The Cursed Heathen | Ivar the Boneless King of all Norsemen

[@tfstuff]

I’ve always like the theory that boneless referred to how agile in combat he was. That it seemed he had no bones.

[@wyoguy9720]

This is precisely the way I always interpreted it. It could not have been an affliction of sorts because men would not have followed a man that was not favored by the Gods.

[@lilozzeyfuego]

@@wyoguy9720 the thing is tho he wasn't considered "not favored by the gods" but actually he was "favored" because even though he had weak bones he was still able do things thought to be impossible for him so when you think about it the fact he could do seemingly impossible things like take on full grown men as a child just shows he was "favored"

[@wyoguy9720]

@@lilozzeyfuego I appreciate your view, but I don’t agree. Norse Paganism had/has many superstitions. If he truly did have weak bones, he wouldn’t have been able to do the things he did. We will never really know.

[@lilozzeyfuego]

@@wyoguy9720 yeah we will never know its just a theory for if his bones where realy weak and on top of that as far as I know he was the most tactical of all his brothers when it came to battle that had to help build a following for sure

[@delanovanraalte3186]

It was bad translation why he was called boneless the english called him bean or something and cause bad translation they taught they called him boneless or the danes told that about him and the english didnt translate it good

[@chairde]

I can just imagine how scary a sight of 400 Viking ships must have been.

[@teaincrumpets8456]

Game over 😂

[@THISISLolesh]

They got dealt with eventually & denounced their own gods in fear of Christ.

[@LazarusthySaint]

@@THISISLolesh it was not due to their “fear of Christ”

[@siamihari8717]

Kinda like watching the Normandy landings from a pillbox i guess

[@THISISLolesh]

@@LazarusthySaint They knew weak little Odin was no match. Beaten spiritually, physically and mentally by a sickly Alfred. Viqueens only tough attacking monks.

[@richardguskey7646]

After a long journey when people would arrive at the destination they would be told to come in and rest their bones. I'm listening to your accounts on igar it seems to me that the man never rested ever. He was constantly on the go fighting or trying to win battles therefore he never rested his bones hence being called Ivar the boneless. Just another thought. For the reasoning of why he was given this nickname.

[@historyprofiles]

Very good theory Richard! Thank you so much for watching I hoe you enjoyed it!

[@KingSebbz]

"He came to rest his bones" I thought that meant, "He died".

[@bulkvanderhuge9006]

@@KingSebbz Nah, people have used that phrase in literature ect for a long time "Come rest your weary bones by the fire" etc

[@ashlykuhn2220]

Eivar, ivar I think dude not igar or whatever

[@user-zg3gh8xg9v]

@@bulkvanderhuge9006 My grandmother and grandfather who lived their lives in the rural areas of Romania used this expression too.

[@BarTGila]

Well the one thing we know is the Boneless did not mean impotent because his grandsons and great grandsons ruled in York and Dublin long after Ivar died.

[@Asgard2208]

Ah, not that type of boneless, then....

[@roolenoir3183]

I was actually just fixin to ask that question…. Umm 🤔 if he had any kiddo’s

[@shaqatwinters3180]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4LdoayZl5tqnbM

[@lynetteandersen6711]

I read that he had no children because of the way he was.

[@Anne-pv9cb]

Who says those were ACTUALLY his children?

[@caniblmolstr4503]

Ivar the Boneless - One of the most misunderstood person that even a so called documentary got it wrong. 1. Aslaug was Ragnar's first wife and Ivar was his eldest son. He had to be if Ragnar had to break marriage vows to conceive Ivar. This aspect is at the least told correctly in the Last Kingdom series book. 2. No he was not impotent. He had sons who ruled from Dublin and another branch which ruled Hebrides and another in Strathclyde. The History Channel series made the father of three kingdoms impotent..... Wow. 3. At this point I don't need to even say it..... Rollo was not Ragnar's brother. He was his descendant through Bjorn. 4. He was called Ivar the Cruel in his time. Welsh monks who wrote about (Mostly Asset) gave him the name Exosus which meant Cruel. Years later when the Normans came all they knew was vulgar Latin and mistook it for ex osus which meant without bones. Now there were stories about Norse chief who by his old age had become so decrepit that he had his servants bring him to battle on his shield. This story was crafted into Ivar. And this was born Ivar the man incapable of walking. Naturally the rest followed

[@xvor_tex8577]

Very interesting, that makes a lot of sense especially "No.4" but I want to knwo where you got it from I wanna read more of it, by your explanation it all makes so much sense

[@caniblmolstr4503]

@@xvor_tex8577 Asser's Anglo-Saxon chronicles, Storri Sturlisson's writings, the History of Ui Imar (meaning sons of Ivar)... There are various sources... Asser and Snorri are the most accurate though. Alfred wanted everything written down maybe because he feared his own race maybe pushed out like his race had to the Britons. There are also serious doubts as to whether the reported sons of Ragnar were really brothers. It seems to me like a patriarch story forged to create common ancestry. Like how the tribe of Manasseh and Ephraim were written into the Israel's history or how later the Edomites were too. Ivar has a different father in Irish texts. My Hypothesis is Sigurd, Ubba and Hafdan were the sons. Ivar was Sigurd's commander who was promised independence if Aella was killed

[@uiimairgrandchildrenofivar5894]

You’re the MAN! My family is Uí Ímair. My surname is McCaffrey, which means Son of Gofraidh or in Norse Gudrodr. Gofraidh was Ímair father. Ímair is Ivar the Boneless. Ivar was most likely tall and cruel just like you said. I love it! Im not so sure about Ragnar Lothbrok being his pops, but Ivar is my Great Grandpa many times over. My family still lives where Ivar died as an older man, in North Western Fermanagh County near BallyMcCaffrey. And the even crazier, or weirder, part is that my Moms descendants also had a McCaffrey from Donegal and her surnames Scottish clan lived in Dumbarton Castle when Ivar raided it. I’m almost extra Ivar.

[@caniblmolstr4503]

@@uiimairgrandchildrenofivar5894 LOL... Ivar had another son Sigthroth I believe rule over Lothian (the area you mentioned) so probably it is that line. Anyways glad to finally see proof that Ivar was not really boneless😝😝

[@uiimairgrandchildrenofivar5894]

@@caniblmolstr4503 I forgot to mention that on the surname map of old Ireland, the McCaffrey clans neighbor directly to the north is……….McIvar!

[@calexander7495]

Another theory of his nickname I've seen is that his actual nickname is supposed to be "The Godless" due to how he treated Christians, but there was a mistranslation.

[@historyprofiles]

Yes that makes a lot of sense thank you for watching!

[@dopekartistaddictionofart7837]

Well he will be called godless if he don't believe in Christian god's ofcourse..but he wasn't godless right . He literally belived in Norse god's .. it's all broken history told by various people. No one knows who he was unless u go back in time and talk to him

[@dopekartistaddictionofart7837]

U might even sympathize with hitler or any other evil incarnate person if u know him personally as they are evil in other eyes or it's just history more twisted by the one who write about them

[@delanovanraalte3186]

@@dopekartistaddictionofart7837 hitler was one of the few people wich where evil but germany in ww1 was just a side not evil or good britian the same with napoleon the same as ww1 just 2 sides fighting each other no good or bad

[@dopekartistaddictionofart7837]

@@delanovanraalte3186 your point?

[@shayorestad5444]

It's like having a friend named tiny who is 6'8 and weighs 300 pounds. Ivar the boneless was probably a monster with the agility of Barry Sanders.

[@yeahyeahyeahwhat6271]

For sure straight killing machine The Hulu show really ruined it for me 😂

[@NoToBigBro]

Average vikings were 5'7" with tall skeletons found in Sweden being 5'9" People were much shorter during the dark age. Maybe he was considered a giant at 5'10".

[@Vykandar]

@@NoToBigBro *me being 5'10 💪💪

[@yeahyeahyeahwhat6271]

@@NoToBigBro the average American height right now is 5’9 That’s doesn’t mean there isn’t taller people 😂

[@NoToBigBro]

@@yeahyeahyeahwhat6271 Sounds like you've completely missed my point. People were much smaller back then. 6'8" back then would be equivalent of 7foot today. When everyone is undernourished, there will be smaller outliers on the upside. You are comparing American height to viking height... Viking were one race/ethnicity. American have all races/ethnicity. Of course there will be greater outliers in American height compared to average.

[@Myancestorsheathen]

To an extent, I am glad the “Viking” show has brought attention to Ivar. I grew up idolizing Ivar, hearing his stories in the sagas my mother used to read to me. A true hero. Valhalla Ivar, feast well in the great halls.

[@stonebay2111]

Pretty decent show

[@kimberlyh.5023]

@@stonebay2111 An extremely well acted show, just little-to-none is historically accurate.

[@srh361]

​@@kimberlyh.5023The shows creators said they took many liberties in order to make it a show but that they also tried to tried to stay true in certain events and time lines.

[@chrisjw2895]

Vikings got me hooked on Ivar the Boneless. Would love to play a video game based completely around Ivars’ story and accomplishments.

[@graveborn-]

Assassin's Creed Valhalla had him in it allot

[@sirrejniak]

AC Valhalla ultimately portrays him as a liar and betrayer.

[@phil5394]

AC Valhalla 2 - Ivar Ragnasson or Lagertha as character choices.

[@HravnOdinsson01]

I personally like to think he did had some kind of fragile bone disease because despite of his "crippling curse" and how they might have seen him as weak for it he pushed to conquer it and he wouldn't even let a curse stop him from greatness. To me that shows his determination and hardcore spirit even more and also makes sense that he used his brains more than brawn.

[@jasonallen8335]

It was said that he was taller than most men and he could jump over a man’s head. So doubt he had weak bones. Js

[@kaarthuisplus]

@@jasonallen8335 I read they found bones of a 9ft tall viking believed to be Ivar.

[@robertcorner3160]

It's not rational that handicapped man would be so reveered and feared in such a physically strong culture. Maybe butttt...i think it's more Ruthless than boneless but either//or just as cool

[@dubiousdevil9572]

He wasn't crippled. He would have been left in the woods to die if he was born a cripple. They didn't keep the weak around in those days.

[@inkognito3145]

I think you only believe that because you watched vikings lol

[@ElKE-j8m]

Vikings history is always fascinating! I love it! Your pronunciation is really great Ollie. Thank you for another awesome work video!

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much for watching ELKE!

[@ElKE-j8m]

@@historyprofiles Thank you! You're most welcome!

[@ojmcclanahan689]

My best friend's father had cerebral palsy, and everyone said that he could run on crutches when he a young man. In his later years he needed a wheelchair, but was still deceptively strong. His upper body and arm strength would blow your mind, man. When he was in his 60's he could still drag himself him around with his hands with quite a bit of speed, just like Ivar The Boneless done in the Viking TV series. With that said, if the legends of Ivar The Boneless are true, I feel like he more than likely had cerebral palsy.

[@olafharoldsonnii4713]

Nonsense, that’s not possible in battle. Being weak like that in a constant era of way is impossible to survive. Boneless was probably an attestment to his cruel nature

[@LDuke-pc7kq]

It was E.D.S. a genetic disorder. Awesome story:) thank you for sharing

[@ojmcclanahan689]

@@olafharoldsonnii4713 I have to disagree. I would never just perceived someone to be weak based on their physical perception. Take a person who is crippled for example. If hundreds of people are waging war, standing toe to toe with shields and swords, they aren't going to be paying much attention to the ground. The cripple could crawl though with a blade, belly to the ground like a snake and systematically bring down countless enemies and do it with ease because, much like you, people underestimate handicapped people. Human beings are profoundly dangerous creatures. It doesn't matter if they're handicapped, it doesn't matter if they're a 100 lb woman, or even a child. Never underestimate anyone.

[@THISISLolesh]

@@ojmcclanahan689 Fantasy.

[@ojmcclanahan689]

@@THISISLolesh Which aspect is fantasy and How do you know as such?

[@felonious_c]

I don't know how this channel doesn't have more subscribers, but I do know that I can't wait to watch it hit 1,000,000 and then some! Keep up the awesome work Ollie! 😊

[@multipletanksyndrome]

The poor delivery in the previous videos.

[@joroche2948]

I agree

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much! It means a lot!

[@LDuke-pc7kq]

Ivar had E.D.S. a genetic disorder of the collagen that makes joints hyper mobile; being tall and dying of heart issues suddenly is not uncommon with this disorder on its own or with comorbid associations like Marfan's. E.D.S. also explains both he could possess both athleticism in battle and also his need for a chariot / other noted accommodations at times. It is genetic and his lineage shares this 'curse' , I hope this helps everyone learn more about E.D.S. and Ivar the Boneless

[@annadrift4]

This theory has always made sense to me as well. Marfan's runs in my family, mostly mild. My daughter can seem "boneless" because she can bend her joints way beyond normal range. Her hands and fingers especially. Her knees and elbows can appear to bend a bit backward. Genealogical research through British records points to Ivar being our 37th great uncle.

[@little78lucky]

My son has E.D.S and my great grandfather did as well. They both would pass out a lot because of heart issues. We didn't realize my great grandfather had it until my son was diagnosed and it all clicked.

[@IceDogXena]

Do tall people die of heart issues due to getting too much bad attention and subsequent heart breaks. Think about it, tall people are favoured but if only crappy individuals and relationships happen then u get heart broken….so we can also assume nervous / anxious pressure on the heart is increased with height since tall people get more attention.

[@ashlykuhn2220]

Seriously...did u go bk in time to diagnose him

[@candacecurry1584]

I’ve heard this theory elsewhere (in literature, not just discussions) and it seems like a good one. I have EDS. We start out strong, incredibly flexible (boneless) and become riddled with pain (and ferocity). Sometimes we can walk, sometimes we need assistance. The sudden death makes sense too. Aortic dissection maybe? It all adds up. Thanks for making this comment! :)

[@hadenmoody1423]

I've told numerous people about this channel definitely one of my favorites very well done

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much Haden! It really means a lot! There is more content coming soon!

[@Caesar_1415]

No one will forget the name of Ivar the boneless!!!

[@robertearhart4316]

This was a very interesting video! I really only know of Ivar from Bernard Cornwell's Saxon novels. It was great to get more context for such an impotant character and historical figure. Great work!

[@vampirequeen953]

Interesting and fascinating but also very disturbing!! Thank you Ollie!!!

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@vampirequeen953]

@@historyprofiles You are more than welcome 🥰🥰

[@Wicked061]

I heard this dude was a absolute beast in combat. Ive always been fascinated with viking culture and i feel like is byname is VERY appropriate. "Boneless", i feel is due to him basically having incredible agility. He was also very strong and intelligent, which are 2 important things to have in a time like this, but ivars best quality was his agility, his finesse. Even with his flaws he was a force of nature. He was the true prototype for Ali's saying "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee".

[@hernehaugen6878]

So I take it from your profile icon and name that you're a fellow Berserk fan?

[@JohntechFL]

a name like this could mean anything from impotence, to being double jointed. I think the most logical explaination with what we know and what he accomplished is that he was likely double jointed and in medevil times this would translate to boneless. It would also allow him to do all the things physically he has been accoutned for.

[@Terri_MacKay]

Another great video...as usual!! I'm really enjoying the comment section, and all the various theories as to how Ivar got his nickname.

[@tigerscott2966]

There is a movie about Ivan the boneless. It is hard to imagine anyone more wicked than Ginghis Khan, as strong as Hannibal or as cunning as the Kharzars, but Ivan was right up there with them.

[@codbtxh8824]

What movie?

[@iyeetsecurity922]

@@codbtxh8824 I believe he had a spot in _Hammer of the Gods._

[@WGasmss]

I don’t understand how Vikings didn’t finish ivars saga like this

[@childeaterieatkidz4208]

Ik they should have had it end with him sailing to Ireland

[@missredherring1753]

Same... I felt they didn't nurture it as it should have been and gave him a pointless death by some guy and he didn't defend himself LIKE WOW George Hirst...

[@rhzyo]

Probably because Vikings bwas based around Ragnar and I think they lost alot of views after he died even tho I think season 6 was great

[@KriDiggah]

Or the 10 years of ragnars gone!!!big Story!!!!!!

[@magahp7083]

@@missredherring1753 his death was actually epic in my opinion, the guy was scared to kill him and ivar basically ordered him to kill him because he was in a lot of pain because of his curse

[@TB-dy2lb]

Ivar has always intrigued me, some stories say he was carried into battle due to his brittle bones. But we will never know

[@shaqatwinters3180]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4LdoayZl5tqnbM

[@ajmmohab4792]

Do you know who i am! You can’t kill me! I am Ivar the Boneless!!!

[@emmanuelimumolen8660]

What else could be in his body or stronger than bone in his body?

[@debt2055]

Best channel. I always learn something new and feel like I am transported back in time.🤗

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much Deb! Im so happy you are enjoying the videos! There is more coming soon!

[@roman8747]

I believe they were talking about his flexibility. Someone with brittle bones couldn't swing an axe.

[@Reverendshot777]

There are various types. I have it it has never stopped me swinging an axe or felling trees my dude.

[@roman8747]

@@Reverendshot777 well that's very cool for you, can you box to or do M.M.A. without something breaking?

[@roman8747]

@@Reverendshot777 can you swing an axe in a battle the way they did back then and take shots from them back?

[@dianemalloy2890]

The brittle bones were in his legs the upper body compensates and becomes stronger if he's crawling around around he's building upper muscles. If you ever see a paraplegic in a manual wheelchair notice how buff and strong their upper bodies are.

[@CrimsonAlice]

wasn't his preferred weapon the longbow?

[@mikehunt4797]

Maybe it was Boneless because he never broke any in all the battles he was in.

[@MU-oi1su]

Never fell off a rollercoaster and broke every bone in his body 🤔

[@KingDaveth]

@@MU-oi1su He drank his milkies and ate his veggies :D

[@nicolevarnam2290]

Excellent Work as Always, My Dear Sir! Luv when U drop a video❤️So Interesting and Never Boring 🤘💙

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much Nicole!!!

[@nicolevarnam2290]

@@historyprofiles 💙🤘

[@Soopro88]

I love Ragnar and his children. True warriors

[@salonez91]

Do you mean also true bloodthirsty subhuman apes ?

[@LazarusthySaint]

@@salonez91 …?

[@LazarusthySaint]

@@salonez91 Odakle si ?

[@salonez91]

@@LazarusthySaint nebitno skroz

[@LazarusthySaint]

@@salonez91 ne slažem se

[@albertberto5276]

He was a giant, about 7 ft.tall and it was surprising to his foe that he could move so fast. That and the fact that he was double jointed in the knees and had to wear a brace. He would usually walk along side his horse or ride. He wasn't crippled because he was able bodied.

[@blazethealaskanmalamute4633]

Just recently found your channel & subbed immediately! Great content & presentation! Keep it up your channel is gonna blow up soon!

[@iveBENwatchin]

I’ve heard of counts that he was called boneless because he had no decent bone in his body

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you for watching!

[@KingDaveth]

His nickname possibly meaning "The Hated" reminds me of when I looked into my family background. My family is a Scottish family that has a lot of Davids and Michaels and one of them was called "David The Devil" I was thinking "Holy shit he probably got that name during a battle or something!!" turns out, he was a drunken asshole...

[@jaketimble9393]

I'm related to McQueens. Him and his brothers plotted assassination on the Scottish king. One of them ratted and the rest were sent to America to become slaves. Around that time Washington was getting shit turned around for the revolution. He was a spy in the secret spy organization He fought along side Washington even . His job was to help free slaves for the revolution. Yes there were still slaves then. Washington had slaves but they were free men. He only called them slaves to help save them.

[@jaketimble9393]

He also rode in the boat along side Washington. Have the recordings of this shit

[@chrissearer1896]

Ditto and 23 and Me is your friend if you’re the Real Deal! 😂

[@johnfisher697]

most scots are🤣🤣

[@ashlykuhn2220]

U wish

[@MortisMedia]

A really excellent video. Definitely an ironic name

[@eliascarrilo8423]

Regarding the “Boneless” condition of Ivar, I would relate it to the EHLERS-DANLOS syndrome which deals with genetic disorders involving bone and cartilage tissues due to the anomalies with collagen. I remember in my high school times to have witnessed EHLERS-DANLOS symptoms on a colleague when he could voluntarily bend his 10 fingers in such manner that every phalanx looked sagged downwards featuring a catenary arc shape. Also, his was able to pinch his skin and stretch it to a certain extent that seemed made of super-elastic rubber. On the other hand, two months ago, an ex-Nurse from Boston Alli Rae showed in social networks how can she bend her thumbs in a 90- degree angle that also meet less acute EHLERS-DANLOS criteria, fortunately. I think Ivar could have suffered in some degree the E.D syndrome

[@CatchTheMarmosets]

I have EDS, i find it highly unlikely as only about 10% of people actually know they have EDS. Cool theory though

[@davidmasi4682]

Just maybe early on in his career as a Viking he de boned his enemies to strike absolute terror in all who would dare to fight him. Just a thought gruesome if you think about it.

[@historyprofiles]

Yes thats a good theory David! Thank you so much for watching!

[@thomascanant9142]

I love that there are documentaries of my direct ancestors. Just recently found my families direct blood connections to Ivar!

[@larshansen4557]

How ?? They have never fundet Ivars grave ?so how can you tell , but anyway , there is alot og people mening they All Are decentens of ragner

[@albertberto5276]

It's usually difficult for a son to be great if his father was great. Sigurd slew the dragon and Ragnar became a legend and he was great and he made his son's great by becoming captured and killed he knew that his son's would unite to avenge him.

[@billharvey9959]

Sigurd was Ragnars wife's dead father

[@childeaterieatkidz4208]

​@@billharvey9959 no no in real life Sigurd was ragnars father

[@Ortega570]

Amazing presentation as always. Live these series. Thank you 🙏

[@daveat191]

It's amazing how brutal these old timers were.

[@the2ndcoming135]

That unforgiving cold weather is what ironically forced Vikings to go on raids. Ain’t nobody was about to give them sh*t. Not even the so called Christians of their day. Last thing you want is an already powerful enemy healthy and even more powerful.

[@rebeccalee1065]

I've Come To Enjoy Hearing Tales About The Vikings. They Were So Interesting, Despite All The Violence. I Won't Judge Them Because, After All, They Were Men Of Their Times. If I Had To Guess, I Would Say He Was Called 'Boneless' Because, Maybe To His Enemies, He Didn't Appear To Them To Be Human (With A Soul). Just My Guess. But Thanks For Entertaining Us - With Another Great Story!

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much for watching Rebecca! And thats a good theory!!!

[@ashlykuhn2220]

Why would you judge them???

[@rebeccalee1065]

@@ashlykuhn2220 READ My Comment.. Maybe You Will Understand.

[@rudy2shoes]

Tell me you’re christian without telling me you’re christian

[@rebeccalee1065]

@@rudy2shoes If You Are Talking To Me, I'm A Muslim -- AND A Christian, But Not In The Content You May Think.

[@trapz8501]

Been waiting on this one 🤌🏽

[@historyprofiles]

Hope you enjoyed !

[@Agapy8888]

Can’t eat whilst listening to this. Fasting for today.

[@therondennis9572]

To be extremely flexible in battle would make an onlooker think him boneless...

[@deezrealityofreality6136]

Some truly fine Points, and quite honestly, the Norsemen were extremely well known for their Satcastic, as well as Oddball Names. Given the limited writings though, after such lengthy periods, I'm greater inclined to abide the consistency of him being carried into battle by his Men upon a Shield, as well as utilizing Bow and long range weapons, that there more likely was some deficits, to whatever degree though sufficient enough to have completely resulted in him being oesteracized from their Culture. I feel only for his youthful aptitudes and an unparalleled malevolence that accompanied his lesser mobile self, somehow eventually garnered the ruling wield that would be hard matched, if at all

[@alexanderguesthistorical7842]

I have heard (somewhere) that the word for bone is the same as the word for leg, in Norwegian. Therefore Ivar could also have been said to be Ivar the Legless. This would tally with the later source which states that he had to be carried everywhere. Perhaps as a result of a birth defect, or more likely, that his legs were cut off in battle perhaps? Alternatively, it could refer simply to paraplegia, quite possibly as a result of polio perhaps???

[@dianemalloy2890]

That's true then the upper body compensates and becomes muscular and stronger crawling like that takes a lot of upper body strength.

[@north1984]

I really like your channel lots of neat stuff to listen to when I’m working 🤗

[@redvikingprincess741]

Great video Ollie! I’ve commented before- I’m a direct descendant of the Viking Kings. My lineage goes back to the year 100 AD. My family has understood that Ivar was nicknamed “ the boneless” because he was very flexible n with wild moves in battle..a great warrior. I’d love to see a video on Sigurd Ring. The way that he died is almost unbelievable- even more so that his son King Ragnar.

[@historyprofiles]

That's incredible! Thank you so much for telling me that! Ill look into Sigurd Ring! Have a great day RedVikingPrincess and thank you so much for watching!

[@olafharoldsonnii4713]

Yeah, and I’m supposed to believe that you trace your ancestry to 100 AD LOL

[@MrRaiin32]

Skol shield maiden

[@dixiewhiskey3273]

@@olafharoldsonnii4713 that’s actually not that hard for some parts of the world people tend to like to remember the people that came before them and usually talk and write about it

[@olafharoldsonnii4713]

@@dixiewhiskey3273 but fucking 900 AD? Lol, relax

[@svenkrules9855]

What if Ivar was nicknamed as "the Boneless" is because he is suffering from some sort of muscle hypertrophy which results into him having huge bulging muscles compared to the average man at the time. Making him look like he is a man made of pure flesh and muscles and thus having "no bones"?

[@sipsimies1588]

Myostatin deficiency?, personally i think his name comes from double joints

[@stacyrussell460]

I think Ivar got his Boneless nickname due to his ruthless fighting capabilities. I could be wrong. His family could have simply chosen a random name.

[@calexander7495]

I heard it may be a simple mistranslation, that originally it was supposed to be "the Godless" due to his hatred of Christians.

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you for watching and commenting Stacy! Have a great day!

[@cheekybastard9312]

Thought he was boneless because he couldn't get it up?

[@historyprofiles]

@@cheekybastard9312 cheeky ! 😂

[@calexander7495]

@@cheekybastard9312 Yes there's a theory that it's because he was impotent but I thought that was covered in the video.

[@billmurray1431]

Great video, great work!

[@-BeFree-]

You forgot to mention the theory that he may have simply been impotent

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you for mentioning that! And thank you so much for watching!

[@jackbutler1955]

wasn't impotency i'm a descendant lol

[@Sidragrosm]

He had several children so it wasn't that. I suspect, given his cunning and sharp wits in battle (as well as his utter hatred for Christianity) he was probably likened unto a,or possibly THE Serpent by the Christians (and we know how they hate snakes!). Could also be a reference to his speed and agility - young children, no matter how big or strong they are..? can fight a grown man, let alone a Viking warrior w/strength alone...

[@RockandrollNegro]

@@Sidragrosm No one in that era would have used "boneless" as an allusion to "snake" or "serpent." Ivar's brother was called Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye, not Sigured Boneless-Thing-In-the-Eye.

[@Sidragrosm]

@@RockandrollNegro Admittedly, I was kinda spit-balling that one - but all the other "explanations..?" don't exactly make sense. (and I was referring to the Christians of that time, not the Vikings - They thought *EVERYTHING* was Satanic...) Oh for a Norse Rosetta Stone...

[@albertberto5276]

Catholics hated him and said he was spineless pagan. He was not handy capped. He was just really handy to have around.

[@IceDogXena]

Boneless also means no morals. Some say “I felt blissful down to my bones”, “ I feel it in my bones”. This refers to essence, deep within, instinct, etc. Ivar the boneless was probably so cold and ruthless and a deceptive, evil man. He wasn’t a fox but a blood thirsty weasel bent on punishing, torturing and killing Old English Christians … to avenge his father.

[@shanebattles6132]

I love that you talk of the shows valahalha great show

[@thorodinson5166]

I've been told that they often made fun of a person's strengths as well as weaknesses. By calling a man Tiny when he was as big as a house. Men hack on each other all the time. It toughens you up. Given you thick skin and makes harder to taunt during battle.

[@youmaus]

I picture him as a cripple but his presence would be that of a walrus or a crocodile. I once attended a karate clinic that was attended by a black belt in a wheelchair, the man's motivation was startling and very intimidating. The fact that he was crawling belied every technique the others were taught and he served up many surprises.

[@zoso1up]

Those that have somthing to prove snd nothing to lose are the most fearless and should not be underestimated

[@minecraft2895]

I always thought he may have had the same condition as Bao Xishun. That would have made him a terrifying warrior to face, even though he probably wouldn't have been that capable in an actual fight.

[@higherechelon7884]

He was said to be able to run at inhuman speeds and fight with such anger

[@9_debolati_318]

Ahh yes, poor ol' Bao Xinshun. Who tf is that

[@minecraft2895]

@@9_debolati_318 Google is your friend 🤷‍♂️

[@StephLillibet]

I'm sorry to say but when I was at school I didn't take it in! Even when I had fun school trips to Tynemouth Priory or Catherine Cookson museum, Beamish I wasn't interested, until I got older! Now I watch "Vikings " and I'm unsure what's true or made for TV!? So I'm really enjoying this channel!!

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much !!!

[@duncanmchenry8126]

Great channel !

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you for watching! And thank you so much Duncan it means a lot!

[@mr.vancando4849]

I truly believe he was just big and a Mean heartless Ruler, and his name truly ment to be Heartless or Hated. It was a old language, not used anymore. My family can be traced back to kings of Sweden, and we were sent in exile in 1490 and ran to Russia then Germany into Holland. This is when my Grandfather CJ Van Zweden aboarded a ship to America in 1905. The rest of me is Half Scottish with alot of Scandinavian blood in that line off clan Donald Donnell in lock Glenn Garry. Last im a quarter Native American, North Red Dog Cherokee Tribe

[@lowrider81hd]

I loved his presentation in VIKINGS, where he had weak bones in his legs. I thought that was a good representation.

[@cobes11]

Could not get through the first season. The over-acting was too annoying.

[@thisbubblygoodness7611]

@@cobes11 overacting? any examples of this, cuz i cant remember any overacting in vikings

[@cobes11]

@@thisbubblygoodness7611 That ship builder guy took his role too seriously. And Ragnar’s ticks were too distracting.

[@thisbubblygoodness7611]

@@cobes11 huh interesting, thats your opinion so i wont try and change it, floki is a bit mad but i suppose its up to you whether you liked his performance or not not sure what you meant by Ragnar's tricks tho, i always thought he was incredibly smart

[@incognitocamo1439]

@@thisbubblygoodness7611 I've seen the guy who plays Floki in other shows and the guy is an absolutely brilliant actor as well as the guy who plays Ragnar, so idk what that dudes talking about he must've been watching a different show.

[@Fer-De-Lance]

Great video, thank you.

[@weopkasdkopasdpkasdkl8065]

From what I have heard is that it was from having fragile bones, but another slightly amusing story is that he had some sort of ED hence “boneless” which could explain why he had no children. Either way I think that this is something that is lost to history and is mostly just fun speculation.

[@BarTGila]

He had children. His grandson ruled in York and his great grandson ruled in Dublin....so he had to had sons.

[@andrebastos5635]

Excellent content sir

[@metalmindedmaniax]

I always thought Ivar The Boneless was merciless and very agile for some reason I doubt he was over 6ft he would have had a nickname that refers more to someone at the time considered to be a giant like Hrolf The Walker aka Rollo whom was to tall to ride on horseback.

[@alphonsusseketa6679]

I enjoyed this history profile .👏👏👏

[@BESHYSBEES]

I’ve always thought that boneless referred to his morals, boneless as in unscrupulous, spineless no backbone

[@kylesilvers7609]

I like to think it was ED that gave him the nickname.. Great video btw

[@jeremywalker2460]

The meanings of words change so easily throughout different languages and time, it probably doesn't mean' boneless' at all. I think it's more likely his name was Ivar the cruel. Once you're a veteran of over 100 battles odds are you're pretty f#@ked up and have to be carried to battle. so you can watch from a safe distance.thats my opinion.really enjoyed your content thanks

[@martinphilip8998]

You make a good point. Ivan the Terrible could be cruel, as might any strong ruler of those times be. If you get terrible service at a store that’s another thing entirely. The nicknaming doesn’t seem so unusual. How many of us know of a huge burly guy whose pals call him Tiny? Yes, soooo clever.

[@shanebattles6132]

Great show

[@samueldodge8077]

He was probably double jointed as well as 6'6"or 7'. So the name was both ironic and suggested that he was super flexible.

[@LDuke-pc7kq]

It was E.D.S. ; being tall and dying from heart complication suddenly are not uncommon with this genetic disorder

[@josehg570]

I love history and this channel

[@jasonmomoa8613]

I think his name boneless maybe because of his afflictions the boneless would be his reminder of his pain and his affliction and it wouldn't be used to bully or affect him in anyway since it has already his name.

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you for watching! Thats a good theory Jason! Have a great day!

[@lukepaugh162]

By the tellings of the stories it can be ascertained that he suffered from osteogenesis imperfecta. It is a congenital defect in which the bones are very brittle. The primary indicator is that the whites of the eyes are vivid blue. the more blue the eyes, the more brittle the bones. the second is usually an inability to walk as in most cases the bones in the legs are too brittle to support weight. A sufferer of this affliction would beccome accustomed to the pain of breaking bones which would give the impression of being able to fight while having "no bones to break". Ivar may have suffered a mild case with regular flareups that gave him more vulnerable periods.

[@privacyactremediation8907]

Good narration! Pet peeve regards the chosen art- in many cases the axes are way too immense. Vikings tended towards small, light axe heads for speed and dexterity as well as using less metal

[@verdantgrottobarbell5279]

Some Art from mount and blade. Nice

[@crypghost5]

No. Ivar was known for deception. Have you guys ever heard the saying "He doesn't have an honest bone of truth."

[@a.e.w.384]

Yup that's exactly what I was thinking. A more modern label would be spineless. Not because he wouldn't fight but with his quick lying actions to sue for peace. In other words he gave the impression of being a spineless snake. So naturally an enemy who despised him would label him as such regardless of his true martial skill.

[@lynnecarriemurphy3448]

No, but I've heard of "He doesn't have a honest bone in his body".

[@Gaolii]

Boneless was probably a nickname given because he was enormously huge and fat seemingly made entirely of flesh and no bones... would also explain why he was described as having to be carried around later in life. Theres a legend that his brothers hurled him at a magical cow when he was young and he crushed it with his weight ... semi-contemporary christian sources claimed that even when he was young he was "like Hrolf the Ganger, and too big to sit astride a horse." It was said he could "walk about after a fashion, but could not rise from rest unaided..." Altogether sounds like he was probably a huge fleshy dude, who grew to obesity later in life and was thus named "boneless" .... another theory is his name was actually Ivar the Baneless, and it was later corrupted in the histories as boneless - meaning he was without "bane". or without any trouble or enemies ... though this is less likely. Interesting side note... the current King of England, and his late mother Queen Elizabeth are actually directly descended from Ivar.

[@sisselhansen3915]

Hi, I like your teachings! I'm norwegian, and have always learned that "when a door closes silently without anyone closing it, its Ivar Beinlaus, who has closed it"! My perception is, that Ivar could move so silently that he surpriced his enemies and therefore he was named 'Ivar Beinlaus'.. ofcourse this is a myth but almost all myths come from legends and from true stories. I love Alfred the Great. And feel bad for my ancesters and their violence 🙏 but I also detest the inquisición.

[@gerbenkoelewijn6374]

Dont be ashamed of the legacy of your people, it is far too long ago to be able to do something about it. And they have shaped our present day quite abit, to be honest.

[@kingkongprimpinella774]

This is really interesting. Beinlaus sounds for me, as a German, like Beinlos, witch means: without legs. But I can also hear boneless in it. Thank you for sharing this! Edit: Now I know that Beinlaus also means boneless in the norwegien language. Interesting to see how (some) Languages are both, equal and a bit different.

[@dannyboywhaa3146]

Don’t be ashamed - Rome left Britain idle and defenceless - it was a free for all... no hard feelings... you became a large part of us and together we conquered the world! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@alexroberts590]

To be heathen. It's not being bad. But non conformist. What are you here for in this life? To understand free will and living in the realm of free will it's you're personal choice, and no one else. What is the measure of a person? Do you know yourself enough to know you're own capabilities, and willingness to achieve what you want in life? Proud to be heathen!

[@matthewcurry13]

I feel like it's the opposite, I feel like he was boneless because his bones couldn't be broken, I.e the guy could take no end of punishment and still push forwards

[@Threshershark420]

Any video on history that starts with a frame from Mount and blade I know I'm going to like.

[@lordlynkz]

I'd say boneless because he did a lot of fighting, and not a lot of getting caught.

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you for watching! Have a great day and thats a good theory!

[@ravensthatflywiththenightm7319]

Subscribed.

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you for watching!

[@williamsholly600]

The name boneless comes from his legs being deformed as it has been written he was carried upon his shield to each battle

[@sarahgirlisit]

Yeah I heard that too.

[@jennie2065]

And as it was discussed in this - that was a LATER source that is much in doubt.

[@thekingsman1794]

So how did he kill people

[@dubhainoceanntabhail5262]

those sources are unreliable, written accounts in Ireland say he was tall and fierce in battle

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@jonathanturek5846]

Thank you for your research and we'll org presentation of it

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you for watching Jonathan !!

[@Hallands.]

It is of course ridiculous to suggest Ivar Benløs had weak bones. No 7 year old would survive a battle with weak bones and go on to be a renowned warrior-king. Much more likely is a pituitary glad imbalance causing some degree of giantism, possibly at the same time making him too heavy to keep pace with the army by walking…

[@nealr3dhandfamily346]

Is it possible that he fought with a bow from a distance. Just curious about how a 7 year old could be victorious with the strength of a man

[@Hallands.]

​@@nealr3dhandfamily346 Possible, but highly unlikely, since Vikings mostly used bows for hunting. And anyway, if you are strong enough to draw a bow that’ll do damage, you’re also strong enough to wield an axe, a spear or a sword. But it does happen that 7 year olds are really big, Just yesterday on FOX 10 they showed one such, playing on the first year football team. He was as big as many of the parents and heavy as well. His classmates were helpless to stop him, he just waded through them, but he was slow. Times were different and activities much more common in the viking age, heck even when my grandfather was a kid. He was the oldest of 16 children and was sent to work on a nearby farm at the age of six. This was not at all unusual in the late 1800reds . One was expected to ride a horse and help with the harvest at six years of age, and before that you would’ve done everything you possibly could to help out, like chop and carry wood for the fireplace, feed the chickens, draw and carry water, sweep, clean aso. Such activities develop bones, muscles and physical skills much earlier than modern man imagines.

[@crazyeyedme4685]

What about multiple sclerosis? It would fit the bill. Genetics shows that the trait must have started from Scandinavia. There are stories of Ivar having particularly bad days later in his life. MS is an auto immune disease that most often flares up and recedes, ultimately getting worse the older ones gets. Idk. To me it seems to be by far the most likely candidate and I'm surprised no one has theorized it by now. I could be wrong though. My step Dad has the bluest eyes that I I've ever seen. They change hue too. I actually live in the upper peninsula of Michigan and we're mostly Scandinavian. A lot of families, including mine, have traced lineage back to Ragnar Lothbrok. I'm more of a mutt through. Got blood from all the crazies lol😄

[@Hallands.]

@@crazyeyedme4685 Nobody »has traced their lineage back to Ragnar Lodbrog«! Historians are still on the fence on him being historic or mythic. Since no gene has been linked to MS, nobody has been able to say anything about the geographic origin. The distribution is "Western Societies, above the 40th latitude and urban«. Migrants tend to adopt the risk of the area they move to, pointing away from a genetic trigger of this supposedly autoimmune disease...

[@crazyeyedme4685]

@@Hallands. lol. Yes I know what you are saying. I didn't mean to imply it's was historical factual data dude. A lot of families claim the same thing I have because once you go so far back, we rely on folklore type stories that were later recorded.

[@banikjc]

Boneless was probably a reference to his spineless "cunning" actions... Everytime he knew he was out manned he wanted peace so he could regroup and grow his army...

[@niahhmaiava1024]

I always loved his record 100- 0

[@PilgrimBangs]

Being he was renowned for cruelty and torture I speculate he was deboning his victims. The flailing open of an arm and removing the bone while the victim was alive would certainly make a big impression to even Norsemen. It would strike terror in the hearts of friends and foes alike.

[@brandondavis7777]

"The Hated" is the translation I like the most. Given that the Latin translation can be misinterpreted.

[@olafharoldsonnii4713]

His skeleton was dug up and he was a tall man with healthy bones. Boneless definitely meant hated

[@VLFBERHTwolf]

Who wants the warlike days of old and the age of warriors to return for the modern age? Comment and Like.

[@spider_moonkey4314]

This guy sounds like a bad ass

[@CoolAdam247]

Watch the Viking TV series it's awesome and loosely covers Ivars story. KZbin Ivar the boneless

[@duncanmchenry8126]

@@CoolAdam247 I'm going to check it out, thank you for sharing the info

[@brodyberry6253]

I love it! Please keep doing these historical warrior videos, they’re awesome & your bread an butter imho.

[@jesseduke203]

I think Ivar "The Boneless" had what Andre the giant and Abe Lincoln had and that's elaphantitus, which is where you never stop growing, because some legends about him say he was a massive man.

[@LDuke-pc7kq]

It was E.D.S.

[@williamamo5579]

Acromegaly

[@umagetty5565]

@@LDuke-pc7kq erectile disfunction syndrome?

[@MikeHunt-fo3ow]

elaphantitus lol no those are tumors on your body

[@lorilewis4447]

Ivar is my 38th Great Uncle. He only had cartiledge in his legs, so he couldn't walk. Was carried around on a shield.

[@joeythechin8870]

I believe that his remains were found and he was indeed nearly 7'2" tall and very large boned, yet his nickname "The Boneless " stemmed from the Latin "The Hated"as he was a killer and murdered so many Christians!!

[@Rhulk_Disciple_of_the_Witness]

Imagine see him charge towards you with a giant army

[@justinerickson5486]

When you look at some of the accounts of his life and deeds, brittle bones makes a lot of sense. If he "begged" king Ælla and was obliged, then he must've been someone that the King must've deemed "worthy of pity and Christian charity."