Frue Ylva of Konungariket Swerighe (Swedish)

A concept drawing of a Post-Viking, Swedish Shieldmaiden of the Historically Wrong Sketch Series: Medieval Revisited which is a recreation of the original HWS series based on the  AD 800 - AD 1400 era of warfare. This is based on Christianized Sweden in the middle-ages, along with the usage of historical name (though it does not related to the actual kingdom of Sweden)

Inspired by the Music: Reign Of The Septims by Jeremy Soule, The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivon OST

Disclaimer: I am by no means expert in History, just a humble man with passion for learning history. Also, English is not my first language so if you do find any errors or would like to make a correction/feedback, please feel free let me know



The swedish people were part of the Vikings who dominated sea voyages during the Viking age, however, unlike their Danish and Norwegian brethren who raided the British Isles and land beyond, the Viking-ing in Eastern Europe was largely focused on trade (whose source often came from plunders and raids). With the spread of Christianity and the consolidation of power under Feudalism and the Kalmar Union, the post-viking medieval Kingdom of Sweden expanded their realm steadily. It was not until after their independence from the Kalmar union in the late 15th century, that the Swedish people realized their greater ambition to expand beyond, mirroring their Viking forefather. What was just an insignificant kingdom in the middle ages, Sweden would later grew into one of Europe's most powerful and modernized state in the 16th century.



This is probably my final and the last piece of drawing as part of the diversification of Scandinavian faction, to explore the history beyond the vikings (as portrayed on Gunnhildr Freysdottir of Vikingrunionen (Norse)) and into christianized Scandinavia. Perhaps, the history of Scandinavia after the Viking age is not very popular, as compared to what goes on in the Baltic, like the crusades which are largely associated with the Germanic military Order (Teutonics), the conflicts with Hansa as well as the Novgorod republic. My aim in this drawing is to give a different view of what would these nordic shieldmaiden would have looked like, after the Viking era

In this drawing, Lady Ylva Egilsdotter is drawn in a (poorly made) Coat of Plates as well as long-sleeved chainmail armor, reflecting the adoption of western European designs that dominated the late 13th to early 14th century warfare in Scandinavia, although her Great Helm is somewhat old fashioned by this time. Apart from her axe, she is completely indistinguishable from other Germanic or Frankish Knight of the era. The adoption of Kettle Helmet, which could be seen from her fellow men-at-arms in the background, also became common in scandinavia, being one of the most practical for infantry combat, since the mountainous and heavily forested terrain of the region made mounted combat less popular (as compared to western europe).

I have included a dead Rus warrior, with the roughly drawn helmet and shield based on the equipments of Novgorod Princes in the 13th-14th century. Also, there's the Runic stone as well as the Lion banner to give a much more "Scandinavian" flavor, though I don't think it made that big differences to the drawing