Judith Jesch, a leading expert in Viking history and archaeology, has been at the forefront of challenging the conventional views on Viking women. In her extensive research, Jesch has sought to answer whether Viking women could have been warriors, rather than just symbolic figures in the sagas.

Jesch's studies have brought attention to the numerous references to shieldmaidens in the sagas, but she has also pushed for a more nuanced interpretation. Her work focuses on analyzing the archaeological evidence, which has often been overlooked or misinterpreted. Jesch argues that the existence of shieldmaidens is not just myth but could be rooted in historical truth.

The Latest Archaeological Evidence

Over the past few decades, archaeological discoveries have begun to provide more concrete evidence supporting the idea of female warriors in Viking society. One of the most significant findings came in 2017, when a grave in Birka, Sweden, was reexamined. The grave had originally been thought to belong to a male warrior, but further analysis of the skeletal remains, burial goods, and DNA testing revealed that the remains were, in fact, those of a woman.

This discovery was groundbreaking, as it suggested that the woman buried in the Birka grave had not only been a warrior but also a high-ranking one. She was buried with weapons, including a sword, shield, and spear, which were typically associated with men. This evidence challenges the traditional narrative that women were excluded from fighting in Viking society. The Birka grave has since become one of the most prominent pieces of evidence in support of the notion of female warriors in Viking culture.

The Valkyrie Connection

In Norse mythology, Valkyries are supernatural beings who choose those who will live or die in battle. They are often depicted as powerful, battle-ready women who carry the souls of fallen warriors to Valhalla. The connection between Valkyries and shieldmaidens has been a topic of much debate. Some scholars believe that the Valkyrie mythology may have been inspired by real-life women who fought in battles, while others argue that the Valkyries were purely mythical figures.

Jesch’s work suggests that the concept of Valkyries may have been influenced by historical female warriors. She points out that the mythological Valkyries were often depicted as wielding swords and shields, much like the shieldmaidens of the sagas. Furthermore, the Valkyrie’s role as choosers of the slain may have been symbolic of the agency and power women could have had in Viking warfare, even if they did not fight on the front lines. shutdown123