Did Paris Ever Fall to the Vikings?

Historical Accuracy in The Vikings

The series 'Vikings' produced by The History Channel has been celebrated for its vivid depictions of the Viking Age. However, when it comes to the specific siege of Paris, the show's portrayal requires a closer examination to evaluate its historical accuracy. The series depicts the Vikings laying siege to Paris, an event that has sparked interest and controversy among historians. In fact, the siege of Paris as depicted in The Vikings is the only aspect of the show that is more or less accurate from a historical standpoint.

The Siege of Paris in the 9th Century

845 AD Siege

The siege of Paris in 845 AD is the most notable event that both The Vikings and historical records acknowledge. In this siege, led by the legendary Viking chieftain Ragnar Lodbrok, the Vikings successfully captured and plundered the city. Despite their initial success, they did not establish permanent control over Paris. However, it is crucial to note that Ragnar Lodbrok, one of the central figures in the series, is a character based on myth and folklore rather than historical records. The show blends history with fiction, making it essential to distinguish between the real events and the dramatized narrative.

885–886 AD Siege

The second siege of Paris, lasting nearly a year from 885 to 886 AD, was also a significant event in the city's history. This siege is mentioned as an accurate historical occurrence. Despite the Vikings' efforts, Paris was ultimately defended successfully. Count Odo of Paris, who later became King of Western Francia, played a crucial leadership role in defending the city. The Vikings withdrew after a failed assault and the arrival of reinforcements for the defenders. This event clearly aligns with historical accounts, providing a notable contrast to the more fictionalized aspects of The Vikings.

Siege Events in the Series vs. Historical Records

While the series accurately portrays the sieges of Paris in 845 and 885–886 AD, it deviates from historical facts in other aspects. For instance, the character of Rollo in The Vikings is based on historical figures. Rollo did become the first Duke of Normandy and fought against further Viking raids in France after reaching an agreement with the French king. However, the character of Rollo is not the same as historical figures, as he was not Rollo's brother and was likely born around 846 and died in 931 CE. This means he was 65 years old when he ruled Normandy, which aligns with the historical timeline. Additionally, other Viking raids on Paris in 857 and 911 are less known but widely acknowledged by historical accounts.

Challenging the Notion of Viking Occupation

Contrary to the impression given by the series, Paris did not fall to the Vikings on a permanent basis. The Vikings, while successful in capturing and plundering the city during their raids, did not establish long-term control over Paris. The notion that the city was under Viking occupation for an extended period is a misconception that the series perpetuates. This underscores the importance of distinguishing between dramatic storytelling and historical facts. The successful defense of Paris by leaders like Count Odo highlights the resilience and strategic capabilities of Frankish leaders during these tumultuous times.

Takeaways

While The Vikings provides an engaging and visually stunning reimagining of the Viking Age, it is essential to separate the dramatized elements from the historical facts. The depiction of the sieges of Paris in 845 and 885–886 AD is an accurate portrayal of historical events. However, other aspects, such as the identities of key characters, reflect the fusion of history and fiction that the series often employs. Understanding the historical context of these events allows viewers to appreciate both the series and the rich historical record of the Viking Age.