Norse Birka

By Crusader1307

A controversial subject with some, A Birka was Norse (Viking) Warrior Class which may have existed in the 10th Century AD. The controversy develops due to late 19th Century archaeological evidence which supported the fact that The Birka Class were possibly female Warriors. While Norse legend identifies the mythical Valkyrie as Female Warriors, coupled with the somewhat sketchy existence of Viking Shield Maidens – many feel that female Norse Warriors did not exist.

A grave in 1889 was discovered in Birka, Sweden which held the skeletal remains of a ''female'' adorned with warrior weapons and armor. Not a Queen, it led many to believe that The Norse did have female Warriors. However by 2010, evidence used to determine sex was deemed incorrect and that The Birka Warrior is in fact – a male.

Regardless, The so-called Birka (their real identity unknown) may have been akin to The Berserker Class of Elite Norse Warriors. As previously discussed, these were similar to shock troops who may have used chemical stimulus to enhance their warrior abilities in battle.

The Birka may have been offspring of Viking Nobility, based on surviving evidence (funerary). They would have used only the finest of weapons and armor. They would have been well fed and often used as Commanders and leaders. While Norse Warriors traditionally did not use Shields, Birka would have (to keep them safe).

If Birka were in fact female, they would have been styled after The Valkyrie mythos. As ''Daughters of Odin'', they would have been experts in the use of the bow and arrow (often shunned by Norse Warriors). Armor would have been used and would have a variety of Seax swords and daggers. While they would have rarely been ''front line'' Melee troops, they would have been 3rd Rank fighters. Other speculation places Birka as early cavalry – in as much as these horsemen used their mounts for transportation, dismounting to fight. In this component, The Female Birka would have used Spears.