Tuesday 14 June 2016

Shield Maidens

Hadding's daughter, Ulfhild:

"'...stems from kings on both shield and distaff side.'" (War Of The Gods, p. 246)

Since the distaff is the female side, the shield side must be male.

Another daughter, Svanhvit:

"'...has no liking for women's work either, and talks of becoming a shield maiden.'" (ibid.)

Apparently the existence of such women is debated although they are mythologized as Valkyries. (See image.) I have never before heard of Folkvangr where warriors go who do not go to Valhalla. The Norse hereafter becomes more complicated. See here.

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