History Channel’s Vikings has seen many characters die in different circumstances – some in battle, others by betrayal, and some others, like Sigurd Ragnarsson, by the hands of a family member. Created by Michael Hirst, Vikings initially followed the life and adventures of legendary Norse hero Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) and his Viking brothers, from the start of the Viking Age onward.
As the series progressed and more characters were introduced, the series shifted its focus to Ragnar’s sons and their own journeys, with Ragnar dying in season 4. Vikings is now preparing for its sixth and final season, which will see Ragnar’s sons Bjorn Ironside and Ivar the Boneless pitted against one another for the future of Norway, promising as much action and blood as previous seasons. With the end fast approaching, it feels like a good time to look back at some of those characters that met their fates probably too soon – such as Sigurd, Ragnar’s fourth son.
Just like his father, Sigurd died in season 4, but in very different circumstances that surprised viewers and made them wonder why the writers decided to kill him off.
Why Sigurd Was Killed Off In Vikings
Ragnar Lothbrok had five sons – Bjorn Ironside (with his first wife, Lagertha), Ube, Sigurd, Hvitserk, and Ivar Ragnarsson (with his second wife, Aslaug) – who don’t have the most brotherly relationship. Case in point: the murder of Sigurd by Ivar. In season 4’s finale, titled “The Reckoning”, the brothers got together to discuss what their next plan was going to be; Bjorn wanted to raid the Mediterranean, while Ivar proposed continued raids in England. Sigurd stood up and publicly spoke against Ivar, mocking him and reminding him that the only person who ever loved him (their mother) was now gone. In a rage, Ivar threw an axe at Sigurd, who died on the spot.
Unlike other characters, like Siggy, there wasn’t a behind-the-scenes reason for Sigurd’s death – but it was important for the series’ future, especially as part of Ivar’s arc. In an interview with TV Guide, Michael Hirst shared that killing Sigurd was part of Ivar’s character, as he has proven from the beginning to be a very dangerous man that won’t hesitate on killing anyone. Hirst added that he doesn’t think Sigurd’s murder defined Ivar (as he has killed before without apparent reason), instead being more of a marker of his personality and actions. While some fans of the series found Sigurd’s death to be necessary, truth is that it helped add to Ivar’s character, because if he can kill his own brother without even thinking about it, he can kill pretty much anyone at any given moment.