Biography:
Veborg, also known as Webiorg or Wigbiorg, was a legendary Scandinavian shieldmaiden who is said to have participated in the historic Battle of Bråvalla around the year 750. Born either in Sweden or Denmark, Veborg played a vital role in this significant clash between King Harald Hildetand of Denmark and Sweden’s Viceroy King Sigurd Hring. During this time, Sweden comprised several small kingdoms, but Harald had been elected as the king over most of them. On the other hand, Sigurd aspired to unify all these kingdoms under one crown, while Harald was determined to maintain the possibility of electing different kings for each one. The battle thus became a fierce contest between unionists and separatists.
The Battle of Bråvalla drew mercenaries from various regions, including Russia, England, Germany, and Ireland. Notably, three hundred female soldiers, referred to as Shieldmaidens, fought on Harald’s side. Among these brave warriors, Veborg stood out, alongside Visna and Harald’s own daughter, Princess Hed. Historians describe these three women as the generals of the female troops, attesting to their exceptional leadership skills and combat prowess.
Veborg’s contributions to the battle are vividly detailed. One of King Harald’s strongest warriors was Ubbe from Friesland, who valiantly defeated three Swedish princes and the renowned fighter Agnar before meeting his demise at the hands of one of the most formidable warriors fighting for the unionists, Starke. It was then that Veborg stepped forward to challenge Starke. Displaying her incredible strength, Veborg managed to sever Starke’s jaw. However, Starke was able to escape, inflicting a grievous wound that severed the arm of the shieldmaiden Visna, who held the separatists’ banner. Known for her bravery, Veborg engaged in a long and furious struggle with the warrior Thorkell the Stubborn until, after many wounds and much verbal arguing, Thorkell finally succeeded in killing her.
Saxo Grammaticus, a medieval Danish historian, supports the accounts of shieldmaidens fighting on the side of the Danes at the Battle of Brávellir, including the involvement of Veborg or Webiorg. In his chronicle, Saxo mentions the presence of Hetha (Heid) and Wisna, captains who possessed the souls of men despite their female bodies. Additionally, he notes the inspiration felt by Veborg, who fought alongside Bo (Bui) Bramason and Brat the Jute, both eager for war.
Although Veborg’s life was tragically cut short, her contribution to the Battle of Bråvalla stands as a testament to her unwavering valor and determination on the battlefield. Her presence among the shieldmaidens further emphasizes the significant role of women in this historical event and their ability to lead and fight alongside their male counterparts.