Have you ever watched the Vikings TV series, and wondered who the real Björn Ironside was? Look no further! Here are a few facts about the man behind the myth:
1. Björn ‘Ironside’ Ragnarsson (Björn Járnsida in Old Norse) was born around 777 AD in Denmark. His parents were Ragnar ‘Lothbrok’ Sigurdsson, and Aslaug Sigurdsdatter – although the Vikings TV show portrays the famous shieldmaiden Lagertha as Björn’s mother).
2. Several others in Björn’s immediate family also became famous. These include his brothers Ivar The Boneless, Sigurd ‘Snake-in-the-Eye’ and Hvidserk Ragnarsson as well as one of his sons, Erik Björnsson.
3. Björn Ironside is considered by most historians to be the founder of the most important Swedish royal family. This was known as the Munsö Dynasty.
4. Contrary to how it was depicted in Vikings, Björn was NOT the eldest son of Ragnar Lothbrok. He was in fact the second eldest son, after his brother Ivar.
5. Björn was renowned as a fearless warrior and fierce ruler – just like his father.
6. He raided many places during his lifetime, including France, Spain, Italy, the Mediterranean and England. He even raided the coast of North Africa! On one such raid, Björn captured the Italian city of Luni, mistakenly believing it to be Pisa. Despite his mistake, this became one of his most significant deeds, as other leaders respected him for his great use of intelligence and strategy in achieving this feat.
7. Vikings fans may recall the scene where Ragnar pretends to be dead in order to breach the fortress of Paris; this was in fact based on the real life actions of his son, Björn! Instead of Paris, Björn used this trick to enter the city of Luni! On the way back from Italy, Björn and his men encountered Muslim navy forces on the Strait of Gibraltar. Björn’s fleet were hit by an incendiary weapon known as ‘Greek Fire’ – very similar to the ‘Wildfire’ seen on Game of Thrones. It can even burn on water! Sadly, this took out 40 of his ships.
8. Björn’s father Ragnar was jealous of his successful sons – so much so that he installed a man called Eysteinn Beli to manage the kingdom of Sweden whilst he sailed to Northumbria, England to confront his sworn enemy, King Aella. Two of Björn’s brothers, named Eirik and Agnar, requested that Eysteinn submit to them. Eysteinn asked the Swedish chieftains for their opinions, but they strongly disagreed, instead ordering an attack on the brothers. Agnar was killed, and Eirik was captured and later excuted at his own request (he didn’t want to live with the shame of defeat).
9. After Ragnar’s death, Björn inherited the prestigious title of King of Sweden, thus establishing the Munsö Dynasty. He and his brothers attacked Northumbria in order to avenge their father, but Aella’s forces crushed theirs. Ivar, being wise, asked Aella for reconciliation. It was granted, and Ivar was given land, upon which he built the city of Jorvík (York). Ivar later returned to King Aella with his brothers and a much larger army, taking the aged monarch by surprise. They captured and killed him using the gruesome ‘blood eagle’ method.
9. Björn founded the House of Munsö, known as ‘The Old Dynasty’, which ruled Sweden for many generations. They were eventually exiled from the country after a long period of civil war at the end of the 10th century; however, showing the stubbornness and determination of their forefathers, the House of Munsö later became rulers of Denmark!
10. Historians gave Björn’s dynasty the name ‘Munsö’ because it is also the name of the place where he was buried. His ‘barrow’ (burial mound) is located on the Swedish island of Munsö.
Björn Ironside, as depicted in the Vikings TV series.
Modern Norse Heathen 