BERLIN — Scientists say DNA tests on a skeleton found in a lavish Viking warrior’s grave in Sweden show the remains are those of a woman in her 30s.
While bone experts had long suspected the remains belong to a woman, the idea had previously been dismissed despite other accounts supporting the existence of female Viking warriors.
Swedish researchers used new methods to analyze genetic material from the 1,000-year-old bones at a Viking-era site known as Birka, near Stockholm.
Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson of Uppsala University said Monday the tests show “it is definitely a woman.”
Hedenstierna-Jonson said the grave is particularly well-furnished, with a sword, shields, various other weapons and horses.
Did you know?
1. The name ‘Viking’ means ‘a pirate raid’ in the Old Norse language.
2. Fenrir Grayback, the werewolf in the Harry Potter books, was named after a ferocious giant wolf from ancient Viking mythology.
3. Ever wondered where the word ‘berserk’ comes from? ‘Berserkers’ was the name of some terrifying Viking warriors who wore bear or wolf skins and howled in battle.
-AP
