Assassin's Creed: Valhalla - 10 Real-Life Viking Legends Who Should Appear

Nobody knows for certain how Eric Bloodaxe gained his nickname but it seems a safe bet to say it wasn't a reference to his gentle nature or cheerful disposition. The most likely explanation is that it refers to his brutal victory over the dozen brothers and half-brothers who contested the Norwegian kingship with him after their father, Harald Fairhair, died.

He was renowned as a sea-raider and pirate from the age of twelve, attacking the coasts of Denmark, Germany, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Russia. In later life, he became king of Northumbria and feuded with the legendary Egil Skallagrimsson before dying, probably through treachery or assassination (take heed, Ubisoft mission designers!) in 954.