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--- self_kathleen_m [2022/12/26 21:45]
jl created
+++ self_kathleen_m [2022/12/28 18:46] (current)
jl
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 [[https://onesearch.uark.edu/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=cdi_gale_infotracmisc_A404008855&context=PC&vid=01UARK_INST:01UARK&lang=en&search_scope=MyInst_and_CI&adaptor=Primo%20Central&tab=COMBINED&query=any,contains,Self,%20Kathleen%20M.%20%E2%80%9CThe%20Valkyrie%E2%80%99s%20Gender-%20Old%20Norse%20Shield-Maidens%20and%20Valkyries%20as%20a%20Third%20Gender.%E2%80%9D&offset=0|Library Link]]
+{{ :kathleen_m._self_valkyrie_s_gender.pdf |}}
+====== Abstract ======
+This article argues that the medieval Scandinavian valkyrie and shield-maiden,
+overlapping categories of warrior, are best understood as a third gender, a hybrid of
+masculine and feminine attributes. Found in a variety of texts, myths, and legends of
+heroes, for example, these figures are clad in masculine attire, armor, and weapons,
+and exercise masculine power as they fight and choose who will die in battle. At the
+same time, linguistic markers, literary devices, and other of their activities mark them
+as feminine. The article further argues that the shield-maiden who chooses a male
+spouse subsequently transitions from the third gender to the feminine gender. As a
+consequence, she loses many of the powerful abilities of a warrior woman, along with
+her armor and weapons. Furthermore, her subjectivity is altered so that it is founded
+and dependent on that of her husband. When he dies, she is left with a diminished
+social network that, given the construction of subjectivity in this medieval context,
+leaves her personhood diminished as well.

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