Bragi Boddason

Bragi Boddason was a 9th century poet and skald who served in the court of numerous Norse leaders, including Ragnar Lothbrok. In the 870s, he served in the court of jarl Hjorr Halfsson.

Biography

Around 854, Bragi was one of the first people to admit that the son whom Hjorr and Ljufvina had raised until the infant died in his third winter was not theirs, but in truth had belonged to the thrall Ágáða. By 870, Bragi was one of many witnesses when Hjorr's sons Geirmund Hel-hide and Hámund Hel-hide returned barely alive from their hunting expedition. Six days after the Hel-hides returned, Bragi attended the feast welcoming jarl Guthrum and talked with Geirmund about the upcoming war in England and how one must face their fate. Before Geirmund left, the skald told Geirmund to meet him at his grandfather Half's mound.

The following day, Bragi was met by Geirmund as he set up a game for him to play. Within the game, the skald figured out the boy was going with Guthrum as he recounted Half's life to him. After speaking about Half being betrayed, he gifted a bronze seax to Geirmund as a weapon to use in the shadows. Before Geirmund left, Bragi stated his last good-bye as he intended to leave for his homeland.

Legacy

The bronze seax Bragi gave to Geirmund proved useful in two occasions, by saving him from persecution from Fasti and allowing him to win a duel against Guthrum, who was using the ring Hnituðr.

Behind the scenes

In The World of Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Journey to the North – Logs and Files of a Hidden One the Raven Clan skald Bragi is implied to be the historical Bragi Boddason due to a reference to having spent time in Ragnar Lothbrok's court. However, since Bragi Boddason had already appeared as a separate character in Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Geirmund's Saga these must be two separate individuals.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Geirmund's Saga