Early Life and Background
Ivar was the son of Ragnar Lodbrok, a famous Viking chieftain, and Lagertha, a legendary warrior woman. His family’s legacy was shaped by their military prowess, and Ivar’s early life was steeped in the Viking traditions of warfare and conquest. However, it is said that Ivar’s life was marked by a significant physical challenge: he was born with a condition that left him unable to walk, which led to his nickname “the Boneless.”
The nature of Ivar’s condition has been a subject of debate. Some scholars believe that he may have suffered from a disease such as osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder that causes fragile bones, while others suggest that he may have had a form of paralysis or a developmental disorder. Regardless of the specific cause, this disability did not hinder his rise to power; in fact, it seemed to fuel his desire for vengeance and power, making him one of the most notorious Viking chieftains in history.
The Viking Invasion of England
Ivar the Boneless is perhaps best known for his leadership during the Viking invasions of England, particularly in the 860s and 870s. In 865, Ivar and his brothers — including Ubbe, Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye, and Hvitserk — launched the Great Heathen Army, a massive force of Viking warriors intent on conquering the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England. The brothers’ ultimate goal was to avenge the death of their father, Ragnar Lodbrok, who had been captured and executed by King Ælla of Northumbria.
The execution of Ragnar, according to the sagas, sparked a fierce desire for revenge among his sons. Ivar’s tactical genius came to the forefront as he masterminded the invasion. The Vikings’ first major victory came at the Battle of York in 866, where the Great Heathen Army overwhelmed the forces of King Ælla, eventually capturing and executing him in a brutal manner. The saga states that Ivar ordered Ælla to be killed by the infamous “blood eagle,” a gruesome method of execution, as part of his vengeance for Ragnar's death. shutdown123