Lagertha: the shieldmaiden who redefined strength on screen

Let’s be real—when we talk about badass female leads, who command the screen with raw power, intelligence, and resilience, no one comes close to Lagertha from Vikings. She’s not just a warrior; she’s a queen, a leader, a mother, and an absolute force of nature. From the moment she steps onto the screen, wielding her shield and sword with unwavering determination, she owns every scene, every battle, and every moment with an intensity that’s impossible to ignore.

Lagertha is my favorite female lead, not just because of her combat skills, but because of the depth of her character, her evolution throughout the series, and the way she represents a multifaceted form of strength that transcends time.

A warrior, a queen, a survivor

You know how some characters just get under your skin in the best way possible? That’s Lagertha for me. She’s got the perfect balance of strength, intelligence, and heart. She’s not some one-dimensional warrior chick who’s just there to swing a sword—she’s a fully fleshed-out character who grows, struggles, and evolves in ways that make you root for her with everything you’ve got.

Lagertha’s journey in Vikings is one of the most compelling arcs in television history. She begins as a fierce shieldmaiden and the devoted wife of Ragnar Lothbrok, but she quickly proves that she is not defined by her relationship with him. When he betrays her, she doesn’t sit around crying over what could have been—she rises, she conquers, and she carves her own path. Lagertha leaves behind the life she built with Ragnar and builds her own destiny, proving that she is more than capable of surviving and thriving without a man to define her worth. That’s the kind of resilience and self-worth that makes her unforgettable.

She becomes an Earl in her own right, leading her people with both wisdom and ferocity. Later, she ascends to the status of Queen of Kattegat, solidifying her place as one of the most influential figures in Viking history. But Lagertha’s true strength lies not just in her ability to fight, but in her capacity to endure pain, loss, and betrayal while continuing to lead with dignity.

Why Lagertha stands out

Many strong female characters in television tend to be one-dimensional, focusing solely on physical strength or independence. Lagertha, however, is complex. She is a warrior, but she is also a mother, a leader, and a woman who experiences love, heartbreak, and personal struggles. Her story is not about being invincible—it’s about overcoming adversity, time and time again.

She is also a character who commands respect. Unlike other female warriors who have to prove themselves to their male counterparts repeatedly, Lagertha earns her place through her actions. She fights alongside men as an equal, and more often than not, she surpasses them in skill and strategy.

So yeah, Lagertha is legendary in battle. She fights like a storm, and every time she picks up her shield, you know she’s about to make history. But what truly makes her special is her ability to lead. She’s not just strong with a sword—she’s strong in mind and spirit.

But she’s also got heart. She loves deeply, whether it’s her son, her people, or the warriors who fight by her side. She suffers immense losses, yet she never lets them break her. Even when the world throws everything at her—betrayal, grief, war—she keeps going. That’s the kind of resilience that makes her feel so real and inspiring.

What Lagertha means to me

Lagertha represents the kind of strength that goes beyond physical combat. She embodies perseverance, the courage to walk away from what no longer serves her, and the wisdom to lead with both ferocity and compassion. Her story resonates because it mirrors real-life struggles—the need to reinvent oneself, the resilience required to face loss, and the power of forging one’s own destiny despite the odds. She doesn’t just survive—she thrives.

She is also a reminder that strength and femininity are not mutually exclusive. Lagertha is a warrior, but she also deeply loves her children, experiences vulnerability, and grieves her losses. She is not a stereotype—she is a fully realized character who shatters expectations. She’s a reminder that strength isn’t just about wielding a weapon; it’s about standing up for yourself, adapting to change, and never letting anyone define your worth.

And let’s not forget—she’s played by Katheryn Winnick, who brings so much depth and fire to the role that you can’t take your eyes off her. Every scene with Lagertha feels like an event because you know she’s about to deliver something powerful.

Final thoughts: the legend lives on

Lagertha isn’t just a great female lead—she’s one of the best characters, period. She’s a warrior, a leader, a mother, and a queen who refuses to be overshadowed by anyone. She’s inspiring, unforgettable, and the kind of character that stays with you long after the show ends.

There are many great female protagonists on screen, but Lagertha holds a special place in my heart. She is the kind of hero who doesn’t just inspire admiration—she inspires action. She proves that power comes in many forms, that women can be both warriors and nurturers, and that true leadership is earned through courage and integrity. And for that, she will always be my favorite. Because she’s not just a character; she’s a legend.