I'm not entirely certain this falls under the domain of the sub, but not really sure where else to ask. I'm writing a character(super hero) who styles herself after shield maidens, but I'm stuck trying to find a balance between cool and real.
What sources would you direct a 19ish year old girl towards if she asked you about vikings, fighting manuals, armour and costume, shield maidens, valkyrie, patheon, or women's place in general? I've looked but find myself lost in academia almost immediately, and being so verbose, I feel she would not be able to make sense of it.
Thank y'all in advance~
The Viking World is about as comprehensive of a volume as you could need. There are plenty of sections dealing with women in the Viking world. The work is scholarly but not unapproachable.
Women in the Viking Age by Judith Jesch would probably suit you quite well. It is typically a good intro into the topic and avoids going into too much depth. I would also suggest looking at the works of Jenny Jochens. She does typically do a lot more academic works, but her primary focus is women in Old Norse society and Literature. So if there is something specific she'd be looking for more depth on a topic with in the real of Norse women studies, Jochens would be a good place to start.