A groundbreaking study titled "Womb Politics: The Pregnant Body and Archaeologies of Absence" examines the portrayal of pregnant women in Viking society. Led by Dr. Marianne Hem Eriksen and Dr. Katherine Marie Olley, the research combines various sources to illustrate how Viking narratives depicted pregnant women not merely as mothers, but also potentially as warriors. Notable evidence includes a silver figurine of a pregnant woman in warrior attire and references from Old Norse literature that highlight the complex roles of these figures within their communities.
The study reveals that pregnancy in Viking culture was associated with imagery of strength, as evidenced by representations of pregnant women as warriors.
Findings show that Norse literature depicts pregnant women not just as mothers, but as figures embodying power, challenging traditional views of femininity.
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