Get the look: Female Viking warrior, Birka grave 581

We based the reconstruction in this blog on the female Viking warrior from Birka found in grave Bj 581. The prominent position of grave Bj 581 at the Birka burial site and the stones marking the grave already made it clear that the person in this Viking grave held an important social status. It was a leader and military commander whose existence might have been known in Birka generations later. 

The warrior from Birka grave Bj 581 is a woman. This is particularly special because for decades, science overlooked the fact that women could also participate in combat. If a Viking was found with items associated with domestic crafts, such as pots or jewelry, it was assumed to be a woman. If a Viking was found with weapons, they were automatically labeled as a man. This was because in practice it was very difficult to determine gender based solely on (parts of) a skeleton. 

Just like in the Germanic and Celtic cultures, women among the Vikings were involved in military actions. This was already mentioned by the Roman writer Tacitus. There are also several other Viking graves, such as the 10th-century grave of Bogøvej in Denmark and the grave of Åsnes in Norway, in which women were buried with weapons. Another example where two women were buried in immense luxury was the 9th-century Oseberg Viking Ship Burial. No weapons were found here, but a huge number of other items were, including a ship, 4 sleds, and a tapestry, representing absolute status. Presumably, weapons were originally included in the grave, but later removed. The removal from or later addition of weapons in a grave was common among the Vikings. It is also possible that the grave was looted. (Graves were regularly opened by later generations, and items were taken out or placed inside. This ritual symbolized connection with the ancestors).

There are several written sources that demonstrate the existence of female Viking warriors:

-The chronicles of the Byzantine historian John Skylitzes about the Battle with Sviatoslav I of Kiev, which recorded that female warriors fought. 

-The Greenland saga about the pregnant half-sister of Leif Erikson, Freydís Eiríksdóttir, who fought against the Skrælings (Inuit) in Vinland (Canada). 

-The chronicles of Saxo Grammaticus, which mention that Danish women also fought in the Battle of Brávellir. 

-The saga of the Ynglings in which Åsa Haraldsdottir is described as a skilled seafarer who led sea expeditions and was likely a warrior as well.

According to Janina Ramirez's hypothesis, the fact that women could wage war was not uncommon in pre-Christian Northern Europe. In the early Middle Ages, there was less distinction made between men and women, but more between social origins. An aristocrat was expected to be able to protect the family's power and wealth. Therefore, women were also educated in martial arts and trained for war. 

All female Viking warriors, known from sources, are currently associated with aristocratic origins. The Viking chieftain played an important role in protecting the tribe's power, both diplomatically and by force of arms.

One might suggest that it was not the individual, but someone's role within the tribe that was central. Every tribe member had a role to fulfill.  This may have been more central socially than gender and the individual wishes of a person.  

The woman found in Birka grave Bj 581 is a 10th-century Viking. Although her clothing has not withstood the test of time, remnants were found with details associated with the clothing of the Eurasian steppe. Based on the materials found in the grave, a reconstruction was made. This reconstruction shows her in attire that we currently classify under the Rusvik style. Her power may have been concentrated in or around Birka or perhaps elsewhere in the Baltic Sea region. What we do know is that, like some other Viking aristocracy, she was buried with a great deal of weaponry and two horses. A game board with pieces was also found in the grave, which probably means that the woman in this grave was a good strategist. Also notable was the complete lack of items of a domestic nature. 

We do not know her name, but in this reconstruction, we call her Gudrun. 

Gudrun was a powerful aristocrat in the Birka region. Not only was she skilled with her sword, axes, and bow, she was also an excellent strategist and a very adept rider. She loved horseback riding until she suffered from her spine in later life (in her 30s). Gudrun was dressed for winter and wore men's clothing. According to the Anglo-Saxon chronicles, Æthelflæd wore men's clothing during the war against the Vikings. Men's clothing is more suitable for warfare than a long dress. 

In our composition, Gudrun wears an unbleached under tunic.

Over it, a dark tunic. Black was rarely worn in Viking culture. The reason for this was that a bright black colour was very difficult to make. Pure black was therefore only affordable for the very, very richest. The tunic we have chosen is also richly embroidered, which once again exudes wealth. 

Gudrun wears a typical Viking puffed pant, just like depicted on the 9th-century Oseberg tapestry, on the Lillbjärs Runestone, on the stone of Broa (Halla, Gotland), and on the 10th-century Viking Cross of Weston in England.  

Gudrun wears a caftan over her tunics for extra warmth. Although we have not found complete kaftans, several sources refer to the use of woolen coats that we consider as caftan today. The runestones of Etelhem and Lärbro in Gotland likely depict kaftans, as does the 9th-century tapestry found in the Oseberg ship burial.

Gudrun wears a belt whose fittings are based on finds from other Birka graves. In Birka grave Bj 581, a buckle was present, but we currently do not have a replica available. Therefore, we have used a luxuriously decorated belt in this composition, but based on other graves at the same location. 

Gudrun is wearing a cloak, trimmed with fur. It is possible that the fur comes from beaver pelts bought in the Volga region of Russia or Ukraine. Imported fur was an absolute status symbol.  

Gudrun wears a relatively simple woolen hat. This hat was practical in nature. Hats helped women, like headscarves, to keep their long hair out of the way. Viking women predominantly had long hair. 

Gudrun wears shoes that are based on the 10th-century originals found in the Viking city of York.

In her grave, Gudrun received a luxurious sword. This sword was probably a Petersen type L. In our reconstruction, we chose to use a Petersen type E2 because we did not have a matching Petersen type L available. 

Gudrun was buried with two shields. Viking shields consisted of multiple boards that were attached together. The replica we chose is made in the same way. 

In her grave, Gudrun certainly received two spears. These spears likely had a spear head Petersen type M. In our reconstruction, we have omitted the spears. Gudrun only had two hands, and they were already full with weapons.

As spear head, you can choose:

The axe that Gudrun received in her grave was a Petersen type M. In our reconstruction, we chose this axe. 

The parts of the seax scabbard that were found in Birka grave Bj 581 were richly decorated. This once again shows that Gudrun must have been a very wealthy woman. The seax was long and was clearly intended for use in battles. 

Gudrun had several arrowheads with her in her grave. They were probably part of a complete set, so a bow, quiver, and arrows. In our reconstruction, we have given Gudrun a quiver and recurve bow. Based on the large number of arrows and the saddled horse in the grave, one might suggest that Gudrun could archery from her horse.