Viking History: Bjorn Ironside

Viking History Bjorn Ironside

Bjorn Ironside, was the son of Ragnar Lothbrok, he was one of the kings of Sweden who lived in the 9th century and was considered one of the founders and first rulers of the protohistoric colonial dynasty, Munsö Dynasty.

Unlike what was depicted in the film Viking series, Lagertha the Shieldmaiden is not Bjorn's biological mother. Lagertha and Ragnar had a son but he was named Fridleif. Bjorn is the son of Ragnar Lothbrok and Princess Aslaug. Besides that, Bjorn is not their eldest child. He was the second child after Ivar the Boneless.

Bjorn Ironside has three brothers; Ivar the Boneless, Hvitserk, Ubbe and three half brothers; Agnar and Eric / Eirik (from Thora Town-Hart, first wife Ragnar Lothbrok), and Fridleif (from Lagertha).

Björn Ironside's Golden Age

Educated as a fearless warrior and an authoritative and hard leader like his father, Björn Ironside invaded and plundered many places including France, Spain, Italy, England, Wales, cities in the Mediterranean Sea such as Sicily and the coast of North Africa.

However, there is no historical record which states that Rollo accompanied Björn Ironside during this looting period.

Actually, this was impossible because Bjorn Ironside was estimated to have died in 859 exactly 1 year before Rollo was born.

Likewise with Floki, he also might not be there when Bjorn sailed to the Mediterranean Sea. Floki was born in 83 and Bjorn Ironside is 53 years old, taking into account the year of Bjorn's birth which is assumed to be 777.

According to historical records, Bjorn and Hastein (who was assumed to be one of Ragnar Lothbrok's sons or someone appointed by Ragnar as Bjorn's mentor) invaded France and sailed to the Mediterranean Sea. After robbing the coast of Spain, they again robbed France early and proceeded to the city of Pisa, Italy.

Conquering Luna

After having difficulty penetrating Luna's city defenses, Bjorn thought of an unreasonable way to enter the city. He told his men to spread the news of his death but before he died he had converted to Christianity and he wanted to be buried in a holy place in the City of Luna.

Finally the Pastor and the ruler of Luna allowed "his body" to be carried by a small group of guards (who according to some accounts carried swords under their robes). After entering the church, Bjorn came out of the box to surprise everyone and fight towards the city gate. He then opened the city gate so that his army could enter and succeed in controlling the city.

The trick used by Bjorn was attributed to Hastein in some historical records and as if Ragnar Lothbrok also used this trick to enter Paris in the TV series, Viking.

After Luna, Bjorn and the Viking fleet raided Sicily and the coast of North Africa. On their way home, they faced Al-Andalus forces in the Strait of Gibraltar.

They faced a very dangerous weapon called Greek fire (an incendiary weapon that could keep burning even on the surface of the water) which destroyed 40 Viking ship fleets. But he managed to escape to Sweden.

Ragnar & Bjorn

After the success of his sons, Ivar the Bones and Bjorn Ironside who succeeded in looting all of Europe and the Mediterranean Sea, Ragnar Lothbrok became jealous of his children and did not want his children to rule Sweden. He then commissioned Eysteinn to buy as a replacement king and sail to attack the Northumbrian Empire and defeat his old enemy, King Aella.

Feeling small and trivial because of the success achieved by his sons, Ragnar did not think carefully and attacked the Kingdom of Northumbria with very little force.

Ragnar Lothbrok fell victim to his arrogance and was captured and executed by King Aella. Some historical records say that he was thrown into a snake pit by the king while other sources say that Ragnar Lothbrok died of a mysterious disease (which is believed to be dysentery).

Revenge & Become King of Sweden

After defeating Eysteinn Buy, Bjorn Ironside became King of Sweden. He and his brother attacked the Kingdom of Northumbria to avenge their father's death. However, this effort was in vain, King Aella's forces succeeded in defeating the Vikings.

Ivar, the oldest brother, who is also known as a wise leader in the history of Vikings, told his brothers that he knew from the start how Ragnar would die and he asked Raja Aella for reconciliation. Finally, King Aella gave the land, where he built the city of York.

Over the years, Ivar strengthened his position and when he considered the time was right he called his brother to attack the Kingdom of Northumbria once more. Joining some of the Englishmen invited by Ivar, the Vikings raid Northumbria and capture King Aella alive.

Bjorn decides "blood eagle" will

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