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Shield-Maidens. Jessica Carlton. So… who are they?. Shield-Maidens are Norse/ Scandiavian women who pick up the sword and join the men in the battle field. Can be mortal or immortal (Valkyries) Described differently… either looked like men in similar armor or battled bare-breasted.
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Shield-Maidens Jessica Carlton
So… who are they? • Shield-Maidens are Norse/Scandiavian women who pick up the sword and join the men in the battle field. • Can be mortal or immortal (Valkyries) • Described differently… either looked like men in similar armor or battled bare-breasted. • Ex: Norse were beaten by Byzantines, women were found among the dead unexpectedly. • Leif Eriksson’s half sister is claimed to fight the Native Americans.
The Legends • Brynhild in the Volsung Saga • Odin curses her to mortal woman-hood for fighting on the wrong side. • Is saved from castle/ falls in love with Sigour • Sigour marries Gunnar instead… • Hervor in the Hervarver Saga • Viking woman who travelled around the world and eventually returned home to sew etc.
Literature Today • Eowyn in LOTR • Eo = war horse, charger; Wyn= delightful, pleasure • Then the heart of Éowyn changed, or else she understood it... ...'I will be a shieldmaiden no longer, nor vie with the great Riders, nor take joy only in the songs of slaying. I will be a healer, and love all things that grow and are not barren.'" • Feminist manifestos
Bibliography • Look at these google books on the first two pages. I clicked on and read a bit of everything. Besides, the links to each are way too long. • http://www.google.com/search?q=Shield+maidens&tbm=bks&tbo=1