Queen Sigríð Storråda

ᛉ 970 - 1014 ᛣ

According to the Heimskringla, the woman known as Sigríð the Haughty, the Proud, and the Ambitious, was born to a wealthy warrior named Skoglar Toste. She married the Swedish King Erik the Victorious, and had a son named Olaf who would also one day become king. Snorri writes that she was, “the wisest of women and prophetic about many things.” After the death of her husband Erik, some petty kings sought Sigríð’s hand in marriage. She grew tired of these proposals, and had two competing suitors trapped inside a burning dining hall to discourage attempts from other men.

However, she did eventually agree to marry King Olaf Tryggvason of Norway, whose power was expanding greatly across the North as he forcibly converted his people to Christianity. Upon closer examination of the gold ring Olaf gave to her, Sigríð found that it was really made of brass, with a thin gold coating on the outside. This caused her to distrust him. They later met in person, and Olaf told Sigríð that she must convert to Christianity if they were to marry. She told him, “I shall not abandon the faith that I have previously held, as have my kinsmen before me. I shall also make no objection to your believing in whatever god you like.” Angry with her reply, Olaf struck her with his glove. Rather than submit, Sigríð told him, “That could well cost you your life.” They did not marry after all.

Today we honor Queen Sigríð for her principled steadfastness in the face of temptation. Sigríð knew that she was only worthy of marrying a man of great accomplishments. As Olaf’s wife, she could have obtained great wealth and power, but she refused to turn her back on our gods, faith, and folk.

Queen Sigríð’s Day of Remembrance is November 9th.

By Shade McCurdy