# The most famous Vikings in history

From the saga hero Ragnar Lothbrok to Leif Erikson, who reached America 500 years before Columbus, and Harald Hardrada, the last Viking king: the most famous Vikings, both historical and half-legendary. Who is the greatest?

- 4 votes · 15 items
- Aug 11, 2024 · Jakob Nilsen
- https://even.best/en/l/3500/the-most-famous-vikings-in-history

## Top 15

1. **Ivar the Boneless** (1 · ▲1 ▼0) — He led the Great Heathen Army into England.
2. **Leif Erikson** (1 · ▲1 ▼0) — He reached North America some 500 years before Columbus.
3. **Freydís Eiríksdóttir** (1 · ▲1 ▼0) — Erik the Red's daughter, who also went to Vinland.
4. **Ragnar Lothbrok** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — The 9th-century saga hero; whether he existed is debated.
5. **Björn Ironside** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — According to the sagas a son of Ragnar and a great sea-king.
6. **Rollo** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — Given land by the French king, he founded Normandy.
7. **Erik the Red** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — The first to settle Greenland, around 985.
8. **Hastein** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — Famous for cunning: he faked his death to get into a town.
9. **Harald Fairhair** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — The first king of a united Norway.
10. **Sweyn Forkbeard** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — He conquered England and was crowned in 1013.
11. **Cnut the Great** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — He ruled England, Denmark and Norway.
12. **Olaf Tryggvason** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — The Norwegian king who Christianised the country.
13. **Eric Bloodaxe** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — King of Norway and later king in York.
14. **Harald Hardrada** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — The last Viking king, killed at Stamford Bridge in 1066.
15. **Harald Bluetooth** (-1 · ▲0 ▼1) — He made Denmark Christian; Bluetooth is named after him.

How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.