1224isy-blog asked:
Rights of women in Viking times? Maybe their side of the myths
I really like this question, especially since women in the Viking Age are among my favorite subject areas for the period. I actually have a lot I can provide for women’s rights, notably for the period directly following Viking Age Iceland. As for the mythological side, I am not so solid, but I can at least share some of my thoughts on that matter.
I think this quote is a good way to start off this discussion. It touches base on the representation of women in our sources (mythological as well as sagas) and also the depth of their role in society (William Ian Miller):
It is interesting to see women, who have such strong roles in norse mythology, be often though of negatively in certain sagas, most often as a goading wife leading men to their deaths. I see things quite differently. I see strong women in norse mythology, or at least strong outlets for women. Freyja is a good example; she is fearless and powerful, yet passionate and loving. I see that a balance has been accepted in this, though I also see a conflict between new and old.
My suspicion is to say that women were respected in the Viking Age. They were not very independent and they were not often strong warriors either. Yet, it seems it even captivated their minds and that reveals itself in the myths. In the sagas and the legends, these strong women still appear, as if a memory of something once admired. Yet, the new mentality behind a christianized society pushes another perspective. I sometimes feel there is a battle between both sides: admiring strong women and being anxious about them. I will leave it at that for now, since I cannot really support myself with sources at the moment. (This subject is something I plan to research a lot more in depth someday).
I will go ahead and give you a glimpse at the various roles and legal rights regarding women in Viking Age society:
- Women managed households in their husband’s absence. They managed indoor activities always, could hire and fire servants, could divorce their husbands, and even keep their property.
- Women were not allowed to attend Things (legislative assemblies), even if they were the head of their household (which yes it could happen and did happen). Legal matters surrounding a woman would be done via her legal guardian (lográðandi).
- Kinship (and important system of obtain support in legal procedures as well as in establishing honor and status) was determined by both male and female genealogical links, of which there was no shame in female links or even illegitimate links. The goal was to find the existence of a link, regardless of how or through whom it was drawn.
- Daughters were capable of obtaining inheritance via dowry, even in divorce this could be maintained since they were still connected to their previous kin-group.
- Goading was not necessarily a negative factor that led men to act violently. It was a way for the “unofficial” voices to participate in a process that did in fact affect them as well (women, most notably). Also, not only women goaded. In a way, persuading advice somewhat plays the same role in certain cases. Many servants even aid in the goading. and, there are plenty of times where listening to goading, and following through, actually brings benefit.
There are numerous quotes from Njal’s saga I could provide, along with the variations in their presentation in such stories, but those are best with context given or having read the saga. There are also many interesting things about women I have likely not though of or included here. The women of early medieval Scandinavian society could have an entire book written solely about them. There actually is a book, I have yet to read it for myself, but I have heard good words about it. It is called Women in the Viking Age, by Judith Jesch: <link>. Check it out if you would like to read it yourself.
For now, I shall leave my answer at this. I will definitely be posting more about women in days to come. They deserve some spotlight, especially since they were obviously a key component of Viking Age society. I hope this answer was insightful and helpful. If you are curious about anything else, please let it be known.
Source:
- Miller, William Ian. Bloodtaking and Peacemaking: Feud, Law, and Society in Saga Iceland. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1990. (Quote from page 212).
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