Legendary Viking Warrior and Son of Ragnar Lothbrok
Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye (Sigurðr ormr í auga) was a legendary Viking warrior, a son of the famous Ragnar Lothbrok and Aslaug. He was known for his warrior spirit, leadership, and role in the Great Heathen Army, which sought vengeance for Ragnar’s death.
Why Was He Called “Snake-in-the-Eye”?
According to legend, Sigurd was born with a unique mark in his eye, resembling the shape of a coiled snake.
This “serpent in the eye” was seen as a sign of greatness and divine favour, possibly linking him to Norse mythology.
Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye’s Role in the Great Heathen Army
Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye played a key role in the Great Heathen Army, the massive Viking invasion force that stormed England in 865 AD to avenge the death of Ragnar Lothbrok. Alongside his famous brothers, Sigurd helped carve out Viking territory in Anglo-Saxon England, changing history forever.
Avenging Ragnar Lothbrok
After their father, Ragnar Lothbrok, was executed by King Ælla of Northumbria, Sigurd and his brothers Ivar the Boneless, Ubba, and Hvitserk swore revenge.
They gathered a massive Viking force, known as the Great Heathen Army, and sailed to England in 865 AD.
The Invasion of England
The Great Heathen Army landed in East Anglia and quickly overpowered the local rulers, demanding tribute and supplies.
In 866 AD, they seized York (Jorvik), a strategic stronghold in Northumbria.
In 867 AD, Sigurd and his brothers defeated King Ælla, capturing him and subjecting him to the Blood Eagle, a brutal Viking execution method.
Sigurd’s Leadership and Rule
After securing Northumbria, Sigurd and his brothers continued to expand their control over England.
While Ivar led the army deeper into Anglo-Saxon lands, Sigurd and his brother Bjorn Ironside returned to Denmark, where they ruled as kings.
His marriage to Blaeja, King Ælla’s daughter, symbolized the merging of Viking and Anglo-Saxon bloodlines.
Sigurd’s Rule and Marriage
After the conquest of parts of England, Sigurd is said to have ruled over Denmark alongside his brother Bjorn Ironside.
Some sources claim he married Blaeja, the daughter of King Ælla, uniting Viking and Anglo-Saxon bloodlines.
His descendants were believed to be part of the early Danish royal lineage, linking him to later kings of Denmark.
Sigurd is a major figure in the Norse sagas, including the Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok and Gesta Danorum by Saxo Grammaticus.
His name and legend lived on through later Viking rulers, especially in Denmark and Norway.
In modern pop culture, he has been portrayed in shows like Vikings, adding to his legendary status.
