There's some debate about who the main character is in Vikings, but Ragnar Lothbrok is the most obvious choice.
Over six seasons, Vikings covered a huge chunk of time, and fans saw characters who may have appeared to be major players in season one become entirely forgotten only a few seasons later. Rollo, for example, was one of the most important characters early on, yet barely appeared at all in the final seasons (despite still being alive). Other characters were killed off surprisingly early, and big time jumps often aged up characters by many years between seasons.
Because of this, and the shifting focus of the show, it can be difficult to pin down a single central character. Ragnar Lothbrok seems like the obvious choice, but after he died in the fourth season, this definitely became a contentious debate. For many fans, though, Ragnar was still the main character, even past his death - here's why.
10 He Is The Central Figure For Season One
While things definitely get significantly more complicated as the show spreads out in later seasons, there can be very little doubt that Ragnar is the main character for the first season - and this generally establishes the protagonist for a show. It is his life, his attempt to take Kattegat, his ability to explore and first raid England, and his actions that drive the series. And while there are many other powerful characters, none of the major events of the earlier seasons would have happened without him - which set up the major events of the later seasons, too.
9 He Is The Hub Character For Most Of The Series
While there are plenty of other major characters in Vikings, Ragnar is consistently the character that others are defined in relation to. Rollo is Ragnar's brother - and is, himself, defined by a desire to step out of Ragnar's shadow. Lagertha is Ragnar's wife (although she is, of course, so much more than just that). Bjorn is Ragnar's son, and later, his other sons are collectively known as the 'Sons of Ragnar'. Even other countries, other rulers, are known as his allies or his enemies. The series as a whole simply revolves around Ragnar.
8 His Decisions Bring A Huge Theme Into The Show
One of the biggest themes in Vikings is that of faith, and questioning religious belief, and this is accomplished largely through the interactions between the Vikings and Athelstan - but Athelstan would not have been part of the narrative without Ragnar's curiosity.
In fact, Ragnar's curiosity about faith (sparked by Athelstan) consistently drives the plot. Had another Viking been the central figure, this theme would not have been part of the show, and simple raiding and exploring (and Viking politics) would have been the only focus.
7 The Series Follows Him When Characters Split...
One of the most obvious arguments for Ragnar as the main character is that while he is alive (for the most part), when characters split up, the main story usually stays with Ragnar. The series does still show occasional updates on what other characters are doing (like Rollo in France, for example), but for the most part, characters appear only when interacting with Ragnar. When Lagertha leaves Kattegat with Bjorn, fans don't see her again for years, for example. No matter what, Ragnar gets the bulk of the attention compared to other characters.
6 He Is In Every Episode (While Living)
Ragnar doesn't have the title of the character who appears in the most episodes, but this is only because of his death partway through the series. During the time of his life, every single episode involves Ragnar - something that cannot be said for anyone else. He also appears repeatedly even after his death, in flashbacks, memories, and visions.
5 He Is Ruler Of Kattegat (For Most Of His Life)
When first introduced, Ragnar is simply a farmer with big dreams, but he quickly overthrows his Earl and becomes the leader of Kattegat - a position that he keeps (in essence) until his death.
Given that Kattegat is the central location of Vikings, it stands to reason that the main character is the person who rules here - and who is the one pushing exploration, fighting wars, and making alliances.
4 Fans Consistently Root For Him
One of the hallmarks of a main character, especially in a series with so many major characters, is that the fans are consistently on his side (and when that changes, it quickly changes back again). Ragnar certainly doesn't always make the best decisions, and he can do some terrible things, but overall, he is a fan-favorite. He is written to be sympathetic, even when he is killing people or making bad choices, and this is definitely proof that he is intended as the hero of the story.
3 His Presence Is Felt Long After His Death
While the biggest argument for Ragnar not being the central character of the show is his death, there is no denying that his impact and his personal presence are felt long after that. His sons are constantly having to live up to his name, or fight to surpass him, and the people of Norway come to the call of Bjorn in part because of who is father was. In the finale, Loki has carved Ragnar's stories into the trees, bringing it to a new place. Ragnar's decisions (with Athelstan, with coming to England in the first place) are instrumental in the birth of King Alfred, and the massive changes he wrought on England. Everywhere (except perhaps Iceland and the Mediterranean), Ragnar's impact stands, right to the final episode.
2 His Sons Are Representative Of Parts Of Him
Another way in which Ragnar continues to be a central figure even after he is killed is in his sons. The storyline shifts to that of the Sons of Ragnar, and many fans have pointed out that his sons often appear to represent different sides of himself. Ubbe is the leader, and the ruler. Bjorn is the explorer. Hvitserk is the one to question faith. Ivar is his violent and manipulative side. And Sigurd doesn't get much time to reveal what aspect of Ragnar he would be, given his death, but it may be that he represents Ragnar's risk taking and lack of impulse control! His sons spend the rest of the series playing out reactions to his death and their life as Sons of Ragnar.
1 He Is A Legendary Figure
Many of the characters in Vikings are legendary figures, of course, but Ragnar is definitely one of the biggest. He's not just a legendary figure in real life history (although his story in the show is only inspired by the truth, not a direct re-telling), but he is a legend in the world of Vikings, too. He is probably the name spoken most, and with most reverence, in the entire show.
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