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Ragnar Lothbrok: The Extraordinary Viking
Ragnar Lothbrok: The Extraordinary Viking
From the misty depths of the Early Middle Ages comes the story of a mighty Viking warrior and king named Ragnar Lothbrok. The rich oral tradition of Norse legend, written down hundreds of years after the events happened, sifted the story of Ragnar’s exploits through time and poetry to create for Ragnar a lasting image of bravery in the face of the unknown.
The dramatic tale of Ragnar brings up interesting questions. For example, was Ragnar a real person? If so, have the facts about him been exaggerated to the point that they no longer have much basis in reality? And, if the story has been reshaped by its storytellers, what does this say about what the people wanted to hear? Also, how can Ragnar be called a hero when his most notable feat was invading and plundering Paris? As you read Ragnar’s story, you’ll find the answers to questions you may not imagine right now, such as: Why was Ragnar called Lothbrok, the Old Norse word for Shaggy-Breeches?
Through his legend, you see a man who had three strong wives and many vengeful sons. What kind of father and husband could this man have been? Ragnar was certainly no peacemaker. He was tall and powerfully-built, but what about his moral character? Modern people might see this “Scourge of England and France” as a brute and a warmonger, and rightly so – not exactly in keeping with modern mores.
Yet, even modern people can appreciate what he did for the world. We can thank Ragnar’s kind for creating trade routes throughout Scandinavia, Britain, Europe, and even into Russia. In expanding his empire, he aided in the settlement of the regions he conquered.
Learning about Ragnar’s life, times and character can give you a new way to view the world. The basic struggle of Ragnar’s life was between good and evil, but these two concepts are not as clear-cut as you might think. What Medieval Norsemen saw as good, you might see as wicked, aggressive and based on self-interest alone. And, what they saw as evil, you might see as simply the natural way of the life on this planet.
As you read this book, you can enjoy learning about a character that is larger than life and fascinating in a way only legends can be. After you finish reading, we suspect you’ll want to know more about Ragnar Lothbrok and delve into the poetry that tells his story so beautifully.
Ragnar Lothbrok: The Extraordinary Viking
From the misty depths of the Early Middle Ages comes the story of a mighty Viking warrior and king named Ragnar Lothbrok. The rich oral tradition of Norse legend, written down hundreds of years after the events happened, sifted the story of Ragnar’s exploits through time and poetry to create for Ragnar a lasting image of bravery in the face of the unknown.
The dramatic tale of Ragnar brings up interesting questions. For example, was Ragnar a real person? If so, have the facts about him been exaggerated to the point that they no longer have much basis in reality? And, if the story has been reshaped by its storytellers, what does this say about what the people wanted to hear? Also, how can Ragnar be called a hero when his most notable feat was invading and plundering Paris? As you read Ragnar’s story, you’ll find the answers to questions you may not imagine right now, such as: Why was Ragnar called Lothbrok, the Old Norse word for Shaggy-Breeches?
Through his legend, you see a man who had three strong wives and many vengeful sons. What kind of father and husband could this man have been? Ragnar was certainly no peacemaker. He was tall and powerfully-built, but what about his moral character? Modern people might see this “Scourge of England and France” as a brute and a warmonger, and rightly so – not exactly in keeping with modern mores.
Yet, even modern people can appreciate what he did for the world. We can thank Ragnar’s kind for creating trade routes throughout Scandinavia, Britain, Europe, and even into Russia. In expanding his empire, he aided in the settlement of the regions he conquered.
Learning about Ragnar’s life, times and character can give you a new way to view the world. The basic struggle of Ragnar’s life was between good and evil, but these two concepts are not as clear-cut as you might think. What Medieval Norsemen saw as good, you might see as wicked, aggressive and based on self-interest alone. And, what they saw as evil, you might see as simply the natural way of the life on this planet.
As you read this book, you can enjoy learning about a character that is larger than life and fascinating in a way only legends can be. After you finish reading, we suspect you’ll want to know more about Ragnar Lothbrok and delve into the poetry that tells his story so beautifully.
Ragnar Lothbrok: The Extraordinary Viking
46 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2016
167 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 13, 2017
Basic
Extremely simple, children's telling, almost worthless non-story of Ragnar's possible life. Decently written at about a 4th grade vocabulary, but far too ambiguous about the history.
Extremely simple, children's telling, almost worthless non-story of Ragnar's possible life. Decently written at about a 4th grade vocabulary, but far too ambiguous about the history.
October 11, 2017
This poor little book is so sad. I've completed a cursory search to see if this book was in fact, self-published by a child, so that I wouldn't have to give it such a poor rating, but was unsuccessful. There is some basic information here, along with a list of literary sources, which might be useful. Still, that list is widely available in google search results, so I wouldn't recommend this book of poorly written essays posing as a biography to anyone.
*If this book was in fact written by a middle-schooler, then kudos to you! You wrote a book and deserve congratulations!
*If this book was in fact written by a middle-schooler, then kudos to you! You wrote a book and deserve congratulations!
January 5, 2017
Fact or ficton?
Interesting tale that is probably part truth and part myth. The reader must come to their own conclusion. Personally I do believe Ragnar existed and would like to have met him
Interesting tale that is probably part truth and part myth. The reader must come to their own conclusion. Personally I do believe Ragnar existed and would like to have met him
November 23, 2017
Interesting information, but not the best writing
This short book contained a lot of interesting information about the historical figure known as Ragnar Lothbrok, but the writing style left much to be desired. Each chapter read as if it were a standalone essay about a particular aspect of the Ragnar Lothbrok legend, which made it feel very choppy and disjointed. If you're a huge fan of the Ragnar Lothbrok legend, by all means, dive right in. But if you tend to prefer materials on historical figures that are a bit more mainstream, this may seem a bit too sensationalistic for you. It is rather short, so it is no huge investment of time, but it took me longer to read it than it should have, because of the disjointed style.
It is neither great nor awful, so three stars it is.
This short book contained a lot of interesting information about the historical figure known as Ragnar Lothbrok, but the writing style left much to be desired. Each chapter read as if it were a standalone essay about a particular aspect of the Ragnar Lothbrok legend, which made it feel very choppy and disjointed. If you're a huge fan of the Ragnar Lothbrok legend, by all means, dive right in. But if you tend to prefer materials on historical figures that are a bit more mainstream, this may seem a bit too sensationalistic for you. It is rather short, so it is no huge investment of time, but it took me longer to read it than it should have, because of the disjointed style.
It is neither great nor awful, so three stars it is.
December 7, 2017
The T.V. series "Vikings" was a show that my husband and I were streaming on Amazon for awhile. It focuses on the adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok and his family and fellow Vikings. We didn't realize Ragnar was an actual historical/legendary figure, but this Kindle ebook was eye-opening. Yes, the writing is not great, and it really is just an extended research essay, but I found it fascinating to learn a bit of history about this man/myth/legend that has been passed through the oral tradition of the 8th century. After reading, I am coming to the wishful conclusion that Ragnar Lothbrok was, indeed, a real person.
October 16, 2017
I downloaded this for free from Amazon and feel that I overpaid. After the first few lines I suspected it may have been intended for a middle school audience. After a few paragraphs I was convinced it was written by a middle schooler, and not an honor roll student at that. All told, this book represents a half hour of my life I will never get back.
December 16, 2017
Brief, simple
The book was very brief and simple. I learned a few facts but didn’t feel immersed in Ragnar’s adventure. This should be labeled a primer on Ragnar for middle schoolers.
The book was very brief and simple. I learned a few facts but didn’t feel immersed in Ragnar’s adventure. This should be labeled a primer on Ragnar for middle schoolers.
December 20, 2017
love the history
i️ like the author perspective but felt the article wasn’t well written . the flow of the book was not very fluid . with that said, i️ like history and was watching by the vikings when i️ decided to read about ragnar.
i️ like the author perspective but felt the article wasn’t well written . the flow of the book was not very fluid . with that said, i️ like history and was watching by the vikings when i️ decided to read about ragnar.
January 1, 2018
This is a quick and easy read.
There are many complaints that this isn’t a more in-depth account of Ragnar, but the book itself states that this is simply supposed to be an introduction to the stories surrounding Ragnar and his family. For that purpose, this book does a great job!
There are many complaints that this isn’t a more in-depth account of Ragnar, but the book itself states that this is simply supposed to be an introduction to the stories surrounding Ragnar and his family. For that purpose, this book does a great job!
January 31, 2018
True or not i love this man, and even his goals, I really really want to know more😊
I love this man, and yes even his goals. I really really want to know more, an looking forward to learning more😁
I love this man, and yes even his goals. I really really want to know more, an looking forward to learning more😁
October 8, 2017
I good basic introduction for those interested in Viking history.
October 22, 2017
This seems like it was written as a school report. If it was, and I was grading it I would give it a C or C+, if I was being generous.
December 23, 2017
Mediocre
February 4, 2018
Ho Hum
I feel as though someone submitted their homework or Wikipedia entry as a book. At least I read it for free.
I feel as though someone submitted their homework or Wikipedia entry as a book. At least I read it for free.
April 2, 2018
On book
If you are interested in this like I am it is good. If you are looking for a good story...not a good choice. It was okay.
If you are interested in this like I am it is good. If you are looking for a good story...not a good choice. It was okay.
April 30, 2018
European Ancient Hero
Ragnar Lothbrok, a Northern European figure in history that some followers of Asatru have a special day to honor his contributions.
Ragnar Lothbrok, a Northern European figure in history that some followers of Asatru have a special day to honor his contributions.
July 31, 2019
Reads like Wikipedia.
November 2, 2020
Inter sting read
Good as a basic overview of the sagas and Ragnar sons.
Easily understandable and interesting funding out different interpretations of the history !
Good as a basic overview of the sagas and Ragnar sons.
Easily understandable and interesting funding out different interpretations of the history !
December 6, 2017
This book was so poorly written it reminded me of notes or an outline for a book that could be finished in the future. I'm sure the info is good, but the writing was like a stream of conscience that skipped around from one note to another and didn't follow a coherent story. It's super short and has a lot of references in the back - so if you're into the Vikings, maybe check it out for that. It's on Kindle Unlimited so you may not have to pay for it, which is a plus.
October 3, 2016
Enjoyed
Really enjoyed reading about Vikings and their way of life. Would recommend to family and friends to read. Like it.
Really enjoyed reading about Vikings and their way of life. Would recommend to family and friends to read. Like it.
February 16, 2017
More of a compilation.
Not bad, but was like bits and pieces instead of a bio or auto-bio, etc. Open to your own interpretation.
Not bad, but was like bits and pieces instead of a bio or auto-bio, etc. Open to your own interpretation.
January 14, 2017
Reads like a schoolboy's attempt at essay writing.
The work is somewhat crude and needs much more editing to be less erratic and better set out. Very informative though, and shows source research.
The work is somewhat crude and needs much more editing to be less erratic and better set out. Very informative though, and shows source research.
January 17, 2017
Solid information
4 stars because while a very interesting read I was looking for more of a story line it's such a short book I found myself looking for more.... what's great is that the author included the titles of some other texts that I may indulge with.
4 stars because while a very interesting read I was looking for more of a story line it's such a short book I found myself looking for more.... what's great is that the author included the titles of some other texts that I may indulge with.
March 26, 2021
Vikings uncertain History
Very concise and poor of details, excused by the
lack of written chronicle of the era. On the other hand gives a general, but very general, view of the times as they could be.simple and not glamorous. Like this little book.
Very concise and poor of details, excused by the
lack of written chronicle of the era. On the other hand gives a general, but very general, view of the times as they could be.simple and not glamorous. Like this little book.
November 11, 2016
short and uninformative
December 3, 2016
Great introduction to Lothbrook
I have been wanting an introduction to this character and I got it. Easy read and enjoyable. I want to read more.
I have been wanting an introduction to this character and I got it. Easy read and enjoyable. I want to read more.
July 11, 2019
Was like a series of badly written student essays. Very disappointing.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews