Ragnar Lodbrok or
Lothbrok (, "Ragnar Hairy
Breeches") was a legendary
Norse ruler, king, and hero from the
Viking Age described in
Old Norse poetry and several
sagas. In this tradition, Ragnar was the scourge of France and England and the father of many renowned sons, including
Ivar the Boneless,
Björn Ironside,
Halfdan Ragnarsson,
Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye, and
Ubba. While these men are historical figures, it is uncertain whether Ragnar himself existed or really fathered them. Many of the tales about him appear to conflate the deeds of several historical
Viking heroes and rulers.