By: Aisling Bronach of House Shadow Drake

Women in Viking society played a very important role as maintainers of the estate. Their importance in Viking society is revealed by the offering of a bride-price which was paid to the bride's family when she was married. Although women tended to only marry others of the same level of society, these marriages were often for the mutual benefit of both families. Vikings did not marry for love, but their feelings concerning potential marriage partners were important.

The Viking woman had a special role in the family, and that was the maintenance of the household and the estate. No one, including her husband, would dare to contradict her in these matters.

If her husband died, she was given the estate. If the wife died, the estate was given to the eldest son, and if there was no son it would be given to the daughter.

The Viking woman, unlike woman in other parts of Europe, was not a piece of property that could be bartered for gaining political foothold. She had a role in society, and in the household. In May, when her husband left her to go raiding or trading, she remained to maintain the estate and make things such as cloth and embroidery.

In Iceland, Viking females could take up other duties. She was even able to preside as the speaker in court, something which was not possible on the continent.

Viking women served as an important member of society. In some extreme cases, women are noted as even having gone into battle. She was not an object of political positioning between families, but instead a rather valuable member of society and a source of children.