Vikings Cast: Who Is Rollo, Is Rollo Based On A Real Person?

Vikings: Duke Rollo RETURNS in thrilling trailer for season 5B

Vikings season six, part B is coming soon to Amazon Prime Video and the History channel. Fans of the show are curious to know more about Rollo, who was played by Council of Dads star, Clive Standen. Express.co.uk has everything you need to know.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Who is Rollo?

In Vikings, Rollo was a fearless warrior and the Duke of Normandy.

He was the husband of the Frankish princess Gisla (played by Morgane Polanski) and the older brother of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel).

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

In the early seasons of Viking, he accompanied his younger brother Ragnar to Anglo-Saxon England on several occasions.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

At the end of season one, he was even baptised as a Christian as part of a Viking deal with King Aelle of Northumbria (Ivan Kaye).

READ MORE Vikings season 6: Rollo tipped for shock return by clue

Clive Standen (Image: AMAZON)

Clive Standen played Rollo in Vikings (Image: AMAZON PRIME)

• Vikings plot twist: Did Ragnar Lothbrok think Bjorn was Rollo's son?

Ragnar and Rollo have a strained relationship, and Rollo was left heartbroken after Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) chose to marry Ragnar over him.

As a result, he betrayed Ragnar’s trust several times, leading to a violent and bloody face off in season two.

For example, Rollo joined forces with Jarl Borg (Thorbjørn Harr) to fight against King Horik (Donal Francis Logue) and his own brother.

However, when Ragnar and Rollo came face to face, Rollo surrendered to his brother and was taken captive to be judged by the men of Kattegat for his betrayal.

Rollo was last seen in Vikings season five finale titled Ragnarok.

As he prepared to leave Kattegat, he revealed to Bjorn Ironside (Alexader Ludwig) that he was his father, not Ragnar.

Rollo is based on the real Rollo, Duke of Normandy (Image: AMAZON PRIME)

Is Rollo based on a real person?

Yes, Rollo Sigurdsson is loosely based on a real historical figure.

Vikings creator Michael Hirst based the character on Rollo, Duke of Normandy and Count of Rouen.

Rollo was a Scandinavian Viking who became the first ruler of Normandy in 911.

He became the first ruler following the Siege of Chartres in 911, when Charles the Simple, the king of West Francia, ceded land which is recognised as present-day Rouen, to Rollo and the Vikings.

DON'T MISS...Vikings plot twist: Did Ragnar Lothbrok think Bjorn was Rollo's son? [PLOT]Vikings plot hole: Fans uncover major Rollo mistake [PLOT HOLE]Vikings season 6: What happened to Rollo in Vikings?   [RECAP]

• Vikings: Who is Clive Standen? Will he return for season 6 part B?
• Vikings plot hole: Massive Floki and Rollo mistake

It is unknown if Rollo will return to Vikings season 6, part B (Image: AMAZON PRIME)

Charles the Simple conceded the guarantee that the Rollo would end his raids on Normandy and provide the Franks with protection against future Viking invasions.

Rollo was married to Poppa of Bayeux and his descendants and followers became known as the Normans.

He reigned until 928 and was succeeded by his son William Longsword.

In reality, Rollo was not the brother of Ragnar Lothbrok or the father of Bjorn Ironside.

However, 10th-century Norman historian Dudo records that Rollo was baptised as portrayed in the Viking series.

Review, gossip and upcoming show releases plus selected offers and competition Subscribe Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

• Vikings Valhalla: Will show feature Vikings characters?
• Vikings season 6: Will Floki return in part B? Soundtrack reveals clue

• Vikings theory: Did Aslaug plan her own death? Fans reveal clue

Speaking to the Huffington Post, Clive Standen said: “My character Rollo is based on a real life Viking, the great-great-grandfather of William the Conqueror.

“He’s the dark horse, a sociopath, narcissistic, hedonistic, born to fight and not afraid of death.

"My younger brother Ragnar, a warrior and a farmer is played by Travis Fimmel.

“They are complete opposites. Ragnar is more together and has a beautiful family.

“Rollo is jealous of him at times. Though Rollo is capable of greatness, he’s deeply lonely and unhappy.

“People can’t read him well and don’t trust him, he’s a bit dead behind the eyes.”

Vikings is streaming on Amazon Prime now.

Vikings (TV show) Amazon Prime Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments Most Read Most Commented Forget Line of Duty - these 10 'masterpiece' crime dramas are on Netflix now Death in Paradise shares sad news as BBC series removed from schedule again 'British version of Power' from producer 50 Cent coming to Sky this year 'Bingeworthy' sci-fi thriller fans can't stop watching now streaming on Netflix 'One of the best' crime dramas fans have branded 'a masterpiece' now streaming on Netflix BBC Antiques Roadshow star issues cancer update as she issues plea Emmerdale fans 'can't believe' Lucy Pargeter's real age as Chas star celebrates birthday Vera's Brenda Blethyn admits 'getting rid of stuff' in candid mortality admission 'Sensational' drama with huge 'plot twist' is coming to Netflix Netflix Bridgerton fans floored as stars unrecognisable in forgotten BBC roles Ruth Langsford issues heartbreaking four-word admission on Eamonn Holmes' split King Charles' heartbreaking 'three-word Harry statement' after move left him 'hurt' ITV confirms 'amazing' detective drama will replace The Lady as series ends Yvette Cooper shut down by GMB's Susanna Reid in brutal three-word takedown Netflix series deemed 'best ever made' is so good viewers keep rewatching it 'Best show ever' that has fans 'reliving my twenties' is the perfect Netflix binge Yellowstone's Luke Grimes shares devastating reaction to Monica's fate in Marshals BBC Breakfast host issues tragic death announcement live on air BBC star flooded with support as he confirms future of 'brutal' show Keir Starmer torn apart live on TalkTV with brutal three-word takedown Keir Starmer slammed by GMB star in tense Iran debate as they rage: 'Bad call' BBC Breakfast paused for breaking news alert - and it's bad news for Trump GB News halted for breaking announcement - and it's bad news for Keir Starmer GMB halts for 'history-making' breaking announcement as WW3 fears erupt 'I work on Silent Witness and I know what Emilia Fox and David Cave are really like' GB News halts for major breaking Iran update as Keir Starmer left embarrassed Call the Midwife fans predict epic spin-off as exit confirmed for show legend Jeremy Clarkson's 'wild' game show blunder leaves ITV viewers in stitches Jeremy Clarkson shuts down WWTBAM player with brutal 'no effort' swipe BBC Countryfile host says ‘I’m ashamed to admit it’ as she makes candid confession Latest videos O2 customers set to get ‘major mobile upgrade’ Windows 10 decline continues as Microsoft finally gets its wish Pole wielding maniac who forced pedestrians to run for their lives is jailed One million Brits issued 1-day HMRC tax warning - ‘face additional costs’ Live-event 'Knifeman' filmed at high-rise flat window in siege at UK city as two people 'stabbed'

Daily Express uses notifications to keep you updated

Keep me updated No thanks