The question of whether Leif Erikson knew Ragnar Lodbrok is intriguing, but the answer is no. Leif Erikson was a real historical figure who is credited with being the first European to set foot in North America, around the year 1000 AD. He was the son of Erik the Red, who founded the first Norse settlements in Greenland.
On the other hand, Ragnar Lodbrok is a legendary Norse figure. He is often described as a semi-mythical king and warrior, and his exploits are recounted in various sagas and tales that were written down in the centuries following his supposed lifetime. Ragnar is believed to have lived in the 9th century, which is well before Erikson’s time.
While both figures are prominent in Norse history and mythology, their timelines do not overlap, making it impossible for them to have known each other. The stories of Ragnar and his descendants, such as Bjorn Ironside and Ivar the Boneless, are part of the rich tapestry of Viking lore, while Leif’s expeditions to North America represent actual historical events.