Born: 5th or 6th century
Biography:
Rusla, also known as the Red Woman from Middle Irish Ingean Ruagh, was a legendary Norwegian shield-maiden mentioned in the Gesta Danorum or History of the Danes of Saxo Grammaticus and in the Irish annals. She was born in the 5th or 6th century as the daughter of Rieg, the king of Telemark, and sister to Tesandus (Thrond) who was later dispossessed of his throne by the Danish king Omund.
Rusla’s story begins when her brother Tesandus was betrayed and dethroned by King Omund. Consumed by grief and a desire for vengeance, Rusla formed a pirate fleet to seek retribution against the Danes. In her pursuit of justice, Rusla was always accompanied by another woman named Stikla, who some sources claim was her sister and others cite as her deputy in all raids. Interestingly, Stikla’s name is believed to be the origin of the Norwegian city, Stiklestad.
Indiscriminately attacking ships and coastal towns in Iceland, Denmark, and the British Isles, Rusla gained a fearsome reputation. Her nickname, the Red Woman, stemmed from her bloodthirsty nature and her ruthless approach of taking no prisoners. She waged war on the Danes, determined to avenge her brother’s loss of his crown. During the conflict, she even sunk Tesandus’ ship. However, Rusla’s mercy allowed Tesandus to escape with his life, but this loss intensified his desire for revenge against his sister.
Tesandus pursued Rusla’s fleet with his own ships and eventually captured her. In a tragic turn of events, he grabbed her by the braids while his crew killed her with blows from oars. This marked the end of Rusla’s life, but her legacy would live on.
Rusla’s participation in the Battle of Clontarf is also recorded in the Irish annals. She and Stikla were part of a group of mercenaries hired by the Vikings who fought against Brian Boru. Sadly, Rusla lost her sons in this battle, showcasing the extent of her commitment to the cause. Her ferocity and cruelty in battle stood out, and she went down in history as one of the most fearsome Norse warrior women.
It is worth noting that there are conflicting accounts regarding Rusla’s involvement in the Battle of Clontarf. Some suggest that the name Rusla in the Irish annals refers to the Viking Rollo of Normandy, rather than the legendary shield-maiden. These accounts argue that the sons who died in the battle, named John the Baron and Richard, would align more with a Norman context. However, the exact truth remains disputed.
Nevertheless, Rusla’s legacy endures as a symbol of fierce female warriors in Norse history. Her remarkable story of strength, resilience, and determination continues to inspire and captivate people, particularly in the realm of women’s history.