Gesta Danorum vs Sagas: How Saxo Shaped Ragnar

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the influence of Saxo Grammaticus's 12th-century 'Gesta Danorum' on the Ragnar Lothbrok legend. They compare Saxo's rationalized, pro-Danish version with the later Icelandic 'Ragnars saga loðbrókar' and poems like 'Krákumál'. The discussion covers Saxo's depiction of Ragnar as a descendant of the Danish king Skiold, his framing of Ragnar's raids as legitimate expansion, and the episode of the giant bear that guards Thora Borgarhjort. They also examine how Saxo's account of Ragnar's death—killed by the English king Ælla after a failed invasion—differs from the saga's version where Ragnar dies in a snake pit. The conversation touches on Saxo's use of oral traditions and his political context under King Valdemar I, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of how medieval historians shaped Viking history for their own purposes. Tune in to uncover the layers of legend and history behind one of the most famous Viking figures.

#GestaDanorum #SaxoGrammaticus #RagnarLothbrok #VikingSagas #RagnarsSaga #KrKumL #MedievalHistoriography #12thCentury #Denmark #Iceland #ThoraBorgarhjort #KingAelle #BearEpisode #OralTradition #ValdemarI #VikingHistory #History #FexingoHistory #VikingAge #NorseSagas

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