Ragnar

Ragnar is devoted, protective, cautious, and intensely paternal toward Canute. He does not treat the prince merely as a political charge; years spent raising him have created a relationship much closer to that of father and son. Any insult directed at Canute can provoke Ragnar immediately.

That devotion also contributes to Canute's dependence. Ragnar habitually shields him from danger, difficult decisions, and hostile people, believing that preserving the prince's life is more important than developing the qualities expected of a Viking leader.

Ragnar understands the deadly politics surrounding the Danish succession and is suspicious of anyone who might exploit Canute. His fear is not unfounded: the prince's position makes him a potential rival to his older brother and therefore a political liability to powerful people around King Sweyn.

Ragnar is an experienced retainer familiar with warfare, command, political negotiation, and the practical dangers surrounding a royal household.

He carries weapons and accompanies Canute through active military campaigns, but the story does not portray him as an exceptional duelist comparable to warriors such as Thorkell or Thorfinn.

His greatest strengths are experience and political awareness. Ragnar understands Canute's precarious position within the royal family and repeatedly tries to keep him away from circumstances that could be used to eliminate him.

Ragnar accompanies Canute during the Danish campaign in England and remains beside him when Thorkell's forces capture the prince. After Askeladd's band takes custody of Canute, Ragnar becomes increasingly distrustful of the mercenary commander.

Askeladd considers Ragnar's constant protection one of the main reasons Canute remains politically and psychologically dependent.

Askeladd secretly arranges Ragnar's assassination, calculating that Canute cannot become an independent leader while his surrogate father continues shielding him. Mortally wounded, Ragnar spends his final moments worrying about the prince and asks Askeladd to protect him.

Ragnar's death becomes one of the events forcing Canute to confront his dependence, his father's political hostility, and his own beliefs. His absence profoundly shapes the transformation that follows.

Canute is the person Ragnar has raised and protected for most of his life. Their bond resembles that of a father and son more than an ordinary prince-retainer relationship.

Gunnar is Ragnar's younger brother and later serves within Canute's court.

Askeladd distrusts Ragnar's influence over Canute and arranges his assassination as part of his attempt to force the prince toward independence.

Sweyn is Canute's father and the king whose succession politics Ragnar recognizes as a major danger to the prince.

Thorkell captures Canute and Ragnar during his campaign on the English side.