The most legendary female viking warriors that ever lived

When you think of Vikings, what comes to mind—their legendary ferocity, dedication to honor, their massive ships, and desire to invade and claim new lands? One thing that’s almost certainly left out is the fact that several of the most legendary vikings were in fact female.

Since the majority of the most famous Vikings brought up in Norse mythology are males, the majority of people are not even aware female Vikings existed. However, female Vikings fighting on the battlefield during the Viking age is a very good historical possibility.

In fact, some research shows that a few of the most impressive Vikings of all time were females, and likewise, struck fear into the hearts of anyone who saw them, men and women alike. Here are a few of the most legendary female Viking warriors that ever lived.

Lagertha

Thanks to Saxo Grammaticus’ Gesta Danorum, we know of a legendary female Viking known as either Lagertha or Ladgerda. This incredible woman was part of a larger group of female warriors who volunteered to help renowned hero Ragnar Lothbrok avenge his grandfather's death. She rushed into battle and slaughtered countless enemies, resulting in victory.

Because of her incredible skills and surmountable bravery, Lothbrok became infatuated with her and decided to try and make her his new wife. Being the strong warrior that she was, Lagertha refused this offer and instead attempted to keep Lothbrok at bay by putting both a bear and a dog in front of her home. Unfortunately, this defense did not work because is was married to Lothbrok in the end.

Shieldmaiden

Unlike the other two entries on this list, the shieldmaidens are not one single person, but rather a group of many women. These legendary figures were a band of females that marched onto the battlefield alongside their male counterparts to participate in some of the biggest battles in Viking history.

For example, shieldmaidens are thought to have participated in both the Battle of Bråvalla as well as the Siege of Dorostolon. Although the latter of these battles resulted in the shieldmaidens losing, their bravery remains legendary.

Viking Ship - Go Viking with Fjrod Tours , Gudvangen, Norway

Freydis Eiríksdóttir

We have arguably saved the best for last, considering the fact that Freydis Eiríksdóttir has been included in numerous historical accounts, and is therefore considered the most famous female Viking warrior.

Unlike shieldmaidens and Lagertha, Eiríksdóttir took up the role of a female Viking warrior even without the help of her male counterparts. In fact, the original plan was for Eiríksdóttir to fight alongside other male Viking warriors, but once the Viking party landed on the shores of Vinland (now known as the Eastern coast of North America), they quickly retreated from the group of angry natives.

This option did not ring true to Eiríksdóttir. Instead, legends tell us that she grabbed a weapon from one of her fallen comrades, ripped open her top, and challenged the angry natives to a battle. Completely shocked and possibly even scared by this bold strategy, the natives quickly retreated and Eiríksdóttir was declared victorious.

What makes this already incredible story even more impressive is the fact that some renditions include the fact that Eiríksdóttir may have even been pregnant at the time and was suffering some health effects as a result.

There you have it; the next time you picture Vikings, you’ll imagine women warriors that were every bit as tough as their male counterparts.

Of course, there are many other examples of great female Viking warriors that once ruled over Norway. If you want to learn more about some of the bravest and most fearsome Viking women and what it was really like to be a Viking you can visit the Viking Village in Gudvangen.

Norway in winter is for vikings, of heritage or in heart. The vikings «stood out from the crowd», and Norway in winter offers you the same. It is an adventure both visual and visceral, and bound to leave you with lasting impressions of snow capped mountains and icy fjords, check our winter tours and activities here.

Travel in the footsteps of the Vikings

If you are interested in experiencing nature and landscapes where the Vikings roamed, check out one of these tours.

Norway in a Nutshell®

Norway's most popular and famous tour

Our most popular tour shows you the very best of Norway. See the stunning UNESCO-listed fjords. Ride the Bergen Railway and the Flåm Railway, two of the world's most scenic railway lines.

From 1600 NOK

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Sognefjord in a Nutshell™

A relaxing cruise on the magnificent Sognefjord

Enjoy a fjord cruise on the spectacular Sognefjord, the second longest fjord in the world. Experience two of the world’s most beautiful train rides, the Flåm Railway and Bergen Railway.

From 2205 NOK

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Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell™

Scenic Hardangerfjord and the Vøringsfossen waterfall

Discover the exceptional beauty of the Hardangerfjord, one of Norway's premier destinations, on this 2 day tour. Explore local life, visit fjord villages and experience famous waterfalls.

From 3120 NOK

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Get active like the Vikings

Vikings

Welcome to a captivating exploration of the legendary Vikings in Norway!

The history of Norwegian Vikings

Though the Vikings lived long ago, their strong legacy lives on and there’s no shortage of interest in their history and traditions. There are plenty of ways for interested travellers to experience Viking life and traditions in modern Norway. For history buffs and families with kids, a trip to Norway is a fantastic way to explore Viking history – all over the country, you’ll find museums, tours, Viking villages and more just waiting to be discovered.

Viking villages in Norway

It’s no secret that there’s a strong Viking history in Norway. Even though the Viking era came to an end during the 11th century, the legacy of Vikings lives on. For those interested in learning more about Viking history, culture and tradition, there are several attractions ranging from museums and historical sites to Viking villages that bring history to life and give you a sense of stepping back in time to the Viking Age.

Viking Travels

Many tourists who travel to Norway are eager to learn more about the history of the Vikings. And, we can’t blame them. The Vikings were fascinating, complex people. Although they are primarily known as fierce warriors, they also engaged in trade and transport across much of Europe and built incredibly advanced ships that fascinate historians to this day. Here is some of what we know about how and where the Vikings traveled during the late 8th to the 11th century.

Medieval Viking feasts

A feast is a huge celebratory dinner with everything served in abundance. The Vikings were famed for their glutinous indulgence of food and habit of eagerly drinking beer or mead wine with every meal.

Learn more about the Vikings