History Channel’s Vikings sees many characters die in different circumstances – some in battle, others by betrayal, and some others, like Sigurd Ragnarsson, at the hands of a family member. Created by Michael Hirst, Vikings initially follows the life and adventures of legendary Norse hero Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) and his Viking brothers, from the start of the Viking Age onward. As the series progresses and more characters are introduced, the series shifts its focus to Ragnar’s sons and their journeys, with Ragnar dying in season 4.

Vikings ended in its sixth and final season, which saw Ragnar’s sons Bjorn Ironside and Ivar the Boneless pitted against one another for the future of Norway. However, it it always shocking to look back at some of the characters that met their fates probably too soon – such as Sigurd, Ragnar’s fourth son, who never made it to the final season of the popular series. Just like his father, Sigurd died in season 4, but in very different circumstances that surprised viewers and made them wonder why the writers decided to kill him off.

Why Sigurd Was Killed Off In Vikings

Sigurd & Ivar Never Had A Brotherly Relationship

Ragnar Lothbrok had five sons — Bjorn Ironside (with his first wife, Lagertha), Ube, Sigurd, Hvitserk, and Ivar Ragnarsson (with his second wife, Aslaug) – who didn’t have the most brotherly relationship. This was shown when Ivar murdered Sigurd. In season 4’s finale, titled “The Reckoning,” the brothers got together to discuss what their next plan was going to be; Bjorn wanted to raid the Mediterranean, while Ivar proposed continued raids in England.

There wasn’t a behind-the-scenes reason for Sigurd’s death — but it was important for the series’ future.

Sigurd stood up and publicly spoke against Ivar, mocking him and reminding him that the only person who ever loved him (their mother) was now gone. In a rage, Ivar threw an axe at Sigurd, who died on the spot. Unlike other characters, like Siggy, there wasn’t a behind-the-scenes reason for Sigurd’s death — but it was important for the series’ future, especially as part of Ivar’s arc. In an interview with TV Guide, Michael Hirst shared that killing Sigurd was part of Ivar’s character.

Hirst added that he doesn’t think Sigurd’s murder defined Ivar (as he has killed before without apparent reason), instead being more of a marker of his personality and actions. While some fans of the series found Sigurd’s death to be unnecessary, the truth is that it helped add to Ivar’s character, because if he can kill his own brother without even thinking about it, he can kill pretty much anyone at any given moment.

How Sigurd’s Death Played Into The Future Of Vikings

Sigurd’s Death Changed How Ivar Was Portrayed

Sigurd’s death proved that no one was untouchable and invincible in Vikings. While Ragnar’s death already set the tone in this respect, his death at least opened the door for his sons to carry on with the battle. After Sigurd’s death, however, it was clear that not even Ragnar’s sons are safe — not even from each other. It also sets up more mistrust between the brothers, because if Ivar kills Sigurd, his other brothers will always be looking over their shoulders and know they can’t trust him. It was one moment that finally drove apart Ragnar’s sons in a way his death didn’t.

While Ivar apologized for this to his other brothers, he didn’t feel bad about it, and Ubbe hated him for his lack of remorse.

Sigurd’s death also changed Ivar’s story. It showed that he didn’t even hesitate before killing his own brother. While Ivar apologized for this to his other brothers, he didn’t feel bad about it, and Ubbe hated him for his lack of remorse. This played strongly into the relationship between Ivar and Bjorn. The relationship between the brothers unraveled after Ivar killed Sigmund, and they battled for control of Kattegat after this moment. It all came to a head in Vikings season 6 when Ivar did it again, this time driving his sword right through Bjorn in mid-battle.