They were high-ranking noble women who commanded garrisons defending against the armies of Kristian II of Denmark.

Christina Nilsdotter (Gyllenstierna) was the widow of Sten Svantesson (Natt och Dag) - who took the name Sten Sture to gain support from the peasants who had been the leader of the indepence faction of the Swedish nobility until his death 1520.

She commanded the troops loyal to her late husband in defending Stockholm against the Danes during a 4-month siege 1520 before surrendering.

Anna Eriksdotter (Bielke) was the widow of Johan Månsson (Natt och Dag), one of the leading figures in the pro-independence faction among the Swedish nobility and she held Kalmar, the most important fortress in Sweden at the time. She also surrendered to the Danes 1520.