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Legacies of 7 Most Famous Vikings

Most Famous Vikings in History

The Vikings were a maritime people that lived in Scandinavia (modern-day Norway, Denmark, and Sweden) and were active from the late eighth century until the mid-11th century. Their raiding and commercial operations brought them to North America, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.
The Vikings had a tremendous effect on European society during the Viking Age. Their assaults on coastal settlements were dreaded, and their ships were quicker and more agile than their opponents. 
The Vikings also accomplished traders, establishing trading centres and towns throughout Europe, including Dublin, Novgorod, and Kyiv.
The Vikings were also influential in European politics. They established kingdoms and dynasties, such as England’s Norman dynasty. They were active in many key political events, such as the founding of the Kievan Rus’ and the conversion of Scandinavia to Christianity.

Top 7 Famous Vikings

Most Famous Vikings
Famous Vikings, by Ruben Vanderhoydonk is licensed under CC0 1.0

Here’s a list of 7 famous Vikings:

Ragnar Lothbrok

According to Norse sagas and other literary sources, he was an essential character in the Viking Age and was the son of the semi-legendary king Sigurd Ring. Ragnar Lothbrok is remembered for his daring invasions of England and France to gain money and territory for his people.  
He is supposed to have conducted numerous successful attacks on these countries, notably the siege of Paris in 845 AD and the fall of the Anglo-Saxon capital of Northumbria in 865 AD.  
These attacks aided in the Vikings’ establishment as a significant power in Europe and their influence was felt throughout the continent. 
In addition to his military successes, Ragnar Lothbrok is credited with helping to shape Viking culture and civilisation. Folklore conveyed he was a wise and fair leader who encouraged invention and exploration.

Leif Erikson 

Leif Erikson was an Icelandic Norse adventurer most remembered for leading the first known Europeans to set foot on North America about 500 years before Christopher Columbus. Leif Erikson set out on a trip to investigate the west coast of Greenland around 1000 CE but was blown off course and landed on the eastern shore of North America. He christened the region “Vinland” because of the number of wild grapes that grew there.
The discovery of Vinland by Leif Erikson was noteworthy because it was the first known European contact with the Americas.  
It also aided in establishing a Norse presence in North America. However, no permanent colonies were established.
The legacy of Leif Erikson is still commemorated today. In the United States, Leif Erikson Day is observed on October 9th each year to remember his achievements, and sculptures of him may be seen in places around the country.

Harald Hardrada 

Harald Hardrada was a notable Viking warrior, ruler, and explorer who helped shape Viking culture and civilisation in the 11th century. Harald, who was born in Norway in 1015 CE, was a member of the royal line and was recognised for his military prowess, courage, and ambition.
Harald Hardrada played an important role in multiple Viking military operations as a commander and a warrior. He participated in several engagements in Europe and the Middle East, notably the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, where he was defeated by the English king Harold Godwinson. This battle ended Viking control in England and is often regarded as the final major Viking invasion. 
Harald Hardrada also played an important part in developing Viking culture and civilisation through his leadership and reforms. He also fostered the use of the Norwegian language and culture, which contributed to forming a unique Norwegian identity.

Erik the Red

Erik the Red was a well-known Viking adventurer and chieftain who helped shape Viking culture and civilisation in the 10th and 11th centuries. He was born in late 10th century Norway and resided in Iceland, where he became embroiled in various fights and was finally exiled for murder.
Erik the Red then travelled westward and discovered a new territory, which he dubbed Greenland, with the intention of luring additional inhabitants. Despite the hard conditions, Erik the Red successfully founded the first European colony in the Americas in Greenland. 
The arrival of Erik the Red in Greenland had a tremendous influence on Viking culture and civilisation. It opened up new commerce routes and exploration opportunities and contributed to the Vikings’ reputation as excellent navigators and explorers.

Lagertha 

Lagertha is a mythical Viking shield maiden and monarch who helped shape Viking culture and civilisation in the 9th century. While the specifics of her life are veiled in myth and legend, her narrative has been passed down through oral tradition and recorded writings such as the Icelandic sagas. 
Lagertha was a talented warrior who fought with her husband, Ragnar Lothbrok, in multiple fights against Saxons and other Viking raids, according to tradition. She is claimed to have led an army of shieldmaidens into battle, masterfully wielding a sword and shield.
Lagertha’s abilities as a warrior and leader defied these preconceptions and helped create a new picture of what women could do.

Ivar the Boneless 

Ivar the Boneless was a renowned Viking warrior and commander who helped shape Viking culture and civilisation in the 9th century. According to tradition, Ivar was the son of the great Viking leader Ragnar Lothbrok and his wife, Aslaug.
Ivar was a prominent player in multiple Viking raids and battles, and he was noted for his strategic thought and military strength. He was dubbed “the Boneless” due to a physical issue that caused his bones to be frail and his motions clumsy.
Some historians feel that this was a mistranslation of a term referring to his quickness and flexibility in battle.  
Ivar the Boneless is claimed to have made substantial contributions to Viking culture and civilisation in addition to his military successes. He is credited for establishing a more centralised system of government in Viking villages by introducing new laws and social traditions.

Canute the Great 

The Great, sometimes known as Canute, was a Viking warrior, politician, and monarch who shaped Viking culture and civilisation in the 11th century. Canute was born in Denmark in the early 11th century and rose through the ranks to become King of Denmark, Norway, and England. 
Canute’s reign was distinguished by concentrating on consolidation and governance instead of conquest and expansion. He built a formidable navy and tried to increase trade and commerce within his realms, contributing to Viking society’s expansion and prosperity.
He is renowned for his reputation as a wise and just ruler, in addition to his contributions to Viking culture and civilisation. He is frequently highlighted as an example of a monarch who brought diverse communities together under one flag and governed with fairness and compassion.

Summary

During the late eighth to the mid-11th century, the Vikings were a nautical race that resided in Scandinavia. They ravaged coastal villages in Europe, North America, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East and built trading hubs and cities.  
They influenced European politics by creating kingdoms and dynasties, and they were instrumental in forming the Kievan Rus’ and converting Scandinavia to Christianity. Ragnar Lothbrok, Leif Erikson, Harald Hardrada, Erik the Red, Lagertha, and Ivar the Boneless are all famous Vikings.

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