Studies in Ragnars Saga Lodbokar and its Major Scandinavian Analogues by Rory McTurk, part of the Medium Aevum Monographs New Series XV, offers an in-depth scholarly examination of the Ragnars saga loðbrókar (Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok) and its related Scandinavian traditions. McTurk analyzes the historical and legendary aspects of Ragnar Lothbrok, a figure blending historical Viking leaders with mythological heroism. The book explores the origins of the name Loðbrók, the heroic biographical patterns that define Ragnar and his sons, and the relationship between Ragnar and his wife Aslaug as depicted in ballads and legends.

McTurk investigates the saga's development and its cultural significance, drawing on various sources, including ballads, legends, and sagas, to trace Ragnar’s influence on Scandinavian literary and cultural traditions. The study also addresses how myth and history intertwine in these stories, creating a legacy that has influenced both medieval and modern perceptions of the Viking Age.

This critical study is essential for scholars of Old Norse literature, Viking history, and medieval studies. McTurk’s detailed exploration of the saga’s themes, structure, and historical context provides valuable insights into the narrative’s enduring appeal and its role in shaping Scandinavian identity and heroism.