Lagertha

Lagertha is a feminine given name of Old Norse origin, derived from the Old Norse elements "lagu" meaning "law" and "grið" meaning "peace." The name is believed to have emerged during the Viking Age, which spanned from the late 8th century to the late 11th century.

The name Lagertha is closely associated with Norse mythology and Viking culture. In the Icelandic Saga of Ragnar Lodbrok, a legendary Viking ruler, Lagertha is portrayed as a powerful shieldmaiden and the first wife of Ragnar. She is depicted as a skilled warrior and a respected leader among the Vikings.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lagertha appears in the 13th-century Icelandic manuscript Gesta Danorum, written by the Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus. In this work, Lagertha is mentioned as a legendary shieldmaiden who fought alongside her husband, the Norwegian king Ragnar Lodbrok.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Lagertha. One of the most famous was Lagertha Olafsdottir (c. 830-855), a Viking shieldmaiden and the wife of the legendary Viking chieftain Ragnar Lodbrok. She is known for her bravery and her participation in many battles alongside her husband.

Another notable Lagertha was Lagertha Eriksdottir (c. 975-1030), a Norwegian noblewoman and the wife of the Viking chieftain Erik the Red. She is credited with giving Greenland its name and is believed to have been one of the first European settlers in North America.

In more recent times, Lagertha has been a popular name in Scandinavia and Iceland. One notable bearer was Lagertha Lund Petersen (1895-1982), a Danish actress and film director who was active in the early 20th century. She is considered one of the pioneers of Danish cinema.

Another famous Lagertha was Lagertha Olsdotter Liljekvist (1923-2014), a Swedish author and children's book writer. She was known for her humorous and imaginative stories, and her works were widely popular in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries.

Lastly, Lagertha Ræder Vestlie (born 1939) is a Norwegian politician and former member of the Norwegian Parliament. She served as a representative for the Conservative Party from 1989 to 2009 and was known for her work on environmental and energy policies.