Vikings: Every Character Based On Real Historical Figures

Although only referred to as Hvitserk in the show, it is believed that his real name was Halfdan Ragnarson and that Hvitserk was a nickname meaning 'white shirt'. As in the show, he was the son of Ragnar Lothbrok and Aslaug and he was one of the commanders of the Great Heathen Army in 865 AD.

He helped gain control of York and London, but after this sources vary. Some say he continued his rule of York, while others say he went to Northern Ireland and died while raiding there. Some sources say he went to raid with the Kievan Rus. During this he was captured and legends say that when he was asked how he wanted to die, he asked to be burned at a stake made of human bodies.