HWS Migration Era Norse Shieldmaiden Concept

Norse shieldmaiden is a subject that is very familiar when it comes to women warriors. Mentions of their names, bravery and fighting prowess ca be found in many of the Norse and Icelandic sagas, which to this day, have painted us with somewhat idealized and romanticized portrayal of the Shieldmaiden. Historically speaking however, their existence have yet to be proven with consensus by both historians and archaeologists, unlike the women warriors of the eastern and nomadic civilization. Still, this drawing is perhaps a way of me revisiting the Norse shieldmaiden, one of the first women warrior I drew when i started this series and see how far I have improved


Though the equipment of the Nordic tribes during the turmoil of the migration era in the late 4th - early 6th century is somewhat rare, the grave findings which coincides with Vendel Period (550-790) have unearthed numerous weapons, helmets and artifacts, most of which, were highly decorated. Here, Shieldmaiden Ingfrid is depicted with arms, shield and (stylized) helmet based on the Valsgärde burials, all of which, are leaning towards anachronism and artistic license rather than historical accuracy. The addition of raven feather on her helmet is my own personal touch, inspired by the Valkyries. On the other hand, the warriors she is fighting against are depicted with various Germanic equipments from the migration era, including the spangenhelm and the lamellar helmet, both of which, are few centuries earlier as compared to her equipments. I'm not sure if such helmet still worn by the time Europe enters the 7th century, whereby the remnants of the Western Roman Empire were ruled by the various Germanic tribes that migrated into the region. The background is created in such a way to portray more dramatization.