Yes, Ragnar Lothbrok’s sons were indeed killed, and their deaths are significant in both history and the popular portrayal of Viking lore. According to the sagas, after Ragnar’s demise, his sons sought revenge against King Ælla of Northumbria, who was responsible for their father’s death. They launched an expedition to England, where they confronted Ælla. In the ensuing battle, they captured the king.
In an act of brutal vengeance, Ælla was executed by being thrown into a pit of snakes, a violent end that underscored the brutal nature of Viking retribution. However, the saga also speaks of other sons of Ragnar, like Bjorn Ironside and Ivar the Boneless, who had their own stories of conquests and battles across Europe.
The tales of Ragnar’s sons highlight not only the legacy of their father but also the fierce warrior culture of the Vikings. Their battles and fates became a part of the larger narrative of Viking history, often characterized by themes of honor, revenge, and the struggle for power.