The Mighty Valkyrie

The female warriors known as "Valkyries", who were probably based on shield maidens, were certainly an important part of Old Norse literature. They enjoyed more freedom and held more power in society than other women of their era. Given the prevalence of this legend, along with the greater rights, status, and power that women enjoyed, it is impressive that they were also able to become full-fledged members of the male-dominated environment of Viking society who occasionally took up arms and fought in wars, especially when someone threatened them, their family, or their property.