A Comprehensive Overview of Female Warriors Throughout History
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In societies where women were often barred from combat roles, such as in the U.S. military until 2019, it’s easy to overlook their historical contributions as soldiers. Despite this, approximately 350,000 American women served during World War II, mainly in supportive positions, marking the first time all military branches accepted female personnel.
These women undertook non-combat duties to allow more men to engage in battle. Their roles varied from clerical tasks, a continuation from World War I, to driving vehicles, repairing aircraft, working in laboratories, and serving as radio operators. They even trained male soldiers in aerial combat techniques. — USO.org
Historically, American women have fought for their country in unofficial roles, sometimes disguised as men. Globally, female warriors likely existed as long as warfare has persisted. Evidence of women combatants dates back to the 17th century BCE, with new methods of determining the sex of ancient remains revealing that many graves thought to belong to male warriors were actually those of women.
The Smithsonian estimates the first war occurred approximately 10,000 years ago in what is now Kenya, involving a small-scale massacre. The concept of organized warfare as we understand it today became prevalent only in the last 5,000 years. As conflicts arose, women took up arms out of necessity or desire. The belief that women are unwilling or unable to fight stems from modern U.S. restrictions on female combatants. Historically, whenever women were given the opportunity, they contributed significantly to their communities, even engaging in invasions.
Female Warriors of the Viking Age
One of the most renowned female Viking warriors is Freydis Eiríksdóttir, daughter of Erik the Red. Historical accounts suggest that during her group’s landing in North America (Vinland), they faced aggression from local inhabitants. Eiríksdóttir reportedly seized a weapon, bared her chest, and charged at the startled natives, who retreated. Some accounts indicate she was pregnant at the time.
Alongside Freydis, Lagertha is another celebrated female Viking. The existence of shieldmaidens, as these warrior women were called, is documented, indicating they were more than mere legends. Viking women enjoyed relatively greater rights and respect compared to their counterparts in other societies, largely due to their roles in managing farms and protecting families while men were away.
These legendary shieldmaidens fought alongside men in significant battles, including the Battle of Bråvalla and the Siege of Dorostolon. Despite their defeat in the latter, their valor is still celebrated. Historical records, such as the Annals of Ulster, mention female Viking military leaders, dispelling the notion that women buried with weapons were misidentified as men. This misconception stems from male archaeologists projecting their biases onto historical interpretations.
The grave discovered in Birka, Sweden, originally thought to belong to a male warrior due to its contents, was confirmed in 2016 to contain a female skeleton. This finding challenged long-held beliefs and highlighted the complexities of gender roles in history.
Japanese Women Warriors
The onna-musha were women in pre-modern Japan trained to fight alongside male samurai. Figures like Tamoe Gozen, whether historical or mythological, symbolize a rich heritage of female fighters. In the 16th century, all-female fighting units emerged in Japan.
During the Sengoku period, several women engaged actively in combat, such as My?rin, who rallied troops against 3,000 Shimazu soldiers, and Kaihime, who fought in the siege of Oshi (1590). Nakano Takeko is another famed warrior, who, along with her family, formed the J?shitai during the Boshin War. Armed with a naginata, she fought valiantly until her death, requesting her sister behead her to prevent her head from being taken as a trophy.
The onna-musha were trained from childhood in weaponry, and many fought alongside samurai men. A monument commemorating Nakano Takeko stands beside her grave, celebrating her legacy during the annual Aizu Autumn Festival.
The Dahomey Amazons
In the 1600s, the Dahomey Mino, an all-female regiment from present-day Benin, were known for their bravery and resilience. King Ghezo enlisted both men and women, with some female soldiers recruited as young as eight. The Mino were often considered semi-sacred figures, connected to the Fon belief system.
By the late 1800s, the Mino faced overwhelming odds, leading to their decline. Historians recognize these women not only as fighters but as leaders in their communities, drawing parallels with other African queens like Queen Amanirenas of Sudan and Queen Nzinga of Angola, who also displayed military prowess.
“I shall call upon my fellow women. We will fight the white men. We will fight until the last of us falls in the battlefields,” Yaa Asantewaa declared, showcasing the fierce determination of women warriors. After a prolonged struggle, she was captured and exiled until her death in 1921. — History
Everyday Female Fighters
Beyond elite warriors, many ordinary women also participated in armed conflict. Notable examples include:
- Cleophis, who took command of the Assacani women following her son's death in battle against Alexander the Great.
- Women and the elderly defending against a Gallic invasion of Greece.
- Vaccaei and Vetton women fighting alongside men during the siege of Salmantica against Hannibal.
The Legacy of Women in Combat
From ancient times to the Night Witches of World War II, women have consistently fought alongside men or in all-female units. American women have long battled for equal opportunities in combat roles, with societal norms, not a lack of willingness, restricting their involvement.
Since the opening of combat positions to women, numerous female service members have excelled in rigorous military training. Over the past seven years, 100 women have graduated from Army Ranger School, while others have successfully completed Navy SEAL assessments.
The stereotype of delicate women passively relying on men for protection is a distorted view of history. Women have always sought to defend what mattered to them, with at least 1,000 disguising themselves as men to fight in the Civil War. Even outside combat, women have supported war efforts as nurses, mechanics, spies, and in various essential roles.
The historical narrative is rich with accounts of women warriors and everyday women fighting for their beliefs. It is time to more widely acknowledge and honor these contributions.
© Copyright Elle Beau 2024
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