Lagertha the viking

Lagerthaaccording to lagertha the vikinglagertha the viking, was a Viking ruler and shield-maiden from what is now Norwayand the onetime wife of the famous Viking Ragnar Lodbrok. Her tale was recorded by the chronicler Saxo in the 12th century. According to the historian Judith JeschSaxo's tales about warrior women are largely fictional; other historians wrote that they may have a basis in tales about the Norse deity Thorgerd. Her name as recorded by Saxo, Lathgertha has also been recorded as Lagertha, LadgerthaLadgerda or similar.

Lagertha was a Viking Shield-Maiden who became known for her bravery and for her great fighting skills and war tactics. Thanks to ancient documents such as the cantares de gesta or the creation of documentaries and sagas we can know more about her, although its veracity can be doubtful since it combines reality with legendary facts. Lagertha was born in Denmark, more specifically from Selandia, currently the largest island of the country. In order to become a great warrior, she went through several stages. It all began when a warlord known as Frodo, conquered Norway around the year , and killed the Jarl Siward, who, at that time, was the ruler.

Lagertha the viking

Saxo introduces her as the kinswoman of a Norwegian king killed by a hostile foreign force, who then forced the women of the royal family into prostitution. Of these women, Saxo names only Lagertha: his brief portrait of her is based on the amazon warrior-women of the classical world. On the battlefield, her long hair betrays the fact that she is a woman. Ragnar attributes his victory to Lagertha, and seeks her hand in marriage. He goes to find her at home in the Gaula valley in western Norway, but she is unwilling, and has set a bear and a dog to ambush him. Together they have two daughters and a son. After the battle she returns to her new husband, and slays him in the night with a spearhead she has hidden in her gown. Lagertha is not attested in any other contemporary sources, so the extent to which she is based on a real woman or women is not known. Lagertha The female warrior who flew like a Valkyrie. Home Discover Famous Vikings Lagertha. Back to Famous Vikings. Share on. Gallery Podcast Magazine Films Blog.

Lagertha tells Aslaug she can never forgive her for taking Ragnar, and that she will never be Queen of Kattegat.

Created by Michael Hirst, Vikings made its debut on History Channel in , and even though it was originally planned to be a miniseries, it was so well-received by critics and viewers that it was quickly renewed for a second season, and so the audience got the chance to follow the journey of characters like Ragnar, Lagertha, and Floki. Vikings initially followed legendary Norse figure Ragnar Lothbrok Travis Fimmel and his travels and raids alongside his Vikings brothers, from the Lindisfarne raid an event featured in season 1 , onward. Lagertha became a fan favorite and her death broke many hearts, but a big question arose: is Vikings ' Lagertha based on a real character? Lagertha is believed to have been a Viking shield-maiden and ruler of what is now Norway. Just like in the series, Ragnar and Lagertha eventually divorced, and he asked for her help when he needed it during a civil war, with her coming to his aid with ships. Perhaps Lagertha was a product of the legend of Ragnar Lothbrok, or she was a real person whose actions and legacy were used to enhance the tale of Ragnar, thus giving way to a lot of confusion among historians.

The legendary Norse shieldmaiden Lagertha is one of the strongest and most prominent examples of historical warrior women. Yet, the question persists — was Lagertha a real person or just a myth? Some stories equate her with the Norse goddess Thorgerd. The main account we have of her story comes from a famous and renowned 12 th century historian. He even writes that she literally flies across the battlefield like a Valkyrie. Nevertheless, Saxo Grammaticus tells the story of not just Lagertha but also of some sixty other Danish kings, queens, and heroes too, with much of the description being considered a credible historical record. She fought valiantly by his side in numerous battles and ruled his kingdom as his equal, and even ruled on her own for quite a while after that. Neither Lagertha nor the rest of the captives intended to run away and hide. Instead, they joined the fight. The story goes that Lagertha led the charge against the Swedish army and impressed Ragnar so much that he credited her with the victory.

Lagertha the viking

Lagertha is the first and former wife of Ragnar Lothbrok and the former Queen of Kattegat. Lagertha is an Earl and a fierce shield-maiden. Lagertha was brought up by her father to be a shield-maiden. At an unspecified time, Ragnar went to Lagertha's home to confess his love for her, but he was set upon by a bear and an enormous hound who guarded her home. Ragnar killed the bear with his spear and strangled the hound with his bare hands, thus gaining her hand in marriage. Lagertha is hunting eels and fish with Gyda in the river near their farm.

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Ragnar seems to value her opinions and is proud of her accomplishments as a shield-maiden. The Revelation. And as it happens, not thinking things through contributes to her getting murdered when she decides to die back in Kattegat despite being seriously wounded. After the battle she returns to her new husband, and slays him in the night with a spearhead she has hidden in her gown. Murder Most Foul. Lagertha finds out from Guthrum that Floki has secretly recruited settlers to leave with him. According to Judith Jesch , the rich variety of tales in the first nine books of Saxo's Gesta , which include the tale of Lagertha, are "generally considered to be largely fictional". Later that night, Sigvard stumbles into the bedroom, apparently after having a few drinks. Season 1 Valhalla Season 2 Valhalla. When Lagertha and Torvi first meet, it is as part of opposing sides.

Lagertha , according to legend , was a Viking ruler and shield-maiden from what is now Norway , and the onetime wife of the famous Viking Ragnar Lodbrok.

Lagertha sends Gyda out to the goats to protect her. Retrieved 9 March Top Selling Lagertha was a Viking Shield-Maiden who became known for her bravery and for her great fighting skills and war tactics. Ivar challenges Lagertha to single combat, but is refused, and promises that he will kill Lagertha one day. Lagertha in Popular Culture Like many historical characters, series, movies, documentaries, and books have been created about the famous Norse warriors and they certainly exist about Lagertha. Mythological Norse people, items and places. While Ragnar was planning a future for the two, Lagertha was preparing for something else entirely. Woodbridge: D. Upon returning home, she finds that Kalf has taken over her earldom. Lagertha was a Viking Shield-Maiden who became known for her bravery and for her great fighting skills and war tactics.