the credit for everything that happened in the "Viking" age. To the point when everyone now thinks Vikings only came from Norway.

[@kane2239]

I think it is most probable that Ragnar Lodbrok was actually stories of several Ragnars (or several people) compounded into one. Since most stories are exaggerated and mythological (and our scandinavian history is so very old), it is very hard to find the truth :)

[@ianfarr-wharton1000]

Ragnar Lodbrok was for Asgard, his not from this world. ; )

[@lordzetoc]

yeah i think so too. but most of his sons seems to be real. but then again they might be sons of different Ragnars

[@plciferpffer3048]

That also wath I've learned, that Ragnar is based on 2-3 different persons.

[@user-qi6tp1te1y]

Ragnar could've been a common name back then

[@plciferpffer3048]

@@user-qi6tp1te1y Yes, and still is.

[@LokiLivewire]

So happy to have discovered this channel. I've been fascinated with Vikings and Norse mythology for as long as I can remember. Think I know what I'll be doing next couple of days.

[@DeLangeJan]

Playing assasins creed Valhalla?

[@benbaker2965]

Love this channel. Thank you for what you do.🇳🇴

[@virgoviking2331]

I'm so happy you have more views! Awesome knowledge

[@torstenscott7571]

A fun thought provoking video. With the influx of so many new viewers to your channel, I am witness to brilliant and well thought out comments by some, contrasted by completely moronic ones by others.

[@mikeherbst1825]

I love sharing your videos with my kids to continue their ancestry (Danish on my side, Spanish on mom's). Now that's a hell of a party. Skål!

[@knoz35]

way you speak is so chill! i enjoyed a lot

[@katsims2563]

Thank You for your channel!!! I love it!!! I learn so much!!!

[@juni_pearl_9591]

Heya, nice to have all these sources together in one place of reference. I honestly never thought about it too much until the other day. I knew he was generally accepted to be Danish and that the sources may have been talking about several different people and that some say he never existed. Anyways, I went on a research mission and yeah, there is a lot of information and lot of conflicting accounts. Since the preponderance of evidence points in the direction of Danish, that is good enough for me. ……….nice little jab there at the end at this current Royal mess ;)

[@Yllah]

I love this channel so much! Goooooold !

[@rasmusgregersen6268]

I love your content - i really enjoy your autenthicity and unbiased opinions

[@adamevans955]

Just found your channel great job not a lot of flash lots of info seems genuine thank you

[@alexlarsen6413]

Very cool approach in your videos! Just subbed. Yeah, I'm danish but I'm thinking along the same or similar lines as you...he's probably a composite character made up of several people, almost certainly connected to the semi-mythical/semi-historical beginnings of Denmark as a united kingdom, from just before we have certain data on the monarchs. It's also very true that borders looked quite different back then if they were even a thing and there was a lot of mixing among the nobles. And yes, we're all the same people. :)

[@niksfrost]

Endnu en god video! tak for dit gode arbejde om vores forfædre og deres tro. ønsker dig alt vel og at du fortsætter det gode arbejde. :) glædelige hilsner fra Danmark

[@mircodamen]

Ville det ikke være sejt, hvis du kunne bidrage med noget til emnet. Hilsen fra Dortmund, Tyskland.

[@niksfrost]

@@mircodamen jo det ville det. men er ikke nok inde i emnet til at kunne komme med noget som helst. så istedet sender jeg en hilsen, og lader manden vide at hans indhold er værdsat, og hjælper hans youtube konto med at blive set og værdisat bedre af youtubes algoritme.

[@wingmanhoy3999]

Very much enjoying your channel, I am Norse Scotts Irish, heritage is from Orkney Islands, Hoy Island, looking forward to following your channel, all the very best.

[@BartzAJohnsonJr]

I am in love with your work and I’m only on my second video. I just watched the HEILUNG language one. AWESOME! I enjoyed Vikings immensely but I knew better then to take it seriously for accuracy. That’s the stuff that fueled my enjoyment of finding folks like you that love to expand and expound. I found a ritual music home with Heiliung and felt affinity for the Vikings portrayed so naturally I want to know more. Even at that, a lot of the value is for the myths more than the historical accounts. As you mentioned, media shapes culture more than the truth.

[@theredqueen2283]

Rollo set sail from Ålesund, it is why they have a statue there but I dont know where he is from. Harald hardrada is from the province next to my families tho Mør og romsdal, in the south. He is the last viking King and the most underrated and misunderstood. He weakened godwinson enough that William the conqueror defeated the Saxons

[@muzziebozz2995]

I'm not here to claim since I find it irrelevant when no proper sources are available, although the question of his ancestry is fascinating. One thing that IS pretty confusing, is when Ragnar is referred to as a 'Danish' king. But bear in mind that this might refer to him being 'king of the Danes' (and NOT 'king of Denmark') since Scandinavian tribes from that time were called 'Danes'. Remember; this is before our nations were established so the countries didn't have a name yet. Since the lack of marked territory within Scandinavia I'd say Ragnar belongs to all of us.

[@KenKobayashiRasmussen]

The Region of Denmark has been known as the plain marches of the danes, and their territory raigned far outside of the borders of the country of Denmark today. This means the reason why they were called danes was because they all had their roots in denmark. Much of today's sweden and todays norway was actually under the rules of the danes. The swedish people had a very old tale telling of the prosperous people of the marches of Denmark called Danes long before Denmark was officially mentioned as one nation. Many historians agree that most settlements in and around stockholm in today's Sweden was actually "danish" outposts, with loyalty to the danish jarls, and this is why they proudly raised rune stones where they claimed to have helped in the raid of England. It is also important to mention that the territory that is today called the country of Denmark was actually the gateway to the rest of scandinavia through the now sunken landmass called Doggerland. The ice age had left the most of Sweden and Norway less fruitful and Denmark was because of its low lying territory a very fruitful and bountiful land and it supported the rise of the scandinavian people ("Caucasian"). Norway is called Norway, the nordic route because it is north of Denmark. Why would the norwegians call themself the Norge, or the nordic path when they didnt know their geographical location to the rest of the world. They are North of the center of their world (Denmark), and this is why all routes leads to the trading harbours of the Danes. The filmmakers and storytellers of today prefer to leave the glory of the "viking age" to the norwegians, because their country is more scenic and "viking" like, but the truth is that one of the only sources of viking age history comes from Sagas, and mostly the icelandic sagas, and they are bias, because the icelandic were in fact Norwegians, and even then, they still speak of the Danish viking as being the most conquering and more stronger brother. Long before Harald Blåtand (Harald Bluetooth) raised the runestone that claimed Denmark to be one nation and the first Christian Scandinavians, the borders to the south of Jutland towards the enemy the German tribes, was protected and fortified all along the danish german border, this must have been done to symbolize that Denmark was one, that the marches of the danes could not be entered by the Germanic tribes of today's Germany. Many argue that this is the first proof of Denmark as one nation long before the Viking age even started. Many runestones have been raised as proud proof of different leaders help in collecting danegæld in England. The most interesting thing about this is that not ONE runestone has been raised in the territory of Denmark for the same cause, the pride of helping the danes collect danegæld in England was obviously only a source of pride when coming from outside of the danish territory. Within the danish territory no runestones where needed to commemorate any leader that collected danegæld, because they did it all the time. Go on google and find a map of England Runestones, and you will find them dotet mostly around stockholm, because it was important for them to remind people of their allegiance to their roots in Denmark. Most viking camps in and around stockholm was danish viking outposts.

[@Monkey-Boy2006]

"No need to get butt hurt..." LOL I was taking a sip of coffee when you said this and nearly spat it out while lauging.

[@DebiB53]

Thank you! Love your videos..

[@scyphe]

Norse or Norsemen refers to the people speaking the Old Norse which was a North Germanic language. It includes people in all territories where it was spoken whether it's in what today is Denmark, Norway, Sweden or Iceland as well as the viking colonies/settlements. They shared the same religion, culture and origin. The main differences comes from what they did and where they went. There were two dialects of the Norse language (sometimes Old Gutnish is also counted): "Old Norse was divided into three dialects: Old West Norse or Old West Nordic (often referred to as Old Norse), Old East Norse or Old East Nordic, and Old Gutnish. Old West Norse and Old East Norse formed a dialect continuum, with no clear geographical boundary between them. For example, Old East Norse traits were found in eastern Norway, although Old Norwegian is classified as Old West Norse, and Old West Norse traits were found in western Sweden. Most speakers spoke Old East Norse in what is present-day Denmark and Sweden. "

[@kaihiggins725]

I think Norwegians were often refered to as Norse to seperated them from Danes and Swedes. Or at least us English did

[@raphael2407]

finaly someone who knows old norse and gets it right. :-)

[@jamesfarlig3178]

spændende videoer du laver! håber der kommer en video om fenrisulven :)

[@dominiclawson8685]

Love that opening track...deep...Good video cheers

[@charlottekjr4318]

Cool video like always - All the best from Denmark

[@joemoloney3713]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm Danish, family name, Friis.

[@EmilKadabell]

Selvfølgelig var Ragnar Lothbrok dansk!!😎😎

[@denni7173]

Great as always!

[@zeeallen9518]

Thank you for the information

[@lisaflint7027]

Having delved into my family tree, I've found a ancestral connection to Rollo (through his great grandson William I), who wasn't connected to Ragnar Lothbrok, but I wanted to learn more about the Vikings and fell in love with the shows Vikings and The Last Kingdom. As with any documents of that period, you have to accept that much of what was written was biased and/or exaggerated, depending on who wrote it and who they were writing for.

[@CH-bo5ds]

A did a ancestry DNA found out a related to Rollo on ma mum's side the grahams ave got Denmark Sweden Scotland and Ireland dna

[@PlanetTank]

Thanks for sharing, I'm curious about my origins and researching all I can get my hands on.

[@raphael2407]

isn't it funny how everyone wants to be a "Viking by heritage" nowadays xD

[@PlanetTank]

@@raphael2407 Seems that way. My family is from Denmark and Sweden on fathers side and English on my mothers.

[@adversary0932]

@@raphael2407 with all the anti white bs going on, embrace it.

[@DavePatrick001]

Thank you for the great research!

[@Epsillion70]

Bro I am surprised you have not more than 200K subs at least. I like your content as it sis very factual and accurate. Keep up the good work!

[@thorleifosterlindh4937]

I guess that he was neither Danish, Norwegian or Swedish as those states were not formed yet. And if the Islandic sagas are correct that he was son to a sveakung named Sigurd Ring I guess he most likely was a "Svear" in Svealand (Swēorice) that was one of the areas that later on formed Sweden ca 1200.

[@sebswede9005]

Sweden was also known a The Kingdom of Kalmar.

[@simonsayss187]

@@sebswede9005 ”Sweden” Svitjod, Svealand was the Kingdom of Stockholm/Uppsala area..

[@Durzo1259]

One point always confuses me in this topic: how can we be uncertain that Ragnar ever existed, but absolutely certain that his sons existed?

[@williamjohnpacker9003]

Because of the Anglo-Saxon chronicles. They wrote about these ruthless brothers

[@Micha.59]

Hør meget mere om det på Spotify The Skandinavin History all the way from the ice age he is a English professor on the history of Skandinavin he tells about Ragner logbrog that how he's name is spelled correctly and Lagatha is a wife but not knowing by that name can't remember but she died early then came Aslug she gave him many son's and Ivar is the oldest Hvitsik but not Ubbe he was no son of him and Ragner logbrog got he's last name cuz of his pants believe it or not was the saga about killing the dragon he rolled himself in Sand so the wenom didn't hurt him then he gets the name fusipandts and after Logbrog if u can listen to the podcast do it and lean alot more about Ragner logbrog and he's son's and a he'll of a lot more about the Vikings age and more

[@Micha.59]

@@williamjohnpacker9003 what brother if you mean Rollo thy was not family

[@PragmaticTornado]

First time I saw a video from this channel, I really thought this guy was Jordan Patrick Smith, the guy who plays Ubbe in Vikings. I still think he looks a lot like him.

[@ninawildr4207]

Me too

[@YearsOVDecay1]

I was under the impression that Ragnar was most likely a kind of compilation of a few different leaders during the time. It'd be cool if he was a REAL person.

[@bjarkehansen4911]

Funny how they in Vikings say he lived in Kattegat, which have nothing to do with Norway

[@vanefreja86]

And it is a stretch of water and the word comes from Dutch medieval navigation jargon 😅😆 Just like 'Skagerrak' next to it.

[@asiapartridge138]

Kattegat was a made up place for the show it never existed

[@Schmorgus]

Well, show was written by canadians reading wikipedia mixing everything to their liking.

[@matkaboskanieskalana6629]

would you do a video about pagan/viking weddings?

[@georges1983]

Love this!

[@JAGsFamily80]

Absolutely would be great content!!

[@norsemagicandbeliefs8134]

We don't know a whole lot. but yes there is some info to make a video on.

[@SeaDawgOST]

Sounds bloody

[@simonthun1641]

Guuuys... It's not about where he is from! Viking is Viking = Sweden, Denmark, Norway, ect. Love from Denmark, good video!

[@maxmorgan2297]

Hello my Scandinavian brother. Thx for your channel and good knowledge. Learned a lot today,,,,, again;).. We are One.

[@Hammerhook12]

Sigurd is said to be Gorm the Old's grandfather - The first Danish King to unify all of Denmark and whose lineage the Danish Monarchy can be traced back to.

[@saltynuts_gorm_7785]

Hardeknud (Knud 1. Gnupa Olavsøn) is said to be Gorm's father According to writing, Sigurd was Hardeknud's father 😏

[@saltynuts_gorm_7785]

Fek me sorry read your text incorrectly 😂

[@Hammerhook12]

@@saltynuts_gorm_7785 That's okay lol.

[@sarahgilbert8036]

@Hammerhook12 then Denmark is really a Norwegian land! Lol. And of course, the present royal family was taken (back) from Denmark (Haakon VII)

[@Hammerhook12]

​@@sarahgilbert8036 That makes zero sense since all of them were Danes. It's Sigurd "Snake-in-the-Eye" I'm talking about. On another note, Norway was (un)originally named as such because it litterally was a Northern way from a Denmark point of reference. Even the Norwegian flag is the Danish flag Dannebrog just with a blue inner stripe ;-)... And if you now want to claim the Raven banner.. That's the original Dannebrog "Danibrok" (cloth of the Danes) ;-) In other words, Norwegians have had their fun. We even gave them a Monarch and oil fields to have fun with. It's time to come home. :-)

[@bonniecox1638]

I saw someone say on a formum recently that they found out they were a decent from Ragnar. Then they went on to say, “that means I’m a descendant of Odin himself”…. I left that forum real quick

[@fifa4lifeunknow795]

Bro you should have asked How he even figured it out but anyway the person was Probably just joking lol

[@rlofgren6787]

New to your channel and enjoy the content. Tusen takk.

[@williamnetherly9649]

Awesome content.

[@frejanotfreya2281]

Im danish and this boost my ego 😂 great video btw, love your content

[@hulejul9748]

remember, much of Sweden was Danish at this time. so being born in what is Sweden today, may have been Denmark back then, especially since Sweden as a country came a bit later than Denmark. big part of southern Sweden was a mix of gothia and Denmark also Vikings isn't very accurate in anything :D the Ragnar you see in last kingdom is Ragnar lodbroks grandson.

[@ottohafstrom4046]

Denmark Norway and Sweden didnt exist at that time moron

[@hulejul9748]

@@ottohafstrom4046 Norway and Sweden did as regions, but not kingdoms, Denmark did as a people and a kingdom most likely, as the kings preceding Ragnar United the tribes and took over Sjælland Fyn and Jylland from the herulians jutes and Anglo Saxons. they most likely just assimilated all the tribes into Denmark. some new finds even suggest they might have started this process as early as in the 300s and also began building Dannevirke then, adding to the reason you saw an influx in migration from the Anglo and Saxons and jutes to Britain, to escape Danish rule.

[@ottohafstrom4046]

Myself are Danish and Swedish. Gonna teach me about my own home?

[@Akkolon]

@@ottohafstrom4046 hule jul´s comments are both civile and knowledgeable - if you have sources saying different please list them but there is no reason to be so hostile.

[@ottohafstrom4046]

@@Akkolon source? look it up yourself. Who said i was hostile

[@rachelgot1330]

I really like your explanations even tough I am not Swedish and no Viking roots. I live in Roslagen and have grown up in an area more southwards in Sweden where there was a big Viking market place.

[@justinwildman698]

Love these videos. Do you have one where you talk of The 13th Warrior movie?

[@ariell-92blues48]

I'm a new subscriber , i love Viking culture.

[@chrisfederoff1047]

The world today needs more Norse ways!

[@user-yi9hz3or2t]

I'm Norwegian and IDC where he's from all ik is he's one of the greatest and most badass Vikings ever

[@justinedelmayer1234]

I just found this channel... its awesome

[@acenname]

Bear in mind that Denmark, Sweden and Norway were all united after the time of Lothbrok, so he can at best be linked to one or more of the petty kingdoms that are now part of these countries. This is a list of sources mentioning Lothbrok (geographical locations mentioned, if any, in parenthesis): Chronicon Roskildense (Norway), Brevis historia regum Dacie, Gesta Danorum (Denmark and Norway), Krákumál, Saga of Ragnar Lodbrok and his sons, Tale of Ragnar's Sons (Sweden and Denmark), Saga of Halfdanr svarti, Lawman's Annal, Skálholts annáll, Íslendingabók, Eyrbyggja saga, Óláfs saga Tryggvasonar, Saga of Harald Fairhair (Norway), Hversu Noregr byggdist (Sweden), Fagrskinna, the runic inscription in Maeshowe on the Orkney Islands. If these sources were to be ranked in reliability, Gesta Danorum would go far down on the list, since it is a hilarious exaggeration, and good for mostly one thing: lots of laughs. Saxo ‘Grammaticus’ could well be called the father of the Danish tradiition of bragging.

[@lasagnasux4934]

Everyone knows Ragnar the Red came from Whiterun and died while travelling to old Rorikstead.

[@scyphe]

Yeah, that's where he was shot with an arrow in the knee.

[@lasagnasux4934]

@@scyphe no, silly, Matilda chopped off his head.

[@TheAaronRodgersTao]

I freaking love your channel

[@MarkSmith-hd5uo]

I like your videos. Very informative. I have a couple of questions please. 1, What was the greeting you gave before and after this video? Did the Vikings have multiple languages or was it just one and which one was it? Thank you

[@deadcatbounce3124]

You touched upon it at the end, but since the Scandinavians are all one people, at what point did the tribal identity cease and national identity really take hold?

[@mrtruefifth]

That probably began after Kings gave up controlling all Scandinavia, and tried to consolidate what they could, which is the reason the Scandinavian countries came to existence. So Harald Bluetooth is the first to leave written evidence of the name of Denmark, on the Jellinge-stones, from 960-985. It's probably impossible to know when common people began to have feelings of nationality though.

[@mrtruefifth]

By the way, even in Denmark, the Jutes, Zealanders and Scanians eventually all got each of their own laws written down probably in the 1200s, and that implies that there probably were a more local identity feeling before a broader national common identity.

[@norsemagicandbeliefs8134]

No idea. IWe have some sources that speak about the separate countries/kingdoms being distinguished as early as the migration period. But those sources are from much later. And as mrtruefifth mentioned there are the Jelling stones. I don't think theres a clear date where we went from tribes to countries/kingdoms. but a slow progression(probably starting in the migration/vendel period)

[@OdynFX]

Can you make a video about Ragnars sons?

[@Emanon...]

I love to discuss the show Vikings with my friends who have little to no historical knowledge about the Viking age (me explaining and, ironically, being a naturalised Dane from the Middle East). They're constantly surprised by how _almost nothing_ is accurately portrayed. Fun show nonetheless and we have to give thanks for making people interested in this era of European history.

[@partenglish100]

This channel is so great! Not only do you provide great information but I've finally found someone who can rival my husband's hair. 😄

[@GryLi]

I had my dna tested, im Danish, and I came up primarily scandinavian but they cant tell what country. We are just to close. Love your channel

[@ReidGarwin]

Lol what if we went back in time and Ragnar actually was Travis Fimmel lmao 😆

[@moonshadow4274]

reincarnated in an actor these days XD

[@binnipokus3648]

real Ragnar would possibly find Travis Fimmel a bit girly and wondered why The Rock didn´t act as Him

[@Mr07obrien]

Love this channel, very informative been trying to trace my viking/Celt roots

[@lokihammerfall7781]

Thanks bro for this info...

[@torchster2032]

Interesting as always👍 I consider all scandinavians my brothers and sisters, as I'm sure most of us do. I'm born Swedish with Danish roots.

[@andrewgood7586]

I almost bought a genetics kit today out of burning curiosity. My Scottish, Irish, Celtic roots intermingled with Norwegian vikings for a period of time. My family on one side claims lineage to a Fergus Mor, king of Scotland. However, that figure is somewhat mythical. I think it’s more likely that my Gaelic ancestry really got along with the like-minded Norwegians that ruled over the Fergusson tribes land for a time, Eastern Ireland and Western Scotland.

[@andrewgood7586]

@DesertRat45 I feel you. My family has only been in The US within the last 50 years or so.

[@otobking]

Another great video

[@Garnansoa]

Very good video! You make excellent videos with awesome sources! Also, what do you think of the show Vikings?

[@TheScurvyBard]

I did this crazy thing 3 years ago. I got a DNA test. When I got the results back. I was floored to find out that I was 76% Danish. I had been told my whole life that our family hailed from Ireland. Which after we obtained the records turned out to be 100% false. Before Texas and more largely America, We hail from England where my ancestors served as knights to the kings and came to England from Danish Normady. Pretty cool stuff to find out.

[@stephanreichelt1960]

I'm 25% Scandinavian, also Baltic, West/East European

[@TheScurvyBard]

@@stephanreichelt1960 The mix of Germanic tribes all in one person.

[@stephanreichelt1960]

@@TheScurvyBard results of exploration/migrations etc...

[@Stefus87]

So do you like liquorice, coffee, beer and bacon?

[@stephanreichelt1960]

@@Stefus87 yes, not big on Fish though, which must've been a staple in the Scandinavian diet...

[@avr2766]

I have a question I've you have Dutch, french, Scandinavia heratige would your ansectors be Germanic?

[@heisan70]

Yes you will be Germanic

[@raphael2407]

most likely. We are all norse.

[@avr2766]

@@raphael2407 hope so

[@JohnJigsaw420]

Does English fall under this category too? How much of England is still germanic?

[@ll-rt8oi]

@@JohnJigsaw420 I saw many Nordic-looking people in Scotland, so they definitely have a lot of Scandinavian blood.

[@svg3876]

This is awesome. Do a video on Rollo next. I am of French heritage but we trace our roots back to the Normans and Scandinavia before France.

[@micahfjorgynvarnar4250]

Ragnar Lodbrok is also mentioned in the heimskringla, history of the Norse kings he is briefly mentioned in it as far as his family tree is concerned you can go to the back of the book in the appendix of names to see where he is mentioned in the book

[@Dreoilin]

Good Ole Shaggy Pants 👍

[@rrsjr]

Ragnar Lodbrok was born In Mexico, wrote the Bible, invented vulcanised rubber and was instrumental in liberating Italy from the Nazis. This is known.

[@clintbillton2161]

Sounds about right, LoL.

[@tkaygamehead4062]

Lol accurate 🤣

[@FitzyProjects]

Grate videos. I'm New Zealand Born and raised, found out I have Norway and Swedish Ethnicity so i'm very interested in the history

[@lizziegarbarini7946]

I like how you take it all back...if you go back far enough, we are all connected and part of one another's history.

[@fredriks5090]

I'm gonna take a solid guess that he was from Bohuslän, as thats where the name Gandalf is from.

[@ronimausanti9625]

Names don't "come" from a highly specific region. In Halfan the Black's saga, Gandalf Arngeirsón is the king over Vingulmark, the inner straits of the Oslo fjord past Tunsberg, around the 830s. Regarded as historical accurate

[@loki76]

Why would they be Danish? Bjorn literally buried in Sweden. It's always constant talk about Danish and Norwegian. The "Swedish" (Sweden didn't exist back then as a nation) Vikings were prolific. There are FAR more Rune Stones in Sweden than in Denmark and Norway. There is Birka the largest known Viking Town of it's time with artifacts showing trade down to middle east. Sweden is right there in "Kattegatt" as well Gothenburg/Halland area. There were no clearly defined borders either back then. Throughout our Scandinavian history we have had wars and unions and Danes owning "Scania" (southern Sweden). Nothing is really clear about these things. Beowulf was from the region in Sweden where Gothenburg is for example (geats) Gotar. Another thing that is weird. Sweden that is for a long time the largest country and most populous and so on was basically unknown in Viking age? I highly doubt that. Denmark and Sweden were the powerhouses throughout Viking age and before AND after as well. It was always Danes and Swedes fighting and vying for power and control with each other. Sorry to say for Norway you were just the price between us always ruled by either Denmark or Sweden. All the way up to the last union.

[@Smurfen249]

Geats, Gutes and Swedes are only 3 tribes there were more but most of them are gone from history, it’s also something to note that Sweden were the last to hold it’s pagan roots up until the 12th century, yes Björn järnsida is burried in Mälaren were Birka once stood but he is more of a legendary fictional character rather then a real historical figure, house of Munsö the first recorded line of kings is said to be ”House of Bjorn Ironside or ”House of Uppsala” but the first recorded king is ”Erik Segersäll”, it connected the Varangian routes all the way down to Constantinople and Beowulf a legendary figure from Götaland.

[@dkeith45]

FWIW, a famous Norse American, Garrison Keillor is a notable spokesman for his people. Actually not sure where I'm going with this, but I've been drinking homemade wine and WTFN.

[@keylimepie210]

Ragnar was Swedish. Born in the Goteborg area of Sweden but his uncle was Danish and his Aunt on his Mother's side Norwegian and he grew up visiting both often, and built relationships in all 3 countries.....which back then weren't really countries as we know today but kingdoms and fiefdoms.

[@MsTorjusen]

How is Ragnar Swedish?

[@keylimepie210]

@@MsTorjusen Read my comments for heaven's sake....I explain it quite clearly.

[@Skyswinger]

@@keylimepie210 Being born in a stable does not make one a horse.

[@keylimepie210]

@@Skyswinger It makes one a Sleipnir.