19th-century artist’s impression of Ælla of Northumbria’s execution of Ragnar Lodbrok
Early Viking raids into the British Isles were coastal attacks against undefended monasteries. These monasteries were filled with gold objects and other valuable goods that were stolen.
There are lots of stories told about Ragnar from different sources.
According to Viking legend the Anglo-Saxon King of Northumbria, Aelle, successfully defeated a Viking raiding force (raiding was to come and steal resources) in around 860 AD.
The Viking leader, Ragnar Lodbrok, was killed by being thrown into a pit full of venomous snakes.
Another History is Possible 