Ingvar Vittfarne (the Far-Travelled) was a legendary 11th-century Swedish Viking chieftain, known as a noble, brave leader who embarked on a large, ultimately tragic expedition east to "Serkland" (the land of the Saracens, near the Caspian Sea) around 1036-1041, commemorated by numerous runestones in Sweden, though his legend, detailed in Yngvars saga, blends history with fantastical elements, portraying him as a heroic but doomed explorer who died far from home.

Who He Was:
Swedish Noble: Ingvar was of royal blood, belonging to the Swedish nobility, allowing him to lead such a massive venture.
Brave Explorer: He was characterized by his adventurous spirit and leadership, setting out with a large fleet (around 30 ships).
Figure of Legend: While historical facts exist (runestones), his story was embellished in the 12th-century Yngvars saga, creating a heroic, almost mythical figure.

His Famous Expedition (The "Ingvar Expedition"):
The Goal: To travel east, seeking wealth and adventure, down the Volga River towards the Caspian Sea.
The Journey: They fought alongside the Georgians in the Battle of Sasireti in 1042 but faced many hardships.
The Tragic End: The expedition failed, with most warriors dying from disease, battle, or other misfortunes; only one ship reportedly returned.

His Legacy:
Ingvar Runestones: Over two dozen runestones in Sweden memorialize the fallen warriors, marking this as a significant, if catastrophic, event in Swedish Viking history.
Inspiration: His tale closed the great Viking Age of exploration and inspired later generations, with "Ingvarsfarare" (Ingvar-farers) becoming a term for far-seeing adventurers.