10 Most Famous Viking Queens & Warriors in History

1. Lagertha – Legendary Viking Shieldmaiden
2. Queen Gunnhild – The Witch Queen
3. Queen Thyra – Danish Queen and Peace Weaver
4. Freydis Eiriksdottir – The Fearless Explorer
5. Hervor – The Valkyrie Warrior
6. Aud the Deep-Minded – The Wealthy and Wise Queen
7. Gudrid Thorbjarnardottir – The Explorer and Pilgrim
8. Brynhildr – The Shieldmaiden of Legend
9. Thora Borgarhjort – The Daughter of a King
10. Skadi – The Goddess and Huntress

The Viking Age, lasting from the late 8th century to the mid-11th century, was a period of great expansion, exploration, and warfare for the Vikings. During this time, the Norse people became renowned for their raiding, trading, and colonization activities across Europe, and beyond. While Viking men were often the ones leading these expeditions, Viking women played an essential role in their society, as well. This article will explore some of the most famous Viking queens and female warriors who left their mark on history.

The sound of clanging metal, the heat of the forge, and the strength of the arm swinging the hammer. These are the images that come to mind when we think of the Viking Age, a time of great exploration and warfare. But there is more to this era than just battles and raids.

Behind the scenes, there were powerful women who played crucial roles in shaping Viking society. These were the Viking queens and female warriors, whose stories are often overlooked but are no less significant.

List of Famous Viking Queens

1. Lagertha – Legendary Viking Shieldmaiden

One of the most famous Viking queens and warriors is Lagertha, a legendary shieldmaiden who was said to have fought alongside her husband in battles. Her story has been immortalized in the Vikings television series, and she is known for her fierce and independent spirit. While the historical accuracy of Lagertha’s existence is uncertain, her legend has inspired many women to take up arms and fight.

Attribute	Information
Name	Lagertha
Historical Basis	Legendary figure in Norse sagas and Viking lore
Warrior Status	Skilled shieldmaiden and formidable warrior
Notable Achievements	Courageous leadership in Viking battles
Legacy	Symbol of female empowerment in Viking history

2. Queen Gunnhild – The Witch Queen

Queen Gunnhild was a powerful queen who ruled over Norway in the late 10th century. She was known for her beauty, intelligence, and cunning, as well as her reputation as a powerful sorceress.

She was married to Eirik Bloodaxe, a famous Viking warrior and king, and they ruled together until his death. Gunnhild was later exiled to Orkney, where she lived out her days.

Attribute	Information
Name	Queen Gunnhild
Historical Basis	Influential queen involved in political intrigues and court affairs married to Eric Bloodaxe
Political Power	Influential queen involved in political intrigues and court affairs, married to Eric Bloodaxe
Family Ties	Mother to notable historical figures, including Harald II of Norway and Svein Forkbeard
Historical Period	Lived during the 10th century, a turbulent time in Norse history marked by political and religious changes

3. Queen Thyra – Danish Queen and Peace Weaver

Queen Thyra was the wife of King Gorm the Old of Denmark and the mother of Harald Bluetooth, the first Christian king of Denmark. She was known for her beauty, wisdom, and diplomatic skills.

Queen Thyra played an essential role in promoting peace and stability in Denmark by weaving peace treaties between rival factions. She was also instrumental in establishing the first Christian church in Denmark.

Attribute	Information
Name	Queen Thyra Dannebod
Historical Basis	Historical figure in Danish history, notably during the Viking Age
Warrior Status	While she may not be primarily known as a warrior, Queen Thyra is associated with a period of Danish history that involved conflicts and military activities. Her role in such events is often contextualized within the broader historical narrative.
Notable Achievements	Known for her political influence and contributions to the construction of the Danevirke, a defensive wall on the southern border of Denmark. Her accomplishments extend beyond the battlefield, encompassing diplomacy and nation-building efforts.
Marriage	Queen Thyra was married to Gorm the Old, the first historically recognized king of Denmark. Their union is significant in Danish royal history.
Cultural Impact	Her legacy is intertwined with the establishment of the Danish monarchy and her contributions to the defense of the realm. Queen Thyra’s historical significance makes her an important figure in Danish cultural memory.

4. Freydis Eiriksdottir – The Fearless Explorer

Freydis Eiriksdottir was the daughter of Erik the Red, the famous Viking explorer who discovered Greenland. Freydis was known for her bravery and adventurous spirit, as well as her role in exploring the New World.

She accompanied her husband on a journey to Vinland, where they established a Viking settlement. Freydis was also known for her ruthless and violent nature, which earned her a reputation as a fearsome warrior.

Attribute	Information
Name	Freydis Eiriksdottir
Historical Basis	Legendary figure in Norse sagas
Warrior Status	Renowned warrior, known for bravery and martial prowess, actively participated in Viking expeditions and battles.
Vinland Expedition	Played a significant role in the Viking exploration of Vinland, demonstrating resourcefulness and courage in defending the settlement.
Family Ties	Daughter of Erik the Red, sister to Leif Erikson, and part of a notable Norse explorer and settler family.

5. Hervor – The Valkyrie Warrior

Hervor was a legendary Viking warrior who was said to have been descended from the god Odin. She was known for her strength, skill, and bravery in battle.

Hervor was said to have discovered her father’s sword, which was believed to have magical powers. She went on to become a famous warrior, leading her own band of warriors and fighting in several battles.

Attribute	Information
Name	Hervör the Bold
Historical Basis	Legendary figure in Old Norse sagas
Warrior Status	Noted as a courageous and skilled warrior queen, often depicted leading her troops into battle.
Sword Legend	Hervör is famous for retrieving the magical sword Tyrfing from her father’s burial mound, a weapon associated with great power and tragedy. The sword played a significant role in her saga.
Family Connections	Daughter of Angantyr, a legendary warrior. Her lineage is often traced through various sagas, contributing to her status as a heroic figure in Viking lore.
Legacy	Hervör’s character has become a symbol of female strength and courage in Norse mythology. Her saga, Hervarar saga ok Heiðreks, has contributed to her enduring legacy in Viking culture.

6. Aud the Deep-Minded – The Wealthy and Wise Queen

Aud the Deep-Minded was a wealthy and powerful queen who was known for her intelligence, wisdom, and generosity. She was married to a Viking chieftain and ruled over her lands after his death. Aud was also known for her ability to mediate disputes and establish peaceful relationships between rival clans.

She eventually moved to Iceland, where she helped establish the first Parliament, and her descendants went on to become some of the most influential figures in Icelandic history.

Attribute	Information
Name	Aud the Deep-Minded, The Wealthy and Wise Queen
Historical Basis	Legendary figure in Old Norse sagas
Warrior Status	Recognized as a wise and influential queen, known for her leadership qualities. While not primarily a warrior, she displayed strategic acumen and diplomatic skill.
Settlement in Iceland	Fled to Iceland after her husband’s death and played a key role in establishing settlements, contributing to the early Norse colonization of Iceland.
Family Connections	Mother of Thorstein the Red and grandmother of Olaf the White and Thorstein the Leper. Her family played significant roles in Viking history.
Legacy	Aud’s legacy is marked by her contributions to the settlement of Iceland and her reputation for wisdom and wealth. Her character exemplifies the resilience and leadership of Viking women.

7. Gudrid Thorbjarnardottir – The Explorer and Pilgrim

Gudrid Thorbjarnardottir was a Viking explorer who traveled to Vinland and established a settlement there. She was also one of the first European women to give birth in North America.

After her husband’s death, Gudrid traveled to Rome and became a Christian pilgrim. She later returned to Iceland, where she lived out her days as a respected member of society.

Attribute	Information
Name	Gudrid Thorbjarnardottir
Historical Basis	Historical figure in Icelandic sagas
Explorer Status	Accompanied husband Thorfinn Karlsefni on a Viking expedition to Vinland
Notable Achievements	Played a crucial role in establishing a Viking settlement in North America
Religious Conversion	Converted to Christianity, showcasing cultural and religious dynamics of Vikings
Family Connections	Married to Thorfinn Karlsefni, a prominent Norse explorer

8. Brynhildr – The Shieldmaiden of Legend

Brynhildr was a legendary Viking shieldmaiden who was said to have been one of the most skilled warriors of her time. She was known for her beauty and her skill in battle, and her story has been immortalized in the Volsunga Saga.

Brynhildr was said to have been betrayed by the man she loved, and her tragic story has become a symbol of the power and resilience of Viking women.

Attribute	Information
Name	Brynhildr
Mythological Basis	Legendary figure in Old Norse mythology
Warrior Status	Renowned as a powerful shieldmaiden and warrior queen
Notable Stories	Central character in the Volsunga Saga and Poetic Edda
Love and Tragedy	Involved in tragic love stories, including her relationship with Sigurd (Siegfried) and her eventual downfall
Symbolism	Brynhildr is often seen as a symbol of strength, love, and tragic destiny in Norse mythology
Legacy	Her character and stories have left a lasting impact on Norse literature and cultural traditions

9. Thora Borgarhjort – The Daughter of a King

Thora Borgarhjort was the daughter of a Norwegian king and the wife of the Danish king, Harald Bluetooth. She was known for her beauty and intelligence, and she played an important role in promoting peace and stability between Norway and Denmark.

Thora was also a skilled diplomat and mediator, and she was respected by both her husband and her father.

Attribute	Information
Name	Thora Borgarhjort
Mythological Basis	Legendary figure in Old Norse sagas
Royal Connections	Wife of King Gorm the Old, the first historically recognized king of Denmark, and mother to King Harald Bluetooth
Historical Context	Active during the 10th century, a crucial period in the formation of the early Scandinavian kingdoms
Maternal Legacy	Mother to Harald Bluetooth, who unified Denmark and Norway and played a crucial role in the Christianization of Scandinavia
Cultural Significance	Thora Borgarhjort is remembered as an important figure in the genealogy and founding myths of early Scandinavian monarchies

10. Skadi – The Goddess and Huntress

Skadi was a Norse goddess of winter, hunting, and skiing. She was known for her fierce and independent spirit, as well as her skill as a hunter.

Skadi was also associated with mountains and was said to have skied down them on her shield. Her story has become a symbol of the power and resilience of Viking women.

Attribute	Information
Name	Skadi
Mythological Basis	Goddess in Norse mythology
Realm and Domain	Associated with winter, mountains, hunting, and skiing
Family Connections	Daughter of the giant Thiazi and later married to the Aesir god Njord, highlighting the mixing of divine and giant bloodlines in Norse mythology
Role in Mythology	Notable for seeking vengeance for the death of her father and participating in the negotiation for compensation, which led to her marriage with Njord
Symbolism	Represents the wild and untamed forces of nature, embodying the harshness of winter and the wilderness
Cultural Significance	Skadi’s stories highlight the importance of balancing the natural world and the divine, showcasing the complex relationships in Norse mythology

Conclusion

The Viking Age was a period of great exploration, expansion, and warfare, and Viking women played an essential role in their society. From legendary shieldmaidens and queens to explorers and goddesses, Viking women left their mark on history. They were skilled in crafts, commerce, and diplomacy, and they were not confined to domestic activities. They were also fierce warriors and adventurers, and their stories continue to inspire women today.

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