Eivor: Viking Warrior, Reincarnated God, or Shield Maiden?
The question of whether Eivor Varinsdottir, the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, is a shield maiden is complex, intertwined with historical accuracy, video game narrative, and mythological interpretations. While the game prominently portrays Eivor as a powerful warrior who fights alongside her clan in raids and battles, the label “shield maiden” carries certain connotations. So, is Eivor a shield maiden? The most accurate answer is: Yes, Eivor can be considered a shield maiden. While not a strictly historical figure, Eivor embodies the characteristics commonly associated with shield maidens in Norse sagas and legends. She is a fierce female warrior who fights alongside men in battle, wields weapons with skill, and demonstrates unwavering courage.
Eivor’s Role as a Viking Warrior
Eivor is depicted as a “jarlskona”, a term that translates to a leader or chieftains wife, a position of power and respect. However, she is never defined solely by her role within the clan’s hierarchy. She is first and foremost a warrior, known by the name “Wolf-Kissed”, earned from a childhood incident that left her with a facial scar. Her combat prowess and leadership skills make her an invaluable asset to her clan during raids on England. She displays characteristics of leadership and fierceness associated with shield maidens. Her fighting style, use of weapons and armor, and participation in raids alongside male warriors place her firmly within the archetype of the Viking shield maiden. In fact, a lot of what she does and how she interacts with other Viking warriors aligns very closely with the common historical assumptions of a shield maiden.
Historical Context vs. Game Narrative
It is important to acknowledge that the historical existence of shield maidens is still debated among scholars. The sagas often depict female warriors, but the extent to which they were prevalent is unclear. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is not a documentary; it’s a video game that blends historical inspiration with fantastical elements. Therefore, Eivor’s character is not intended as a precise historical representation but rather an embodiment of the mythological and legendary figures of shield maidens. The game leverages the romanticized and often exaggerated portrayals from the sagas, thereby adding a compelling and empowering narrative for the player.
Eivor’s Dual Identity as Reincarnated God
Furthermore, Eivor’s story in Valhalla is complicated by her reincarnated identity as Odin. This adds another layer to her persona. Odin is a male Norse God. While Eivor is largely considered female, the game’s plot devices can sometimes depict Eivor as a man, because she shares Odin’s DNA. This aspect further confuses her portrayal as a shield maiden. However, the narrative clearly emphasizes Eivor’s individuality and her own journey, showing that her past lives do not define her completely. Despite her Isu connections, she is still, at her core, a Viking warrior woman who fights with bravery and skill – characteristics common with the mythological shield maiden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to Eivor and shield maidens, providing further clarity and insights:
1. What type of Viking is Eivor?
Eivor is a Viking warrior and jarlskona from Norway. She is also the reincarnation of Odin, a member of a technologically advanced race referred to as the Isu in the Assassin’s Creed universe.
2. Is Eivor a real historical figure?
No, Eivor is a fictional character created for the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla video game. While the game is inspired by Viking history, Eivor is not based on any specific historical person.
3. Is Eivor part god?
Technically, Eivor is not a god in the traditional sense, but she is the reincarnation of the Isu Odin. The Isu are an ancient race with advanced technology, sometimes regarded as gods in ancient myths.
4. Is Eivor canonically female?
Yes, female Eivor is considered the canonical version of the character, according to the game’s developers and storyline. The game does offer players the ability to play as male Eivor, however, the narrative often refers back to the female variant as the default for Eivor’s unique story.
5. Who is the most famous shield maiden in Viking history?
One of the most famous shield maidens is Lagertha, depicted in many sagas and the Vikings TV series. Although her historicity is often debated, she embodies the archetypical shield maiden as a fierce and skilled warrior.
6. Did shield maidens go to Valhalla?
Yes, Viking beliefs held that warriors killed in battle could enter Valhalla, regardless of gender. The primary requirement for Valhalla was bravery in battle. Therefore, shield maidens, if killed in battle, would be eligible to go to Valhalla.
7. Why is Eivor so small compared to other protagonists?
There is no confirmed height for Eivor, but it is speculated that she may be shorter compared to other protagonists because Norse people were generally shorter on average.
8. Why is Eivor called “Wolf-Kissed”?
Eivor earned the title “Wolf-Kissed” because of a scar she received on her face as a child when defending herself from a wolf.
9. Why does the Animus sometimes show Eivor as male?
The Animus, a device in the game that recreates past events, sometimes shows Eivor as male because the presence of Odin’s DNA throws off the system, causing it to interpret Eivor as a male who resembles Odin.
10. Why did Basim hate Eivor?
Basim hates Eivor because he is the reincarnation of Loki, who seeks revenge against Eivor (who is also Odin) for his actions toward Loki’s son Fenrir in Asgard.
11. Why does Eivor become Havi?
Eivor becomes Havi because she is the reincarnation of the Isu Odin, whose Norse name is Havi. She learns about her past life through the game’s narrative, which involves the use of the Isu simulation devices.
12. Does Eivor lose an eye?
Yes, Eivor loses her eye twice in the game: once as Havi/Odin, and another time when she’s shot in Valhalla. The loss of one eye is symbolic of the one-eyed Odin.
13. Why does Eivor reject Odin?
Eivor rejects Odin not because she is rejecting a separate personality inside of her, but because she is choosing to embrace her own personality, rather than being defined by her previous life as an Isu. She doesn’t want her previous life to define her current one.
14. Can Eivor sleep with anyone in the game?
Yes, Eivor can have romantic relationships with characters of any gender in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The game’s romance options are not gender-locked, allowing for a flexible player experience.
15. Are Valkyries and shield maidens the same?
No, Valkyries and shield maidens are not the same. Valkyries are divine or semi-divine beings who choose those who will enter Valhalla, while shield maidens are human warriors who fight alongside men in battle. Though they may share some similarities, they are different in their nature and purpose.
Conclusion
Eivor is a compelling and multi-faceted character who embodies many aspects of the traditional Viking shield maiden. While she is not a historical figure, her depiction offers a strong and empowering portrayal of a female warrior in the Viking Age. She is also a compelling narrative point in the overarching Assassin’s Creed universe. Through the combination of historical inspiration, mythological elements, and a captivating video game narrative, Eivor becomes a complex and memorable protagonist who fits the archetype of a fierce shield maiden. The game’s exploration of her reincarnated Isu identity further enhances the layers of complexity in her story. She is not just a warrior, but a leader, a survivor, and a figure who challenges the very concept of fate itself. Whether you interpret her as a classic shield maiden, a reincarnated god, or simply a formidable Viking warrior, Eivor’s presence in the video game landscape is a powerful testament to the legacy of Norse mythology and the enduring fascination with strong female figures in history and legend.