Reconsidering maiden warriorhood: Maud de Braose (1224-1301)

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

Abstract

The maiden warrior way of life has been evidenced in law and written works as early as the tenth century, CE. Derived from the Old Norse skjaldmœr, meaning ‘shield-maiden’, the earliest maiden warriors are defined by the maintenance of their virginity or maidenhead, without which they cannot expect to inherit properties and titles, or take up arms as maiden warriors. With the influence of Brynhild, a Viking valkyrie, and later, Maud de Braose, a thirteenth century English noblewoman who is used as the central focus of this study, the maidenhead requirement is challenged and maiden warriorhood begins to incorporate ideas of modern intersectional feminism beginning in the High Middle Ages. Highlighting the contributions of Maud de Braose with consideration to influential maiden warriors before her, I examine how Maud’s life and actions allow us to reconsider maiden warriorhood in its continuous shifting nature. From addressing its subtypes of the warrior woman, maiden king, sworn virgin, and valkyrie, to acknowledging Maud’s efforts in passing on maiden warrior ideals through her eldest daughter and other women on the Marches of baronial Wales, this study allows us to continue to re-examine and reconsider maiden warriorhood through the present day.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 29 Jun 2023
Event27th Annual Histfest Lancaster History Postgraduate Conference: 'Continuity & Change' - Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
Duration: 29 Jun 202330 Jun 2023
https://www.lhpconference.com/

Conference

Conference27th Annual Histfest Lancaster History Postgraduate Conference
Abbreviated titleLHPC
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLancaster
Period29/06/2330/06/23
Internet address

Keywords

  • maiden warrior
  • Maud de Braose

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