‘Vikings’: Why Bjorn Ironside Was Always Ragnar Lothbrok’s Favorite Son

The hit series Vikings is full of Ragnar Lothbrok’s (Travis Fimmel) sons. Although he originally has five sons, Bjorn Ironside (Alexander Ludwig) is arguably his favorite. It’s clear in the way he interacts with him over his other brothers. Read on to learn more about their relationship and what makes it so special.

Ragnar Lothbrok’s favorite son

Bjorn is Ragnar’s first son and definitely his favorite. His mother, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), is Ragnar’s first wife and the love of his life. They only divorce when Ragnar cheats on Lagertha and refuses to turn the other woman away since she’s pregnant.

Bjorn goes with his mother instead of staying with his father, and it’s one of the hardest moments of Ragnar’s life. He cries as they both leave him, and although he ends up having four more sons after Bjorn, none seem to fill the void left by Bjorn and his mother.

Bjorn Ironside helps his father

Bjorn seals the deal of being the favorite son when he helps bring much-needed warriors to help Ragnar take back Kattegat from Jarl Borg. Ragnar is more than glad to see him and he recognizes his son immediately. Their bond is so strong that the years fade between them like nothing. Father and son are together again and from here on, Bjorn chooses to live with his father and his new brothers.

Ragnar and Bjorn fight side by side many times

Ragnar and Bjorn fight together many times in battle. It brings them even closer as father and son. Ragnar even gives Bjorn the nickname “Ironside” when none of the enemies’ blades can pierce him.

Bjorn usually does what his father wants, even if reluctantly. He follows his father’s advice during the first siege of Paris. His father tells only Bjorn his plan to take the city, and Bjorn helps execute it beautifully. Their bond is so strong that Bjorn may question his father, but he’ll usually end up doing what’s required of him.

When Ragnar returns after years away, he asks Bjorn to go with him to Wessex

Ragnar returns after many years of being away after the second attempt to raid Paris fails miserably. He returns and asks all of his sons to go to Wessex with him, but he especially wants Bjorn there. However, for the first time in his life, Bjorn has other plans to make a name for himself on his own. Bjorn does give his father ships so he can sail back to Wessex, but he doesn’t go with him. Ragnar asks all of his sons, and Ivar is the only one who accompanies his father.

Bjorn and Ragnar always shared an undeniable connection as father and son. Bjorn was always the closest to him since they’d fought in battle together so many times and lived a good portion of their lives together. Bjorn will always be the favorite son of Ragnar Lothbrok. He inherited many traits from his father, both good and bad. Vikings wouldn’t be the same without their bond.