Vikings: 5 Worst Things Rollo did To Ragnar (& 5 Best Things He Did For Him)

The love/hate relationship between brothers Rollo and Ragnar has inspired Rollo to do some terrible things, as well as great things, to his brother.

You Are Reading :Vikings 5 Worst Things Rollo did To Ragnar (& 5 Best Things He Did For Him)

As History’s Vikings and its dynamic cast do a fine job illustrating, Viking culture is one rife with conflict and violence; not just between them and those they conquered, but amongst rival Viking factions and even siblings. This is certainly the case when it comes to the legendary Chieftan, Ragnar Lothbrok, and his brother Rollo. Both of these men would come from humble beginnings before rising to power, but through very different means, and often at the expense of one another.

This sort of love-hate relationship between the rival brothers would largely extend for much of the length of the series’ run, oscillating from moments of companionship to moments of clashing.

With that said, let’s set sail and explore 5 ways in which Rollo was faithful and helpful to his brother, as well 5 ways he was hindered or hurt by his actions; either directly or indirectly.

10 Best: Testifying In Support Of Ragnar

While it lacks the visual and narrative impact of various other events dealing with Rollo, the trial involving Ragnar’s role in the death of Earl Haraldson’s brother Knut proves to be a pivotal one, and an important moment for Lothbrok. Rollo, who has harbored some jealousy when it comes to his brother, is exploited by the Earl, as he attempts to turn him against his sibling by having him testify against him during the trial. This condemnation would have very likely meant the end of Lothbrok before most of his voyages even began.

Yet, Rollo testifies in support of Ragnar, acquitting him and saving his life in the process. Granted, it’s made rather clear that this act of kindness was motivated more by his love of Lagertha than loyalty to Ragnar, but it’s nonetheless a helpful act which benefits both Lagertha and her husband.

9 Worst: His Desire For Lagertha

Rollo makes it pretty clear that he desires to be with Lagertha, even after beginning a relationship with Siggy, the widow of Earl Haraldson. This not only makes for an uncomfortable situation for both Lagertha and her husband, but the plot thickens even further when we discover that Bjorn Ironside, who has been close to Ragnar as his supposed first-born son, may actually be the bastard son of Rollo and Lagertha.

While Bjorn rejects this revelation from his uncle, it nonetheless complicates matters and works to further fracture the relationship between Ragnar, Lagertha, and their son. Rollo attempts to essentially make this separation “official” by confessing his love for Ragnar’s ex-wife and attempting to spirit her and her son away to France, without success.

8 Best: Sailed With Him To Find New Land

While viewers would soon learn of the oscillating relationship and numerous betrayals when it comes to Ragnar’s brother, it’s ultimately Rollo, along with Floki and a small band of others, who initially support the Viking in his very first expedition to England.

In a time when the Northmen are wary of sailing the unknown seas westward, and the Earl himself had forbidden such a voyage, threatening harsh punishment to those who’d try, it’s Rollo who sets sail with him and fights alongside him. It’s at least partly by Rollo’s own hand that Ragnar eventually becomes so elevated in power and influence down the road.

7 Worst: Betraying Him By Allying With Jarl Borg

Despite Rollo’s initial loyalty, however, we quickly learn of the unpredictable and rather untrustworthy nature of his increasingly jealous brother. He soon turns against him after rival Jarl Borg tempts him to join up with him and fight against Ragnar and some of the very men he shares kinship with. This rebellion doesn’t last too long, as Rollo, Borg, and their band of fighters gets soundly defeated. Still, it comes at great cost – as he kills Arne, a loyal warrior of Ragnar’s, in addition to badly wounding Floki.

This would serve as a sort of act of foreshadowing of greater betrayals to come, and would plant the seed of doubt as to the loyalty of Rollo to his brother.

6 Best: His Role In The First Attack On Paris

Though fans know the way this battle ends – which isn’t particularly ideal for Ragnar – Rollo initially serves as one of the major driving forces and inspirational leaders in the first attempted siege on Paris. Despite the odds seemingly stacking against Lothbrok and company, Rollo acts as a strong, motivating force that carries the army forwards.

Leading the charge with Lagertha and her shield maidens, Rollo and his men fight their way through the entrance into the city and taking the initiative by lodging a large, deadly rolling spike trap into place, allowing the fighters to traverse it and likely saving quite a few lives in the process.

5 Worst: Attempting To Kill Athelstan

While Rollo has managed to be a useful companion to Ragnar – albeit a wavering one – he also stands as a key threat against another big ally to Lothbrok, the ex-Christian monk Athelstan. Ragnar’s brother makes a swift attempt on his life after meeting him, as his Christian faith makes him wary to trust him – this despite Rollo eventually making the conversion to the religion himself. On top of this, it’s Rollo who reveals that Athelstan no longer adorns the cherished armring gifted by Ragnar, which prompts Floki to kill the monk.

The death of the monk isn’t all-too ideal for Ragnar, given his usefulness in diplomacy and cultural knowledge of many of the territories which the Vikings explore and conquer.

4 Best: Training Bjorn

Despite the fact that Ragnar is ultimately the major father figure that Bjorn looks up to, Rollo – at least in the early goings – often takes a more personal role in helping his son to grow and gain knowledge. Particularly when Ragnar is consumed with greater responsibilities and influence, it is Rollo that talks with and trains the young Viking, sparring with him and preparing him for battle.

He also sets off to aid Ironside in his voyage to the Mediterranean, even after he had been crowned Duke of Normandy and had sworn his allegiance to France. Although his loyalty to his father is, shall we say, “questionable,” you’ve at least got to give him credit in his unwavering support of Bjorn, even after he’s condemned by him and dumped into the sea on their way to Spain.

3 Worst: Sending Troops To Aid Ivar

Rollo just can’t seem to help himself when it comes to stabbing Ragnar in the back, even when it comes at the expense of his love, Lagertha. It seems that just as he begins to redeem himself, he resorts to betrayals and manipulations once again. One key example of this is his meeting with Ivar and Hvitserk, before eventually sending troops from France to aid in their campaign against Lagertha and their conquest of Kattegat.

Ragnar has long since been feasting in Valhalla by this point, but his brother still finds a way to slight him…

2 Best: Defending Kattegat Against Jarl Borg

After taking part in a failed attack against his own brother in a matter of one short season, Rollo was in need of quite a bit of redemption. As it turned out, he would have his opportunity to step up and reclaim the trust of Ragnar and the people of Kattegat, against the very group he had allied with. Taking charge of a small makeshift band of fighters, Rollo took on a number of seasoned Viking warriors led by the vengeful Borg, awaiting them at the shores of Kattegat and taking the fight to them.

While they were ultimately outnumbered and forced to surrender the lands to Borg for awhile, he nonetheless fought valiantly for his brother and homeland, mounting an admirable resistance.

1 Worst: Betraying Him (Again) By Allying With France

Ragnar had earned his reputation and status as a Viking Chieftain and eventual King by winning many hard-fought battles. Yet, one of his biggest defeats came courtesy of his own brother Rollo, who commanded the trained soldiers of France and its nearly impenetrable defenses in Paris. This betrayal would make the events with Yarl Borg look inconsequential by comparison.

Rollo would not only become the driving force behind Ragnar’s biggest setbacks, but he would also essentially usurp him in power and influence, being awarded the title of Count and eventually crowned Ceaser for saving the city.

Link Source : https://screenrant.com/vikings-rollo-ragnar-worst-best/