Hetha (fl. 10th c.)

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Hetha (fl. 10th c.)

Queen of Zealand and Danish sea captain. Flourished in the 10th century in Scandinavia.

In the 10th century, Hetha fought for the Danes as a naval commander at the Battle of Bravalla, and eventually she became queen of Zealand. The facts of her life are uncertain; but she was reported to be a competent leader. The Battle of Bravalla, a fierce fight between Danish and Swedish forces, involved at least 12 tribal Scandinavian states and resulted in the deaths of thousands of warriors. Hetha led her crew into the battle which was taking place on the shore, and there she fought ferociously along with two other Danish women captains, Wisna and Webiorg .

Laura York , Riverside, California