Shield-Maiden Viking Receives Facial Reconstruction After 1,000 Years Later

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Researchers from the University of Dundee in Scotland did the impossible by resurrecting the image of a female warrior Viking. The team of researchers used only advanced facial reconstruction technology to revive the female Vikings appearance. They even succeeded in rebuilding the wound she suffered, but not sure it ended her life. The incident she experienced is described as the sword’s action of cutting down her head. Moreover, the blade ripped her to the bone.

Researchers were exploring the Viking female’s fractured skull after 1,000 years later. Also, they are still not sure whether the sharp blade caused her tragic death. It is more intriguing the fact that she was buried with some weapons next to her corpse, making it absolutely clear that she died a true warrior.

Shield-Maiden Burial Story

The woman who is believed to have lived around the year 900, was found first at a farm in Solor, Norway, in 1900. Her corpse had been excavated, and people found her head lying on a shield. Also, they discovered more intriguing yet frightening things. A bridled horse skeleton placed at her feet and her body were found boxed in by a sword, battle-ax, arrows, and a spear. After the first examinations, it was clearly for researchers back-then that the female represents the first example of a shield-maiden. Such a character is known to be a mythical female warrior, with some references in medieval writings.

Researchers Results

The results are now part of a National Geographic documentary titled “Viking Warrior Women.” Researchers discovered that the female was about 18 or 19 years old when she found her end. She displays after the reconstruction of an influential figure, with a swollen eye, strong jaw, and a forehead pretty much hurt. The female Viking is believed to suffer an immense head injury, being hit with a sword severe strike. Also, the wound displays signs of healing, and it might not represent the warrior’s cause of death. A researcher from the team offered more details about their project. He said, “Our results caution against sweeping interpretations based on…preconceptions. […] Viking women, indeed, were able to be full members of male-dominated spheres.”

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