Ragnar's father, Torvald, is the chieftain in the small village where Ragnar grew 
up. Although he is not a particularly imposing physical specimen, he has a sharp 
mind and cunning wit. No one has challenged his position as chieftain because 
a) he actually comes up with good ideas and b) no one wants to anger his 
devoted wife, Brynnhylde.

The word "formidable" falls short in describing Brynnhylde. She may not be able 
to out-fight or out-drink every man in the village, but no one has dared to say 
different. No one can explain exactly what she sees in Torvald, but no one 
argues the fact that they love each other greatly. Some folks tell how, when 
hearing a man make disparaging comments regarding Torvald, she picked up the 
offender, shook him like a rat, and tossed him in the lake, all the while being 
seven months pregnant with her second child.

Ragnar showed the potential to inherit some of her mother's physical prowess as 
well as his father's sharp mind. As he grew, he became enamored with the 
stories told of his ancestors, of the mighty tasks they wrought and far-off places 
they visited. One of the villagers, Bjorn Skarlson, had actually come originally 
from one of the Norse villages in the west, and had told young Ragnar many 
tales of the lands beyond the rolling hills and plains around his home. He grew 
disenchanted with the future presented before him, raising livestock and fat 
babies.

So, when the time came, he announced to his family that he would venture forth 
into Aldrinar to seek his fortune, perhaps even reach the settlements in the 
Devron Isles, where Vikings still plied the seas. While his mother was less than 
enthused at the idea, Torvald recognized the will and spirit in his son, and gave 
his permission.

Equipped with a modest assemblage of clothing, weapons, and supplies, he 
headed off in search of passage to the Devron Isles. He traveled over sea and 
over land, but hasn't reached his goal yet. The latest leg of his journey was spent 
as a guard in a caravan headed for Northpoint. That's where he met and 
befriended Veskar.