Who Is Bjorn’s Real Father? Why It’s Probably Rollo (Not Ragnar)

Vikings left a couple of questions unanswered and the biggest one is about Bjorn Ironside and his father. Is it Ragnar or his brother, Rollo? Throughout its six seasons, Vikings left clues pointing at both, but it’s most likely that Rollo is Bjorn’s biological father. Vikings initially followed Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) alongside his Viking brothers, one of whom was his brother, Rollo (Clive Standen). As the series progressed, it changed its focus to Ragnar’s sons – Bjorn, Ubbe, Hvitserk, Sigurd, and Ivar – and their journeys.

Ragnar met his tragic fate in season 4 when he was thrown into a pit of snakes, and he left a big mystery behind that no character answered for sure: who is Bjorn Ironside’s real father, and is he Rollo’s son? From the very beginning, Vikings revealed Bjorn’s mother, Lagertha and his uncle, Rollo were together years before the events of the series. As the story evolved, it was hinted that Rollo could be Bjorn’s father. To keep the mystery going, Vikings dropped clues pointing both ways, but it’s more likely Rollo is Bjorn’s father.

Why Bjorn’s Real Father Is Probably Rollo

The questions about Bjorn Ironside and his father have been floating around since Vikings began, and the mystery grew despite the series’ conclusion. However, some clues point to Bjorn being Rollo’s son. As pointed out by a fan on Reddit, when Ragnar and his whole community visit Uppsala — and take Athelstan with them to sacrifice — he asks Odin to “accept this sacrifice I plan to offer you and answer me: who will bear my son?” Lagertha suffered a miscarriage, but his words seemed odd when he already had a son: Bjorn.

This made audiences believe Ragnar knew Bjorn wasn’t his biological son, though he always treated him like he was, adding more fuel to Bjorn Ironside and his father. Rollo is straightforward when it comes to his possible paternity. He confronts Lagertha and tells her Bjorn is his son, with her replying he isn’t. Rollo then talks to Bjorn and tells him the same, to which Bjorn replies that “rumors are a doubtful truth” and he considers himself Ragnar’s son. What matters is who he resembles in appearance, spirit, and principle.

In terms of narrative, it works that Rollo is Bjorn’s real father and that he considers Ragnar as his dad, as he was the one who raised him. Ragnar also sees him as one of his sons, to the point where Odin sees Bjorn when he takes a look at Ragnar’s sons. Bjorn being the son of the king’s brother while the king treats him as if he is his real child is something common in the genre. it works that Rollo is Bjorn’s biological father and answers the question about Bjorn Ironside and his parentage.

Why Bjorn Is Ragnar’s Most Likable Child (Even If He’s Rollo’s Son)

While Bjorn may technically be Rollo’s son, he is one of the most likable of Ragnar’s children. It’s obvious during the series who raised Bjorn. He’s skilled, curious, and powerful, just like his deceased father, Ragnar. Bjorn does share some of his father’s negative traits, such as being impulsive. Otherwise, he has more respect for women than Ragnar, and he doesn’t fly off the handle quite as much. The best part about Bjorn is that he took what he learned from his father and used it to mold himself into a better person.

Though he faces a lack of experience and can be too proud at times, he never refuses wise counsel and takes most advice to heart. So, no matter his biological father, Ragnar had the biggest impact on Bjorn Ironside and made him the best of all of his children. Who his father is has become something of a moot point. Ragnar is the one who had the most impact. Ultimately, both Bjorn and the viewers will decide who his real father is: the biological one, or the one who raised him and taught him everything he knows.

Related

Vikings: Bjorn’s Relationship Timeline, Season By Season

Bjorn definitely has a complicated relationship history on Vikings – and every season, there are multiple new love interests.

Has Vikings: Valhalla Shed Any Light On Bjorn’s Real Father?

Though there are many connections between Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla, the question of Bjorn Ironside and his father is never addressed in the spinoff series. This is wholly understandable. Rather than continuing the Vikings narrative by picking up where the History Channel show left off, the Netflix series speeds ahead 100 years into the future to cover the well-documented saga of the famed Viking Leif Erikson.

The themes of clashing Christian and pagan beliefs were seen in Vikings primarily through the character of Athelstan, but these are now the major backdrop that influences huge events in Valhalla. The two shows are markedly different, despite being from the same franchise. However, since the show is set so far into the future and deals with an entirely different set of issues, the question of Bjorn Ironside and his father is overshadowed by more important events.

Rather, warriors like Ragnar, Bjorn, and Lagertha are considered legendary figures of example in Valhalla and are referred to as such. If a character like Leif or Freydís brings up any of these names, it usually has to do with summoning courage or valor for the path ahead, rather than an in-depth discussion on parentage. It seems that the mystery of Bjorn’s real father is something Vikings will continue to hold close to its chest.