Biography:
Lagertha, according to legend, was a Viking ruler and shield-maiden from what is now Norway and the onetime wife of the famous Viking Ragnar Lodbrok. Her tale was recorded by the chronicler Saxo in the 12th century. According to the historian Judith Jesch, Saxo’s tales about warrior women are largely fictional; other historians wrote that they may have a basis in tales about the Norse deity Thorgerd. Her name as recorded by Saxo, Lathgertha, is likely a Latinisation of the Old Norse Hlaðgerðr (also Hlathgerth). It has also been recorded as Lagertha, Ladgertha, Ladgerda, or similar.
According to Saxo Grammaticus, Lagertha lived in the Gaula valley in western Norway. Her career as a warrior began when Frø, the king of Sweden, invaded Norway and killed the Norwegian king Siward. Frø put the women of the dead king’s family into a brothel for public humiliation. Hearing of this, Ragnar Lodbrok came with an army to avenge his grandfather Siward. Many of the women Frø had ordered abused dressed themselves in men’s clothing and fought on Ragnar’s side. Chief among them, and key to Ragnar’s victory, was Lagertha.
Saxo describes Lagertha as a skilled Amazon, a maiden with the courage of a man, who fought among the bravest with her hair loose over her shoulders. All marveled at her matchless deeds, as her flowing locks betrayed that she was a woman. Impressed by her courage, Ragnar courted her from afar. Lagertha feigned interest, and Ragnar arrived to seek her hand, bidding his companions to wait in the Gaular valley. He was set upon by a bear and a great hound which Lagertha had guarding her home, but he killed the bear with his spear and choked the hound to death. In this way, he won the hand of Lagertha.
Ragnar and Lagertha had a son named Fridleif, as well as two daughters whose names are not recorded. However, after returning to Denmark to fight a civil war, Ragnar, who was still annoyed that Lagertha had set beasts against him, divorced her in order to marry Thora Borgarhjört, the daughter of King Herraud of Sweden. He won the hand of his new love after numerous adventures but upon returning to Denmark, he again faced a civil war. Ragnar sent for support from Norway, and Lagertha, who still loved him, came to his aid with 120 ships, according to Saxo.
When at the height of her power, Lagertha’s leadership and bravery made her a revered figure among the Viking world. She maintained authority over her people, leading them into battle and ensuring their protection. Her experiences as a shield-maiden and ruler challenged the norms of the time and had a significant impact on the roles of women in Viking society. Lagertha’s story continues to inspire and empower women today, highlighting the strength and resilience that women have displayed throughout history.