10 Best TV Redemption Arcs Of All Time

This son of Ragnar and former King of Kattegat was a pure example of how misplaced anger and power can corrupt, but also a perfect depiction of what being disabled in the harsh and savage world of early Scandinavia could do to a person.

Ivar was a character who always made viewers feel conflicted, as they felt empathy for his vulnerability but were equal parts terrified of his sociopathic tendencies and violent outbursts.

Ivar's height of villainy came after he took control of Kattegat and announced himself as both king and a god. He did some awful things, and while many of them seemed unforgivable, viewers still found themselves drawn to him, thanks to his passion for fame and overcoming of his physical boundaries.

Then season six came along and threw not only Kattegat into disarray but Ivar too. As he journeyed to Rus and made friends with the young prince Igor, it seemed not only that he was mellowing out but that fans were seeing a sweeter and more paternal side to him.

Eventually, this caused a significant shift in the vengeful man. The once arrogant and terrifying tyrant was now a well rounded and confident Viking. His evil deeds seemed to result from his family legacy, disability, and temperament, but he learned to control this and take agency in his story.