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Curriculum/Norse Sagas/Ragnar Lodbrok: Death and Vengeance
Norse SagasGrade 7dialectic Stage

Ragnar Lodbrok: Death and Vengeance

Ragnar raids England but is captured by King Ella and thrown into a pit of serpents. As he dies, he laughs and sings his death-song, prophesying that his sons will avenge him: "How the young pigs would grunt if they knew what the old boar suffers!" His sons invade England, capture Ella, and execute him by the blood-eagle. Vengeance is complete.

The Text

What You'll Learn

1

Comprehension

Notes that Ragnar raided England and was captured by King Ella

2

Cause & Consequence

Explains why Ragnar faced death with defiance: Viking honor, certainty of vengeance

3

Meaning

Takes a position on whether facing death with defiance is admirable

4

Evidence

Cites a specific passage (the death-song, the prophecy, the vengeance)

5

Defense

Maintains or thoughtfully revises their position under challenge

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  • 1.Read the text carefully
  • 2.Answer the tutor's questions in your own words
  • 3.Progress through each stage as you demonstrate understanding
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