The Women Warriors of Rus and Norse

The tales of Women who fought in battles were told in many folk legends of the Slavic People as well as the classical Scandinavian sagas. However, these tales mostly occurred before the arrival of Christianity, during the time of the "Old Pagan Gods".

For Scandinavians and the rest of the world, the image of vikings with their horned helmets and imposing stature whose sole occupation were to raid and plunders for riches, made them well known for their brutal bloodthirsty carnage. On the other hand, some prefer the image of a proud warrior society, bonded together by strict code of honor and unchallenged bravery, putting them together alongside with mythological creatures.

The sagas such as Brynhildr (Brunhilde) from Volsunga and Hervarar speaks of Shield-maidens, women who took part in battles and renowned for their beauty and bravery. The tale itself speak some truth, as Pagan Scandinavian Society demanded that each person should take up his/her arms. Thus, it was common for the wifes of renowned jarls, theigns and chief to take part in battle alongside their husbands, or defend their homes in their husbands absence. '

As for the Slavs, particularly the Eastern Slavic People such as the Rus, Women who took part in war were rare, or may not have been properly documented. Pagan Slavs may have included women as part of their fighting force to fend of the constant attacks from the Magyars, Cumans, and various other raiding steppe nomads.

After the arrival Christianity to Scandinavia (Catholic) and Eastern Europe (Orthodox), the image of women warriors and shield maidens was gradually dismissed, as the virtues of a proper lady and chivalric noblemen were gradually adopted.

In this Picture, The Grand Principality of Kaviarovich is a generalization of Scandinavian Kingdoms, Tribes as well as the Kievan Rus into a single faction. Princess Olga Novgor is a noblewoman belonging the Kaviarov Boyars who ruled the Grand Principality of Kaviarovich. As for the Viking, She is Hjerim Jordisvaskr, a Shiled Maiden as well as the leader of The Væringjar Mercenary employed in the service of Princess Olga Novgor.