Born: Early 4th century
Died: 420 A.D.
Biography:
Princess Sela (active c. 400–420 A.D.) was a Norwegian pirate and one of the first known female pirates. Sela was a princess of Norway and the sister of King Koller of Norway. The Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus described Sela as a skilled warrior and experienced in rowing.
Born in the early 4th century, Princess Sela grew up in a royal household that valued strength, power, and honor. As a princess, she received rigorous training in combat and leadership, defying the traditional gender roles of her time. Sela’s relationship with her brother, King Koller, was tumultuous, marked by rivalry and enmity.
When King Koller ascended to the throne, Sela’s resentment peaked. Feeling overlooked and overshadowed by her brother, she decided to forge her path and embrace a life of adventure. Rejecting societal expectations of princesses, Sela embarked on a daring journey that transformed her into a legendary pirate.
Princess Sela set sail in the North Atlantic ocean, commanding her own fleet of ships. With her exceptional skills as a warrior and captain, she led her crew to attack numerous vessels, seizing their valuable cargo and accumulating riches. Sela’s audacity and cunning strategies brought her widespread fame, while her success as a female pirate challenged the prevailing notions of gender roles in maritime activities.
Though her reign as a pirate was short-lived, lasting from 400 to 420 A.D., Princess Sela left an indelible mark on history. Her actions inspired countless individuals, especially women, to challenge societal norms and pursue their dreams fearlessly. Sela became a symbol of empowerment and a role model for those who sought to break free from the confinements imposed by gender expectations.
However, Sela’s ambitions came at a cost. Jealous of her brother’s rival-turned-pirate, Horwendil, King Koller led his fleet into a treacherous battle. In a cruel twist of fate, it was Horwendil who struck the fatal blow, killing both King Koller and Princess Sela, bringing an end to the war that had consumed them.
Princess Sela’s legacy lives on as a testament to her unwavering spirit and unyielding determination. Her journey from a princess bound by tradition to a fierce pirate captain serves as a reminder that individuals have the power to shape their destinies. Sela’s story resonates with those who strive to overcome adversity and defy societal expectations, cementing her place in women’s history.