Lagertha

Lagertha was a legendary Viking shield-maiden and ruler from what is now Norway, famously known as the first wife of Ragnar Lodbrok, a renowned Viking hero. Her story was chronicled in the 12th century by historian Saxo Grammaticus in his Gesta Danorum. According to Judith Jesch, Saxo’s accounts of warrior women are largely fictional, though some historians suggest Lagertha’s story may have roots in tales about the Norse deity Thorgerd.

Saxo recorded her name as Lathgertha, likely a Latinisation of the Old Norse Hlaðgerðr ([ˈhlɑðˌɡerðz̠]), also appearing as Lagertha, Ladgertha, or Ladgerda in various sources.

Lagertha's Life According to Saxo Grammaticus

Lagertha’s story appears in Book 9 of the Gesta Danorum, Saxo’s Danish chronicle written in the 12th century.

• Her Beginnings as a Warrior:
  Lagertha first appears during a conflict in Norway when Frø, the King of Sweden, invaded, killed King Siward, and humiliated the women of Siward’s family by placing them in a brothel. When Ragnar Lodbrok heard of this, he gathered an army to avenge Siward, his grandfather. Many of the abused women joined Ragnar, disguising themselves as men. Lagertha distinguished herself in battle and played a crucial role in Ragnar’s victory.

  Saxo describes her as follows:

  Ladgerda, a skilled Amazon who, though a maiden, had the courage of a man and fought in the front lines among the bravest, her hair flowing loose over her shoulders. All marvelled at her exceptional deeds, for her flying locks revealed her as a woman.

• Ragnar’s Courtship:
  Impressed by her bravery, Ragnar sought to marry Lagertha. She pretended to accept his proposal but set challenges for him, including facing a bear and a hound guarding her home. Ragnar killed the bear with his spear and strangled the hound, earning her hand in marriage. They had one son, Fridleif, and two unnamed daughters.

• Their Separation:
  After returning to Denmark and engaging in a civil war, Ragnar divorced Lagertha, still harbouring resentment over her earlier tests. He married Thora Borgarhjört, the daughter of the Swedish king Herraud.

• Lagertha’s Later Role:
  When Ragnar requested aid in another Danish conflict, Lagertha arrived with 120 ships, demonstrating her continued loyalty despite their separation. In a decisive battle, she turned the tide by launching a surprise attack on the enemy’s rear. Saxo writes:

  Ladgerda, though delicate in appearance, possessed a spirit unmatched in courage. Her valour rallied the faltering soldiers, driving the enemy into retreat.

  After the battle, Lagertha returned to Norway, where she killed her husband during an argument by stabbing him with a spear concealed in her gown. Saxo concludes that she then seized power and ruled alone, considering it preferable to govern without a husband than to share her throne.

Sources and Historical Interpretations

• Saxo’s Depiction:
  Judith Jesch considers Saxo’s accounts of Lagertha and other warrior women to be largely fictional, inspired by classical legends of Amazons and Nordic sagas. Saxo’s portrayal of shield-maidens reflects his Christian worldview, depicting them as symbols of the chaos of pagan times.

• Connections to Thorgerd:
  Scholars like Hilda Ellis Davidson and Nora K. Chadwick suggest Lagertha may be identified with Thorgerd (Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr), a goddess revered in Norse mythology. Thorgerd was associated with the region of Hlaðir (Lade), near Lagertha’s supposed home, Gaulardal, and her stories often depict her aiding warriors in battle, similar to Lagertha’s actions.

• Influence of Valkyries:
  Saxo’s description of Lagertha "flying to the enemy’s rear" may symbolise supernatural abilities akin to the Valkyries. Her tale resembles that of Kára, a Valkyrie who supported her lover Helgi Haddingjaskati in battle.

Depictions in Fiction

• Early Representations:
  Lagertha inspired Christen Pram’s historical drama Lagertha (1789), which in turn influenced Vincenzo Galeotti’s ballet Lagertha (1801). The ballet, featuring music by Claus Schall, was a notable success and incorporated dance, song, and pantomime.

• Modern Adaptations:
  Lagertha is a central character in the television series Vikings (2013), portrayed by Katheryn Winnick. The series draws heavily on Saxo’s account, depicting Lagertha as a shield-maiden and Ragnar’s first wife who later rises to power as a Jarl and eventually a queen.

Lagertha’s story, whether fact or fiction, continues to captivate as a symbol of strength, courage, and independence.