Gone Medieval Warrior Viking Women
Sep 10, 2024
In this discussion, Dr. Eleanor Janega, a researcher specializing in Viking history, teams up with Heather Pringle, who sheds light on the often unseen lives of Viking women. They explore the mystery behind the lavish burial of two women, revealing their possible identities as warriors and leaders. The conversation dives into women's significant roles in trade, rituals, and society, challenging the male-dominated narratives of the Viking Age. Their insights highlight the fierce independence and diverse contributions of these remarkable women throughout history.
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The Greenlandic Sorceress
- A sorceress, described in the Saga of Eric the Red, was invited to a Greenlandic farmer's house during a famine.
- Dressed in elaborate attire, she was treated with great respect and fed a meal of animal hearts before performing a ritual.
Osberg Women: Sorceresses?
- The Osberg burial contained items similar to those carried by sorceresses described in sagas, like a staff and a pouch with amulets.
- This suggests one of the Osberg women may have been a sorceress, a powerful figure in Viking society.
Women's Work in Viking Society
- Viking women played essential roles beyond raiding, including weaving sails, which required extensive labor.
- One sail alone took over 10,000 hours of a woman's work, highlighting their contribution to Viking seafaring.