Lagertha

The Legendary Shield-Maiden

Saxo completed his Latin work, usually called the History of the Danes, around the early thirteenth century. He wanted to tell Denmark’s ancient past through kings, wars, legends and moral lessons. His earliest books mix myth with history. Gods become ancient heroes, monsters appear beside rulers, and speeches are shaped like classical literature. Lagertha belongs to this legendary part of the work. Her story begins when the Swedish ruler Frø kills the Norwegian king Siward and humiliates women from the king’s family. Ragnar comes to avenge Siward. Many women dress as warriors and join his side. Saxo singles out Lagertha as an expert fighter with a brave spirit. She attacks from the rear of the enemy force and helps turn a likely defeat into victory. Ragnar is amazed by her courage and decides he wants to marry her.

Lagertha does not make the task easy. Saxo says she places a bear and a great dog outside her home. Ragnar kills both animals and wins her hand. They have children, but Ragnar later divorces her to marry another woman. The account reflects the marriage politics and dramatic storytelling of Saxo’s world rather than giving us Lagertha’s own thoughts. Years later, Ragnar faces rebellion in Denmark and asks Norway for help. Lagertha arrives with ships and fighters even though he abandoned her. Once again, her surprise attack wins the battle. This is one of my favourite details because she is not waiting to be rescued. Ragnar needs her skill and support. Saxo then gives the tale a darker ending. Lagertha quarrels with her next husband, kills him with a concealed spearhead and takes his title and kingdom.

The author criticises her ambition. A modern reader might notice a double standard: Saxo often praises male warriors for seizing power, while treating Lagertha’s desire to rule as shocking. That does not excuse murder, but it helps us see how an author’s opinions shape a character. Was Lagertha based on an older goddess or local legend? Scholars have suggested connections with the Norse goddess Thorgerd or with stories of women warriors. Her name may also be Saxo’s Latin form of the Old Norse Hlaðgerðr. These are possibilities, not settled facts. No inscription, grave or contemporary chronicle identifies the Lagertha from Saxo’s story.

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