Vikings: 5 Reasons Ragnar Was The Best King (& 5 Ways King Ecbert Was Better)

The show Vikings saw its fair share of ambitious men and women who were hungry for power, but the Norsemen never had a king as influential and well-loved as Ragnar. Ragnar Lothbrok’s spirit lived on even after his death – that’s how impactful his rule was to his people. Other kings fade in comparison, with an exception of one, King Ecbert.

King Ecbert ruled over Wessex and Mercia and was first introduced in season 2. Even though he was technically Ragnar’s enemy, the two became quite friendly. Their philosophical conversations mark some of the best writing that the show ever delivered. As seasons progressed, the quality of writing fizzled out. They were both amazing kings, but each one had a different set of strengths.

10 Ragnar Earned It

Ragnar went from being a simple farmer to become not only a king, but one of the greatest explorers in the history of his people. He took his people or inspired them to go to Paris, British Isles, the Meditteranean, and even Iceland. Ragnar put so much effort in, that he definitely earned the position.

As soon as he became king, though, Ragnar started deteriorating. He never wanted power, he just wanted autonomy and to be free to do whatever he wants.

9 King Ecbert Was More Cunning

Both Ragnar and King Ecbert were cunning, but King Ecbert’s tactics were far more refined than Ragnar’s. It could be because Ecbert was older than Ragnar and grew up in a culture where people think before they act, whereas Ragnar was always on the move.

Ecbert famously said: “I would sup with the devil if he would show me how to achieve my earthly goals,” and this quote speaks volumes about his character.

8 Ragnar Fought His Wars

When wars were to be fought, Ragnar stood alongside his men in the frontlines. King Ecbert, however, sat in his castle and waited for the carnage to be over.

He was far removed from the realities of war, while Ragnar didn’t only participate in them, he was also a warrior without compare.

7 King Ecbert Made Use Of His Charisma

King Ecbert is one of the characters that didn’t get enough screentime. He was intelligent, open-minded, and charismatic. He used his charisma better than Ragnar and knew how to manipulate people in elegant ways.

In reality, Ecbert has done several horrific things. He sacrificed his son Aethelwulf and he destroyed Lagertha’s settlement without batting an eye. Somehow, he remained a sympathetic character, thanks to his charm.

6 Ragnar Was More Ambitious

If it was up to Ragnar, he would have sailed to China and see the entire world. He wanted to see what was beyond the horizons, while Ecbert felt content with sitting on the British Isles.

Ragnar’s story is a rags to riches story. If it wasn’t for his ambition, his people would not have become so great.

5 King Ecbert Played The Long Game Better

Ragnar had some qualities that made him unlikable. He was impulsive, aggressive, and had an addictive personality. He continuously got worse and worse, while King Ecbert remained cool and collected. Ragnar wanted to get things done fast, while Ecbert understood that big changes take time. He put his hopes into Alfred instead of trying to achieve glory all by himself.

King Ecbert passed his knowledge on to Alfred, while Ragnar’s son Ivar stayed true to being reckless and destructive every step of the way.

4 Ragnar Cared More About His People

King Ecbert couldn’t care less about the peasants he was ruling. To him, they were pawns he could use when he needed to raise armies, but he didn’t really feel any kinship towards them.

Ragnar, on the other hand, cared about his people. Even in the first episode of Vikings, it was shown that his desire to sail West was not just about him trying to satiate his curiosity, but also an attempt to raise the standard of living of his people.

3 King Ecbert Was More Educated About Ruling

King Ecbert was born a king and groomed for the role. He thought in terms of his entire kingdom and knew when to put aside his personal ambitions. He definitely also did a better job at choosing an heir than Ragnar.

King Ecbert understood politics better than Ragnar. In the world of the Norsemen, there was no such thing as diplomacy. Their bloodthirsty attitude is one of the factually correct things in the show. But Ecbert managed to do the impossible: win over Lagertha by giving her fertile soil and introducing her to the plow. No wonder she was so charmed by him.

2 Ragnar Was A Better Leader

Ragnar inspired courage, respect, and, ambition in his people. It was clear they adored him and the legacy he left behind. Even Astrid wouldn’t shut up about the legendary Ragnar and his glorious sons.

It’s hard to say whether Ecbert’s people felt sad when their ruler died. They didn’t live in symbiosis like the Vikings did.

1 King Ecbert And His Bathtub Aesthetic

Ragnar might have enjoyed the title of the king, but he barely enjoyed the lifestyle, especially when compared to hedonistic Ecbert.

Ragnar lived brutally from the start of his life to the end of it, while Ecbert found time to enjoy what his position had to offer him.

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