Vikings is inspired by the sagas about the viking Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the best-known mythological Danish (Not Norse) heroes and notorious as the scourge of England and France. It portrays Ragnar as a former farmer who rises to fame by successful raids into England with the support of his family and fellow warriors: his brother Rollo, his son Bjorn, and his wives—the shieldmaiden Lagertha and the princess Aslaug.