They encourage other researchers to revisit ancient findings, or to conduct genetic analyses of bodies buried in already identified graves. If one Viking woman lived as a warrior, there are probably more, the researchers believe. The tomb is also located on a hill right by a military fortress, and near other tombs with weapons. The woman was buried with many different types of weapons, and only one other tomb at Birka has as many weapons as this one. The researchers emphasize that it is important to be careful in interpreting any grave, but they are nevertheless quite sure that this grave contained a warrior. There are examples of children being buried with weapons, even though they clearly did not use them. Weapons can also be interpreted as a symbol, showing that the person in the grave lived their lives as if they were warriors. They believe it is very likely that a high-ranking warrior was buried here, although this is also an interpretation. In Nordic folklore, a skjoldm (shieldmaiden / shield-maiden) was a female warrior who fought, side by side, with male counterparts in raids, battles, and wars. The researchers also point out that although genetic tests show that the grave contained a woman, nothing else in the grave has changed as a result of the finding.
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The researchers have received many inquiries about how to interpret the grave, including questions as to whether the person in the grave could have been transgender.Īlthough the scientists said they know why people ask, they are quick to note that transgender is a modern, political term that is difficult or impossible to use in conjunction with people who lived long ago, when other norms and rules applied. This illustration is from 1943 (Image: Arbmann 1943 / Antiquity 2019) Viking historian Nancy Marie Brown’s new book, The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women, explores what life might have been like for the warrior woman of Bj 581. The drawing shows the grave as it was described when it was opened.
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