The 10 Best Female Characters From Vikings & Vikings Valhalla

What do the sagas of the Norse people tell audiences of the legendary heroes? What did daily life look like for them? The questions go on and on, with a big one being what was like to be a woman? In Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla there can be some satisfaction for the curious mind.

The franchise gives a spectacular fictional look at historical figures and the lives they led. Katheryn Winnick simply is Lagertha, while Emma of Normandy is brilliantly portrayed by Laura Berlin. These amazing women and others solidify the power of females on screen in the Vikings universe.

10 Kwenthrith

While little is known about the real life Mercian princess, Kwenthrith owns nearly every scene she’s in thanks to a very kinetic portrayal from Amy Bailey. Kwenthrith is the opposite of demure. She’s confident, knows what she wants, and isn’t afraid to take it.

Kwenrthith can’t be put in a corner. She takes what she wants from Ragnar and Aethelwulf, and it’s hard to not admire her owning her personal liberation in doing so. The same goes for when she goes for vengeance in taking the kingdom of Mercia for herself by poisoning her brother in front of so many other powerful figures.

9 Judith

Judith’s character is based on the Carolingian Judith of Flanders. Both the historical and fictional Judith make scandalous decisions that shape the rest of their paths in life. Judith equally evokes sympathy, respect, and dislike. Jennie Jacques brings Judith to life in a way that holds all of this in a delicate balance.

She’s a woman trapped by her circumstances and one that finds a way to thrive despite them. Despite being nearly undone by her affair with Athelstan, she found new restraints and freedoms in the resultant affair with Ecbert. In these experiences she grows in strength and cunning. Her motives are both relatable and detestable when she kills her firstborn son.

8 Aslaug

The second wife of Ragnar Lodbrok, Auslag embodies legend as queen in Kattegat and mother to Sigurd, Ivar, Hvitserk, and Ubbe. She proves to be capable as both mother and queen despite a few diversions. Her gift for foresight proves helpful for her sons but fails to bring happiness.

Fate brought Ragnar and Auslaug together but didn’t provide them with an enduring love. Their partnership did however keep Kattegat running smoothly, leaving Auslaug in prime condition to hold the throne after Ragnar’s death. Lagertha’s honoring of Auslaug in death shows she respected her fallen adversary.

7 Astrid

Love and loyalty go hand in with Astrid. Not only does she rise to become Lagertha’s trusted second in command in ruling Hedeby, but Astrid also gains Lagertha’s romantic affection too. She’s a savvy shieldmaiden holding an esteemed reputation.

Thus it’s no surprise that King Harald set his sights on her so quickly after Lagertha rebuffed his proposal to her. Astrid is an alluring choice in her own right, and their partnership is a warm one despite being doomed. Astrid’s arc comes to a heartbreaking end at the end of Lagertha’s sword in a final act of devotion to each other.

6 Torvi

Facing challenges and growing stronger from them is how Torvi rolls. Portrayed by show creator Michael Hirst’s daughter Georgia, Torvi is one of the show’s most beloved characters. Devoted, mother, wife, and warrior, she’s someone that’s constantly dependable.

Unlike Judith and Auslaug, always finds a way to do what’s right for her children even as tries to better herself. She and Ubbe end up together because they both have hearts of gold. They’re a dynamic duo, proving to be skilled diplomats and allies, especially in England and Newfoundland. Björn and Lagertha lean on her reasoned counsel.

5 Emma

A standout in the newest series, Emma of Normandy is not your run-of-the-mill queen. She starts off as Æthelred’s queen, remains queen in the succession of her stepson Edmund, and retains her title after Edmund is killed by Godwin.

Emma does so in part because she’s inherited the courage of her ancestor Rollo. She succeeds because she’s quite the strategist, evidenced by how she deftly positioned herself as an ally to Edmund and solidified her position by marrying Canute. Her resolve is respected by her new husband and father-in-law. Fending off Ælfgifu seems effortless because Emma is just that good.

4 Freydis

Also proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the new series is Freydis Eiríksdóttir. Frida Gustavsson breathes life into the famous daughter of Erik the Red. She and her brother sail onto the scene and waste no time in proving themselves as powerful individuals.

It’s clear that Freydis is tenacious in her fighting, which makes Jarl Haakon decide to take her under his wing, providing her with a pilgrimage to Uppsala and training as a shieldmaiden. She proves to be a quick study and becomes one of Haakon’s fiercest defenders. She’s just getting started and will continue to grow in her power.

3 Gunnhild

Ragga Ragnars was born to play Gunnhild. The Olympian brings her athletic prowess to this warrior, and Gunnhild is a fast fan favorite. She captures Björn’s heart, and it’s fitting that out of all his loves, it is her by his side becoming queen to his king.

The always great Gunnhild shines like a goddess. Despite her obvious mortality, she just might be a goddess having cried tears of gold. She’s Björn’s best match being as lionlike as him as a leader. She cleverly makes her eulogy to him after his death both political and heartfelt. Her strength as a shieldmaiden follows that of Lagertha’s as a close second.

2 Haakon

Jarl Haakon is seamlessly embodied by Caroline Henderson as her portrayal breaks the historical mold beautifully. Ruler of Kattegat, Haakon commands the respect of both those that she serves and other leaders she comes in contact with.

She rules with calm poise and unmatched wisdom, which just may make her Kattegat’s most effective leader. The place has never seemed more peaceful and welcoming and that’s thanks to Haakon’s just and powerful stewardship. It’s a true shame that her story seems to be over in the aftermath of a battle with Kåre.

1 Lagertha

Lagertha is the ultimate Viking woman. She starts off as a farmer and has the longest-reaching arc of anyone in the franchise. There’s a reason that fans are looking at Freydis to be the next Lagertha in the sequel series, and that’s because Lagertha is simply the best.

Ragnar’s only true equal in life is Lagertha, and she outshines him. No one is as persevering and fierce as she and she is a formidable warrior. It’s a natural outcome that such a strong woman as her gains enemies almost as easily as she does allies. Her protectiveness makes it a true gift if you’re permitted to her inner circle. Her funeral was like her, epic.