Ubbe Ragnarsson was a legendary Viking warrior and chieftain, believed to be one of the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok. He played a key role in the Great Heathen Army, the Viking force that invaded Anglo-Saxon England in the late 9th century.
Ubbe Ragnarsson’s Background
Father: Ragnar Lothbrok, the legendary Viking hero and king.
Mother: Likely Aslaug, though some sources suggest another wife or concubine.
Brothers: His famous brothers included Ivar the Boneless, Björn Ironside, Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye, and Hvitserk, all of whom played significant roles in Viking conquests.
Role in the Great Heathen Army
Around 865 AD, Ubbe joined his brothers Ivar the Boneless and Halfdan Ragnarsson in leading the Great Heathen Army to avenge Ragnar’s death at the hands of King Ælla of Northumbria.
The army sacked major Anglo-Saxon cities, including York (Jorvik) in 866 AD.
Ubbe played a strategic role in battles, including raids across Mercia, East Anglia, and Wessex.
Ubbe’s Fate
Some sources suggest he died in battle in Devon around 878 AD, possibly at the Battle of Cynwit, where he fought against the Anglo-Saxons led by Odda of Devon.
Other accounts claim he survived and continued raiding, though details remain uncertain.
Legacy
Ubbe Ragnarsson is remembered as a fierce Viking warrior, an important leader of the Great Heathen Army, and a key figure in the Viking invasions of England.
He is sometimes associated with Ubba, a Viking leader recorded in English sources, though historical accuracy is debated.
The historical records on Ubbe Ragnarsson’s family are limited, but based on sagas and medieval sources, here’s what we know or can infer about his possible family connections:
Parents
Father: Ragnar Lothbrok – The legendary Viking warrior-king known for his raids across England and Francia.
Mother: Likely Aslaug (according to the sagas), though some accounts suggest another wife or concubine of Ragnar.
Siblings
Ubbe was one of the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok, often grouped with his famous brothers:
Ivar the Boneless – The strategic mastermind and leader of the Great Heathen Army.
Björn Ironside – A legendary Viking raider and king of Sweden.
Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye – A Danish king and reputed ancestor of later Scandinavian royalty.
Hvitserk (possibly Halfdan Ragnarsson) – Another Viking warrior, known for his violent fate.
Wife & Children
There are no definitive records or sagas mentioning Ubbe Ragnarsson’s wife or children. Since Viking leaders often had families, it’s possible he had a wife and offspring, but they are not well-documented in historical or legendary sources.
Possible Descendants
Some theories suggest that Viking warriors in Ireland or Northumbria may have been descended from Ubbe, but there is no strong evidence.
If he had children, they likely would have been warriors or rulers in the Viking world, but no names are recorded.
Unlike some of his brothers, Ubbe’s personal life and family are not well detailed in the sagas, as he is mostly known for his role in the Great Heathen Army and Viking conquests.
