37 Ivar the Boneless Quotes: Insights from the Notorious Viking Warlord

The Vikings remain a fascinating part of human history. The combination of their spirituality and brutal culture still inspires people to learn more about them. Discover more by reading 37 quotes by the historically-based character Ivar the Boneless.

Ivar the Boneless from the History Channel "Vikings" is based on the historically unforgettable Viking leader who is said to be the son of Ragnar Lodbrok. He was born handicapped, but this did not stop him from becoming one of the most notorious Viking warlords.

His talents as a war strategist and warrior came to light when King Aelle, king of Northumbria, England, at that time, murdered his father. As a response, in 866 AD, Ivar captured York and convinced disgruntled locals to join him in a fight against the king.

This clash lasted over a decade, but when Ivar finally captured his father's killer, he tortured him to death using Viking traditions. Read 37 quotes from the character based on this man below.

A picture of Ivar the Boneless with his quote “…we declare war on the whole world."┃Source: youtube.com/PrimeVideoUK

Ivar the Boneless Quotes on War, Fighting, and Peace

"In the name of Ragnar Lothbrok, the greatest hero of our country and in the name of Odin, we declare war." — Ivar the Boneless

"The gods abandoned you a long time ago, my brother. There is no way you can win." — Ivar the Boneless

"Peace is a dirty word." — Ivar the Boneless

"Who says you would kill me?" — Ivar the Boneless

A picture of Ivar the Boneless with his quote: "Peace is a dirty word."┃Source: youtube.com/PrimeVideoUK

"So that's all? I wasn't sure I thought you had more of a Christian care for your poor warriors." — Ivar the Boneless

“You can’t kill me.” — Ivar The Boneless

"I agree, so I propose for your sake that we end this battle now and make peace. Exchange our suggestions. Negotiate in good faith and live to fight another day. What do you say?" — Ivar The Boneless

"Alfred, you're outnumbered." — Ivar The Boneless

A picture of Ivar the Boneless with his quote: "I wish I wasn't so angry all the time."┃Source: youtube.com/PrimeVideoUK

"Alright, don't fight me then. I don't care, just as long as you know that one day, I will kill you...Your fate is fixed." — Ivar The Boneless

"Are we afraid of death? No! We do not intend to die in our beds as old men. Victory is all the better when it is hard won!" — Ivar The Boneless

"When our father took me to England and was imprisoned by King Ecbert, I played chess with Prince Alfred. Now I would like to play chess with him again, only this time, on the battlefield.” — Ivar The Boneless

“…we declare war on the whole world." — Ivar the Boneless

"I understand everything perfectly. You murdered my mother in cold blood. I want revenge. I challenge you to single combat." — Ivar the Boneless

A picture of Ivar the Boneless with his quote: “The mind is a far better warrior than the sword.”┃Source: youtube.com/PrimeVideoUK

"Forward, my brothers. Forward! Foward! Forward!" — Ivar the Boneless

“I might break a bone, but I can never break a promise. I can never forgive her for killing our mother, so how can you? Of course I am going to kill her.” – Ivar The Boneless

“The mind is a far better warrior than the sword.” — Ivar the Boneless

Ivar the Boneless Quotes on Valhalla, Gods, and Religion

“My fellow gods, at last, allowed me to see my fate." — Ivar the Boneless

A picture of Ivar the Boneless with his quote: "If you are fated, it doesn’t matter if you choose or not."┃Source: youtube.com/PrimeVideoUK

“Reclaim your birthright! Be like the gods, and reach for Valhalla.” — Ivar the Boneless

"If you are fated, it doesn’t matter if you choose or not. You simply have the illusion of being free to choose."— Ivar the Boneless

Ivar the Boneless Quotes about Himself and His Own Life

“I'm not human at all.” — Ivar The Boneless

"I wish I wasn't so angry all the time." — Ivar the Boneless

"All of my brothers are against me. Now I know I’m the Chosen One." — Ivar the Boneless

A picture of Ivar the Boneless with his quote: “I'm not human at all.”┃Source: youtube.com/PrimeVideoUK

“My father was worth more than gold and silver. That is not the price you must pay .” — Ivar The Boneless

"You two have to understand that it is harder for me to share and to stake my claim. I truly want to be your equal, but in order for me to do so, I have to do better than you. I have to make you forget that I’m a cripple." — Ivar the Boneless

"In time, the name of Ragnar Lothbrok will fade and be forgotten. No one will ever forget Ivar the Boneless.” — Ivar the Boneless

Ivar the Boneless Wise Quotes

“Hatred must never take the place of love.” — Ivar the Boneless

“What is it about the word ‘king’ that makes even reasonable people behave like idiots?” — Ivar the Boneless

A picture of Ivar the Boneless with his quote: “Hatred must never take the place of love.”┃Source: youtube.com/PrimeVideoUK

"We never really change; we just think that we do." — Ivar the Boneless

More Ivar the Boneless Quotes

"Don't touch me coward."— Ivar the Boneless

"Do you know who I am?" — Ivar The Boneless

A picture of Ivar the Boneless with his quote: "We never really change; we just think that we do."┃Source: youtube.com/PrimeVideoUK

"You can't refuse." — Ivar The Boneless

"...unless there is still something left for us to do together, there is, and this is it." — Ivar the Boneless

"You taught me how to play the game." — Ivar the Boneless

A picture of Ivar the Boneless with his quote: “Valhalla awaits us!” ┃Source: youtube.com/PrimeVideoUK

When it comes to whether the "Vikings" series is historically accurate, it appears that, for the most part, it does stick to the facts, although, of course, some of it is inaccurate as a means of entertainment.

The historical figure in this series, Ivar the Boneless, is played by Alex Høgh Andersen with the rest of the "Vikings" cast, inclusive of Travis Fimmel as Ivar's father, Ragnar Lothbrok, Gustaf Skarsgård as Floki, a close friend of Lothbrok and Katheryn Winnick as Lagertha who is mythologised to have been the wife of Lothbrok.

To jump deeper into the entertainment world of the Vikings, read these 53 quotes from "Vinland Saga."