The Most Famous Shield Maiden, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the Shield Maiden you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 17, 2024 08:21

In the tapestry of history, the tales of shield maidens, those fierce warrior women from ancient legends, have often been overshadowed by their male counterparts. Yet, their stories of bravery, strategy, and skill on the battlefield are equally captivating and inspiring. By ranking these remarkable women, we honor their contributions to history and give them the recognition they deserve. This ranking not only shines a light on the legendary acts of shield maidens but also sparks curiosity and engagement among history enthusiasts. As users cast their votes, they breathe life into the ancient sagas, making it a dynamic reflection of public admiration and interest. Your votes help determine who stands out as the most illustrious warrior woman in history.

Who Is the Most Famous Shield Maiden?

1

66
votes

Lagertha

Lagertha is a legendary Viking warrior and the most famous Shield Maiden. She is known for her bravery, wisdom, and leadership skills. She was also the wife of the famous Viking warrior Ragnar Lothbrok.
2

34
votes

Brynhildr

Brynhildr is a legendary Valkyrie and a Shield Maiden from Norse mythology. She is known for her great strength, courage, and beauty. Her story is told in the Volsunga Saga and the Poetic Edda.
3

26
votes

Hervor

Hervor is a legendary Shield Maiden from Norse mythology. She is known for her bravery and her sword, which was said to have been forged by her father. Her story is told in the Hervarar saga.
4

14
votes

Freydis Eiriksdottir

Freydis Eiriksdottir was a Viking woman and a Shield Maiden who accompanied her husband on expeditions to Vinland in North America. She is known for her daring and ruthless behavior.
5

22
votes

Gunnhild

Gunnhild was a Viking woman and a Shield Maiden who was known for her beauty and intelligence. She was the wife of Eric Bloodaxe and played a significant role in the politics of medieval Norway.
6

11
votes

Alfhild

Alfhild was a legendary Shield Maiden from Norse mythology. She is known for her beauty and her skill in battle. Her story is told in the saga of Hrolf Kraki.
7

4
votes

Skuld

Skuld is a legendary Valkyrie and a Shield Maiden from Norse mythology. She is known for her role in determining the fate of warriors in battle. Her name means "future" or "what shall be."
8

4
votes

Gudrid Thorbjarnardottir

Gudrid Thorbjarnardottir was a Viking woman and a Shield Maiden who traveled to Vinland in North America with her husband and son. She is known for her courage and her Christian faith.
9

3
votes

Thorgerd

Thorgerd was a Viking woman and a Shield Maiden who was known for her strength and her skill in battle. She was the wife of the famous Viking warrior Egil Skallagrimsson.
10

5
votes

Astrid

Astrid was a Viking woman and a Shield Maiden who was known for her beauty and her skill in battle. She was the wife of Olaf Tryggvason, the King of Norway.

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Ranking factors for famous Shield Maiden

Historical significance

The historical impact and importance of the Shield Maiden should be the foremost factor. This includes considering their role in battles, their accomplishments, and their influence on the societies they lived in.
Notability and recognition

The level of recognition and fame the Shield Maiden has achieved within historical records, folklore, or popular culture is important. This could include references in sagas, poems, or songs, as well as their representation in art or literature.
Mythology and folklore

The significance of the Shield Maiden within mythology and folklore is also essential. This includes considering their portrayal as symbols of bravery, independence, or female empowerment in myths and legends.
Historical accounts and documentation

The availability and reliability of historical accounts, primary sources, or documentation related to the Shield Maiden's existence and deeds should be considered. A higher number of verifiable sources strengthens the case for their fame.
Cultural impact

Understanding how the Shield Maiden has left a lasting impact on the culture and traditions of the society they belonged to, or how their story has been appreciated and celebrated over time, is also relevant.
Legacy and enduring popularity

The longevity of the Shield Maiden's fame and ongoing interest in their story, whether through continued retellings, celebrations, or adaptations in popular media, can indicate their sustained importance in popular consciousness.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Shield Maiden. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Maiden is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1835 views
186 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Maiden once every 24 hours. The rank of each Maiden is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous shield maiden

The Shield Maidens were fierce warrior women from the Viking Age who were known for their bravery and skill in battle. These women were not just mere companions or wives of the warriors, but they fought alongside them on the front lines. While there are many legendary Shield Maidens, such as Lagertha and Brynhildr, it is difficult to determine who exactly was the most famous. However, the popularity of the TV series Vikings has brought the stories of these powerful women to a wider audience, sparking renewed interest in their legacy and accomplishments.