What Did Vikings Call Female Warriors: Terms and Myths
Have you ever wondered what the Vikings called female warriors? It’s one of those questions that feels both surprising and fascinating.
We often picture Viking men sailing the seas or charging into battle, but women played a much bigger role than many of us realize.
I want to take you into their world, where sagas, myths, and archaeology all give us pieces of the puzzle.
You’ll learn the Old Norse term used for female fighters, how myths shaped their image, and what evidence says about their place in Viking life.
By the end, you’ll see how these women became lasting figures in both history and legend.
What Did Vikings Call Female Warriors
The Old Norse word for a female warrior was skjaldmær, often translated as shieldmaiden. It referred to women who, in stories and poems, fought beside men on the battlefield. These accounts show respect for their bravery but also highlight that such women were rare.
Terms in Myth and Legend
- Shieldmaiden vs. Valkyrie: Shieldmaidens were described as mortal women, while Valkyries were supernatural beings who chose warriors for Valhalla.
- Overlap in stories: Later writers often blurred the line, creating a mix of history and myth.
- Saga characters: Several figures, like Lagertha, were portrayed with qualities of both.
Myths Surrounding Female Viking Warriors
Sagas and folklore shaped much of what we know about female warriors. Since many accounts were written centuries later, legend is often mixed with fact. A side-by-side view helps show the difference.
| Myth | Reality / Context |
|---|---|
| Shieldmaidens were common in battle. | Most sagas were written long after and blend truth with story. |
| Lagertha and Brynhildr were proven warriors. | Their fame comes mainly from legend, not confirmed history. |
| Women always fought beside men. | Myths reflected cultural values of courage and leadership. |
Looking at both sides shows how stories shaped Viking ideals, even if the history was less certain.
Evidence from Archaeology and History
- Birka warrior grave: Found in Sweden, this burial included weapons and horses. DNA analysis revealed the remains were female, sparking debate about her role.
- Other graves: Some women were buried with weapons, though scholars disagree if this proves they fought.
- Byzantine accounts: Chroniclers reported women among the fallen in battles against Norse raiders, suggesting some did take part in warfare.
Legendary Figures in Norse Tradition
Norse stories remember women who showed courage, leadership, and influence. Some were real, others legendary, but all left their mark on Viking culture.
Lagertha
Mentioned by Saxo Grammaticus in Gesta Danorum, Lagertha is described as a shieldmaiden who fought alongside Ragnar Lothbrok. She played a decisive role in battles, leading troops with skill and courage.
Some versions even credit her with turning the tide of a major conflict. Her story blends legend with possible truth, showing how female strength was admired in Norse tradition.
Freydís Eiríksdóttir
The daughter of Erik the Red and half-sister to Leif Erikson, Freydís appears in the Vinland sagas. She is remembered for her fierce defiance during expeditions to North America.
One tale describes her grabbing a sword from a fallen warrior, striking her chest, and charging enemies until they retreated. Her boldness and sometimes ruthless actions made her one of the most striking women in Viking lore.
Aud the Deep-Minded
Also called Unn, Aud became a leader after losing her husband and son. She commissioned ships, gathered her household, and led voyages across the sea.
Arriving in Iceland, she distributed land among her followers and secured her family’s place in society. Known for wisdom and authority, she was also one of the region’s early Christian figures. Her legacy shows how women could hold real power in settlement and politics.
Brynhildr
Brynhildr, a Valkyrie figure from the Volsunga Saga, stands out in Norse legend for her wisdom, fighting ability, and tragic fate.
She is portrayed as both a warrior and a woman bound by loyalty, love, and betrayal. Her story reflects themes of honor and destiny, common in saga literature. Although mythic, Brynhildr became a symbol of strength and the cost of power.
Roles of Viking Women Beyond Battle
Even without weapons, Viking women had authority and influence.
- Managed households and farms
- Controlled property and inheritance
- Took part in trade and managed wealth
- Helped build alliances through marriage and family ties
How the Image of Female Viking Warriors Lives On
Media influence: Modern TV shows, novels, and films have brought shieldmaidens back into the spotlight. Characters inspired by figures like Lagertha or Valkyries shape how many people picture Viking women today.
That lasting influence on culture is even evident in the night sky. For example, the star name Bellatrix, which carries the meaning of female warrior, reminds us how language and imagery of strength continue across time.
Living history: Museums, reenactments, and Viking villages across Scandinavia give visitors a chance to step into the past. From ship replicas to longhouse feasts, these places keep traditions visible and memorable.
Symbolism today: Shieldmaidens and Valkyries have become lasting symbols of strength, courage, and independence. They continue to inspire art, literature, and even modern discussions about women in leadership and society.
Wrapping up
So, what did Vikings call female warriors? The answer is skjaldmær, or shieldmaiden. You’ve seen how sagas, myths, and archaeology all come together to give us a clearer view of these women.
Some stories may lean more on legend, while others show us glimpses of history that feel closer to real life.
I think what stands out most is how these stories remind us that strength and leadership weren’t only tied to men in Viking society. That’s something you and I can still take meaning from today.
If you enjoyed learning about this topic, check out more of my blog posts for helpful history and cultural insights.
