Young Ragnar, the vibrant and often reckless son of Ragnar Lothbrok and a pivotal character in The Last Kingdom, meets his tragic end in Season 5, Episode 9. His death, a consequence of treachery and ambition, marks a significant turning point in the series, impacting numerous characters and shaping the final battles for the unification of England.
The Shocking Demise of Ragnar
Ragnar’s death isn’t a grand battlefield sacrifice; it’s a quiet, insidious betrayal orchestrated by his own brother, Sihtric. While initially motivated by love for Brida and a desire to protect her, Sihtric is manipulated by Brida into believing Ragnar’s death is the only way to break the curse Brida feels plagues their family line. He arranges for Ragnar to be killed in his sleep, thus preventing him from entering Valhalla. This act of fratricide shatters Uhtred’s world, especially given his close bond with both Ragnar and Sihtric. The sequence is powerful, emphasizing the vulnerability of even the most skilled warriors when faced with treachery within their own ranks. The ripple effects of this event are felt deeply throughout the rest of the season.
FAQ: Unpacking the Tragedy of Young Ragnar
Here are some frequently asked questions that provide further insight into Ragnar’s death and its significance in The Last Kingdom:
Who Ordered Ragnar’s Assassination?
While Sihtric physically carries out the deed, the primary instigator behind Ragnar’s assassination is Brida. Driven by hatred for Christians and fueled by the belief that Ragnar is cursed, she manipulates Sihtric into believing that killing him is the only way to save their family. Her influence over Sihtric is significant, exploiting his affection for her and his fear of the perceived curse.
Why Was Sihtric Convinced to Kill His Own Brother?
Sihtric is torn between his loyalty to Uhtred and his love for Brida. Brida, using her manipulative skills and playing on Sihtric’s insecurities, convinces him that Ragnar is cursed and that his death is necessary to prevent further suffering. She also presents the argument that a clean death, while brutal, is kinder than the perceived prolonged torment the gods would inflict upon him.
How Does Uhtred React to Ragnar’s Death?
Uhtred is devastated by Ragnar’s death. He viewed Ragnar as a brother and a close ally. The betrayal cuts deep, creating a rift between him and Sihtric. While Uhtred ultimately understands Sihtric’s motivations, the pain and loss linger. This event further strengthens Uhtred’s resolve to unite England and create a peaceful realm where such betrayals are less likely.
What Impact Does Ragnar’s Death Have on the Danes?
Ragnar’s death weakens the Danish presence in Northumbria and weakens support for Brida’s violent and hateful actions. While some Danes still support her crusade against the Christians, many are disheartened by the internal conflict and the loss of a respected leader. It exposes a division within the Danish ranks, contributing to their eventual defeat.
How Does Ragnar’s Death Affect Aethelflaed?
Aethelflaed, the Lady of Mercia, sees Ragnar’s death as a strategic opportunity. It weakens the Danes and removes a potential threat to her kingdom. While she doesn’t celebrate his death, she recognizes its political advantage in her ongoing efforts to unify England.
Does Ragnar’s Death Influence Uhtred’s Decision to Claim Bebbanburg?
While the death of Ragnar is not the sole catalyst, it certainly contributes to Uhtred’s decision to finally reclaim his ancestral home, Bebbanburg. With Ragnar gone, and the Danish threat diminished, Uhtred feels more compelled to focus on his personal legacy and secure his birthright. It reinforces his determination to define his own path and protect his own people.
What Happens to Brida After Ragnar’s Death?
Brida continues her reign of terror, driven by her hatred of Christians and her desire for revenge. However, her increasingly erratic behavior and brutal tactics alienate her remaining followers. She eventually faces Uhtred in a final confrontation, where she is ultimately defeated and killed. Her obsession with vengeance ultimately leads to her downfall.
Why Couldn’t Ragnar Die a Warrior’s Death?
The key to entering Valhalla was to die valiantly in battle, wielding a weapon, securing a place amongst the honored dead. Brida made sure that Ragnar died in his sleep. Because of this, Ragnar was unable to travel to Valhalla in accordance with the Danes’ customs.
What is the Significance of preventing someone from reaching Valhalla?
Preventing someone from reaching Valhalla was considered a grave injustice in the Viking culture. It condemned the deceased to wander aimlessly in the afterlife, denied the honor and recognition they deserved. This act of sabotage was a way of ensuring Ragnar’s suffering would continue even in death.
Did Brida ever regret her actions regarding Ragnar’s death?
There’s no explicit indication that Brida ever genuinely regrets her role in Ragnar’s death. Her hatred and desire for vengeance are so deeply ingrained that they cloud her judgment and prevent her from acknowledging the wrongfulness of her actions. She remained steadfast in her conviction that she was acting in the best interests of her people and her beliefs, regardless of the human cost.
How Did Ragnar and Uhtred’s Relationship change in the series?
Initially, Ragnar and Uhtred were akin to brothers, growing up together under the foster care of Ragnar the Elder. Over time, they experienced conflicts of loyalty and ambition as adults. Ultimately their bond remained intact. Their relationship served as one of the central emotional pillars of the series, highlighting the complexities of cultural identity, loyalty, and found family.
Were there any historical figures in the series related to Ragnar?
While The Last Kingdom is based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories, which incorporates historical events and figures, the Ragnar of the books and series is a fictionalized character. The historical Ragnar Lothbrok is a legendary Viking figure whose existence is debated by historians. Cornwell uses the general Viking milieu and some historical events as a backdrop for his fictional narrative.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Loss and Lessons
Ragnar’s death is a devastating blow, not just to the characters within The Last Kingdom, but also to the audience who had grown attached to his charismatic and sometimes reckless personality. His demise serves as a harsh reminder of the brutal realities of the time period, where treachery and betrayal could strike even from within one’s own family. It underscores the cyclical nature of violence and the heavy cost of ambition, leaving a lasting impact on the remaining characters as they navigate the final stages of the struggle for England’s future. It also serves to propel the narrative forward, forcing Uhtred to confront his own destiny and fight for the peace he so desperately desires. Ragnar’s legacy, ultimately, is one of loss, but also a powerful reminder of the importance of loyalty, honor, and the enduring bonds of brotherhood, even in the face of unimaginable hardship.