Awilda and Rusila Battle Prince Alf, 5th Century

Entitled: On Viking Expeditions of Highborn Maids: Two female warriors, of royal family according to the crowns on their heads, are participating in a sea battle. The women are identified as Awilda and Rusila. In Gesta Danorum, Siward, was an ancient king in Gotaland, who had a daughter named Awilda, who became a legendary Viking pirate. To protect his daughter from unworthy suitors, Siward had her chamber guarded by a lizard and a snake. When Alf, a Danish prince, managed to defeat the animal guards, Siward told him that he would accept him for his daughter's husband, if she agreed to the marriage. She ran away and joined a crew of cross-dressing women. They encountered a crew of pirates who had lost their Captain and they elected her as their new leader. Her former betrothed, Prince Alf, was dispatched to bring the troublesome pirates to justice. He and his men were able to board their ship and gain the upper hand in the battle. Awilda was so impressed with the prince's courage that she revealed her true identity, and agreed to marry him. Rusila fought against her brother Thrond for the thrones of both Denmark and Norway. Image taken from Olaus Magnus A Description of the Northern Peoples from 1555

Picture No

12696770

Media ID

47679037

Size

4733px x 2389px (2.3MB)

Credit

¶© New York Public Library/Science Source/Mary Evans