10 Best Vikings Deaths

No other Vikings death was quite so satisfying as King Ælle's.

Not only was he a blithering self-obsessed oath, clinging to his alliance with King Ecbert, but he was a constant thorn in Ragnar's side throughout the show. Often spouting distasteful remarks about the Danes even when fighting on the same side, Ælle had no love for the would-be neighbours across the pond.

The hatred first started after Ragnar defeated him multiple times upon the Viking's first ventures into England, killing Ælle's brother in the process.

In a sign of good faith between Ecbert and Ragnar, King Ælle was offered as a temporary prisoner to ensure an injured Rollo's return following a near-fatal injury. While Ælle believes himself a cunning and powerful ruler, he is often a mere pawn for Ecbert's plans.

Even when Ragnar is handed to him, the King fails to see the bigger picture and instead rejoices in killing his former Viking foe. He would not realise his mistake until Ragnar's sons come seeking revenge for their father's death sometime later.

To honour their father's memory, the Ragnarsons decide to blood eagle King Ælle mere feet away from where Ragnar was buried. In an extra show of disdain, the boys hang his corpse high in the position of Christ overlooking the snake pit.