‘Vikings’: Why Ubbe Gives Wise Advice About Ivar

Vikings is known for the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel). They don’t always get along and it usually seems to end badly for someone. Ubbe (Jordan Patrick Smith) once gave some very wise advice to some people who try to underestimate his brother Ivar the Boneless (Alex Høgh Andersen). Read on to learn more about why that information is so critical. There are spoilers ahead for Vikings.

People underestimate Ivar the Boneless

Since Ivar was a child, he’s been looked down on. His own father tries to abandon him in the wilderness, but luckily his mother saves him from certain death. Obviously with an upbringing like this, it’s no wonder he’s so angry. His father didn’t care about him and his mother had her own issues as well. It led to an angry adult bent on self-destruction or the destruction of everyone else.

Everyone gathers in Kattegat

After the sons of Ragnar learn that their father has been killed in England, they set about seeking revenge. Everyone from the Viking world seems to descend on Kattegat to help get revenge for the death of the legend and king known as Ragnar Lothbrok.

Ivar isn’t yet respected at this time, but he will be. He proves himself a capable general and leader in the Great Heathen Army. But before the Vikings arrive in England to get revenge, everyone gathers around to introduce themselves and get warm.

Ubbe welcomes some new faces

The first set of warriors ready to fight arrive in Kattegat. Numerous jarls and earls gather since the largest army ever assembled in their world is about to be on the move.

“My friends, welcome to Kattegat,” Ubbe says to some men sitting around the fire.

“And, who might you be?” a man asks.

“My name is Ubbe,” he says in response.

The man stands and says, “Forgive me, Ubbe. If I’d known, I’d never have been so rude. Your father was a great hero. Perhaps the greatest hero of our race. And that is why we’ve answered your summons and come to avenge his death.”

Ubbe gives advice about Ivar

Another man nearby starts laughing when he sees Ivar and asks who he is. “His name is Ivar and he’s my brother, so I suggest you stop laughing at him right now,” Ubbe tells him. “Instead if you want to stay alive, I would learn to respect and fear him. That would be my advice.” Ubbe takes the man’s drink and hands it to his brother Ivar.

Ivar is always underestimated, but he uses it to his advantage. He’s the most cunning of all of Ragnar’s sons. He has the mind of a tactician and he isn’t afraid to use it. If he could just learn to control his anger, he could seriously have an even greater destiny ahead of him.

Ivar may be underestimated, but at least his brothers have learned to “respect and fear him” just the same.