Legend has it that the Viking Ragnar Lothbrok met his end when he was thrown into a pit of venomous snakes. Said to have ruled parts of Denmark and Sweden in the 9th century, his story is passed down through Norse sagas. He is reputed to be the father of sons like Ivar the Boneless and Ubba, who later led the Great Heathen Army to avenge his death. While his existence remains unconfirmed by historical records, his tale may be a synthesis of legends about several Viking heroes. | The History Page