Shieldmaiden

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Eivor Varinsdottir, a shieldmaiden during the 9th century

A shieldmaiden is a female warrior from Norse folklore and mythology, typically women who fought alongside men in battles and were said to be infused with the spirit of Valkyries, psychopomps that brought the souls of dead Viking warriors to the afterlife of Valhalla.

History

During the Viking expansion, a number of shieldmaidens fought within or alongside the Great Heathen Army, such as Soma, Valdis, Halfdan Ragnarsson's mother Lagertha, and Ljufvina Bjarmarsdottir. While Eivor Varinsdottir's exploits as a warrior also qualified her as a shieldmaiden, the Hidden One Hytham observed in his journal that she was "not particularly fond of the term" being applied to her.

In the 10th century, Styrbjörn the Strong's wife Thyra Haraldsdottir, the daughter of King Harald Bluetooth of Denmark and Norway, was also noted as a shieldmaiden.

Behind the scenes

From a historical standpoint, many scholars ^{[citation needed]} are split on the concept of shieldmaidens. Some believe they only existed in story, while others believe there is a historical basis for the idea.

Appearance

• Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants – Fate of the Gods (first appearance)
• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
  • The Siege of Paris
• The World of Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Journey to the North – Logs and Files of a Hidden One (mentioned only)