What Are Viking Ladies Called?
It’s a common misconception that only men could be Vikings, as highlighted by Judith Jesch in "Women in the Viking Age." Traditionally, the term "vikingar" referred to Scandinavian men who sailed their longboats to distant lands like Britain and North America from A.D. 800-1100.
Yet, these Vikings were more than just warriors; they were also astute traders who founded cities such as Dublin and influenced countless local cultures. Their ventures weren’t solely acts of conquest—they created enduring trade links and cultural exchanges.
Recent findings, however, have transformed our understanding of these Norse expeditions. Contrary to earlier beliefs that men traveled alone due to a lack of suitable partners, studies from around 2014 using mitochondrial DNA have shown that Viking women traveled alongside men. Especially in places like Iceland, these women were indispensable, helping to populate and establish new communities. Their involvement was crucial for the Viking age's migration and assimilation successes.
What was everyday life like for women in the Viking era? Find out how they thrived!
In the Viking Age, society was largely male-dominated with men typically engaging in hunting, trading, and warfare, while women managed the home, including cooking and childcare. However, archaeological discoveries reveal that men were typically buried with weapons and tools, while women's graves often contained household items, needlework, and jewelry, illustrating their distinct societal roles.
Yet, Viking women enjoyed significant autonomy and rights. They could own property, initiate divorces, and reclaim dowries, demonstrating their influential roles within their families and communities. Marriages were arranged, but women often had a say in these matters and could even publicly declare a divorce at home with witnesses present, highlighting their empowered positions in society.
Women in Viking Age Scandinavia didn't just manage the household; they were the backbone of their homes, especially when their husbands were away or deceased. They took charge, running farms and businesses, a responsibility often symbolized by the keys they were buried with, indicating their authority and management prowess.
Some women, like the Oseberg "queen" and Aud the Deep-Minded, reached remarkable heights of status and influence. The Oseberg "queen" was honored with a magnificent ship burial, while Aud, after losing her husband and son, led her family to Iceland and became a key figure in establishing the new colony, showcasing the leadership roles women could assume.
The existence of shieldmaidens, though debated, is supported by historical accounts, suggesting that women sometimes fought bravely alongside men. This notion, combined with the societal freedoms they enjoyed, paints a picture of Viking women as both nurturers and protectors of their families, capable of rising to the occasion when threats loomed. Such narratives not only challenge our understanding of their roles but also highlight the dynamic and pivotal contributions of women in Viking society.
Frequently Asked Question: Women in Viking Society
Q: How were Viking children raised and educated?
A: Viking children were trained in the skills needed for daily life from a young age. Boys learned to farm, hunt, and fight, while girls were taught domestic skills such as cooking, weaving, and managing a household. Education often included storytelling, which was crucial for passing down cultural values and history.
Q: What religious beliefs did Viking women hold?
A: Viking women, like men, practiced Norse paganism. They worshipped a pantheon of gods and goddesses, including Freyja, the goddess of love and fertility, and Frigg, the wife of Odin, who was associated with wisdom and foresight. Religious rituals and beliefs played a significant role in their daily lives and seasonal celebrations.
Q: Were there any notable Viking women in leadership roles outside of Scandinavia?
A: Yes, several Viking women held significant power and influence beyond Scandinavia. For example, Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir traveled extensively across the North Atlantic and was involved in early expeditions to North America. She is remembered as a pioneer among the Norse settlers in Greenland and North America.
Q: How did Viking women contribute to trade and economy?
A: Viking women were active participants in trade, both locally and across trade routes established by their communities. They were involved in crafting goods such as textiles, pottery, and jewelry, which were important trade items. In many cases, they managed trade transactions, especially when their male relatives were away on voyages.
A: Viking women had the right to bring grievances before the local assemblies, known as Things, where legal disputes were settled. They could claim compensation for injuries or injustices, and widows could act as family heads, making legal decisions affecting their household and property. This level of legal autonomy was relatively progressive for the time and indicates the significant role women played in Viking society.