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

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

With that said, allow's set canvas and explore v ways in which Rollo was faithful and helpful to his blood brother, as well 5 means 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 affect of various other events dealing with Rollo, the trial involving Ragnar's office in the death of Earl Haraldson'south blood brother Knut proves to be a pivotal one, and an important moment for Lothbrok. Rollo, who has harbored some jealousy when information technology comes to his blood brother, is exploited by the Earl, as he attempts to turn him confronting his sibling by having him testify against him during the trial. This condemnation would have very probable meant the end of Lothbrok before well-nigh of his voyages even began.

Yet, Rollo testifies in support of Ragnar, acquitting him and saving his life in the process. Granted, it's fabricated rather clear that this deed of kindness was motivated more than by his beloved of Lagertha than loyalty to Ragnar, but it's still a helpful human activity which benefits both Lagertha and her married man.

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 non only makes for an uncomfortable situation for both Lagertha and her husband, but the plot thickens even further when we detect that Bjorn Ironside, who has been shut to Ragnar equally his supposed get-go-built-in son, may really exist the bounder 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 honey for Ragnar's ex-wife and attempting to spirit her and her son away to France, without success.

viii Best: Sailed With Him To Notice New Land

While viewers would soon acquire of the aquiver relationship and numerous betrayals when it comes to Ragnar's brother, information technology'due south ultimately Rollo, along with Floki and a small band of others, who initially support the Viking in his very offset trek to England.

In a time when the Northmen are wary of sailing the unknown seas due west, and the Earl himself had forbidden such a voyage, threatening harsh punishment to those who'd attempt, it'due south Rollo who sets sail with him and fights alongside him. It'due south at least partly past Rollo'south own manus that Ragnar somewhen becomes so elevated in power and influence down the route.

7 Worst: Betraying Him By Allying With Jarl Borg

Despite Rollo'due south initial loyalty, however, we quickly learn of the unpredictable and rather untrustworthy nature of his increasingly jealous brother. He soon turns against him later on rival Jarl Borg tempts him to join upwardly with him and fight confronting Ragnar and some of the very men he shares kinship with. This rebellion doesn't concluding too long, equally Rollo, Borg, and their ring of fighters gets soundly defeated. Still, information technology comes at great cost - as he kills Arne, a loyal warrior of Ragnar'south, in improver to desperately wounding Floki.

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

6 Best: His Role In The Start Assail On Paris

Though fans know the way this battle ends - which isn't specially ideal for Ragnar - Rollo initially serves as 1 of the major driving forces and inspirational leaders in the outset attempted siege on Paris. Despite the odds seemingly stacking confronting Lothbrok and company, Rollo acts equally a stiff, motivating forcefulness that carries the ground forces forwards.

Leading the charge with Lagertha and her shield maidens, Rollo and his men fight their way through the archway into the metropolis and taking the initiative by lodging a big, deadly rolling spike trap into place, allowing the fighters to traverse information technology and probable 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 - admitting a wavering one - he also stands every bit a key threat against another large ally to Lothbrok, the ex-Christian monk Athelstan. Ragnar'southward blood 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 religionhimself. On top of this, it'due south Rollo who reveals that Athelstan no longer adorns the cherished armring gifted by Ragnar, which prompts Floki to impale the monk.

The death of the monk isn't all-too platonic 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 begetter figure that Bjorn looks up to, Rollo - at to the lowest degree in the early on goings - often takes a more than personal role in helping his son to grow and gain noesis. Particularly when Ragnar is consumed with greater responsibilities and influence, it is Rollo that talks with and trains the immature Viking, sparring with him and preparing him for boxing.

He also sets off to aid Ironside in his voyage to the Mediterranean, even after he had been crowned Knuckles of Normandy and had sworn his allegiance to French republic. Although his loyalty to his male parent is, shall we say, "questionable," you've at to the lowest degree got to give him credit in his unwavering support of Bjorn, even after he's condemned by him and dumped into the bounding main on their way to Kingdom of 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, fifty-fifty when it comes at the expense of his dear, Lagertha. Information technology seems that only as he begins to redeem himself, he resorts to betrayals and manipulations once again. One key example of this is his coming together with Ivar and Hvitserk, before eventually sending troops from France to aid in their campaign confronting Lagertha and their conquest of Kattegat.

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

two Best: Defending Kattegat Against Jarl Borg

Afterward taking part in a failed attack confronting his own brother in a matter of one brusk 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 however fought valiantly for his brother and homeland, mounting an beauteous resistance.

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

Ragnar had earned his reputation and status as a Viking Chieftain and eventual Rex past winning many hard-fought battles. All the same, ane 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 expose would brand the events with Yarl Borg wait inconsequential by comparing.

Rollo would not only go the driving force behind Ragnar's biggest setbacks, but he would too essentially usurp him in power and influence, being awarded the title of Count and somewhen crowned Ceaser for saving the metropolis.

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About The Writer

Stephen Lagioia (250 Articles Published)

Stephen is an gorging Nintendo, Indie, and retro gamer who dabbles in Xbox on occasion, mainly in the grade of binge sessions of Overwatch. He's a history buff, an aspiring author of short fiction, and a devout metalhead who enjoys poorly drumming along to Black Sabbath on his cheap drum fix. When his beloved Chicago Cubs or Bulls are not playing, he typically likes to watch random documentaries or campy horror films.

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