#alwilda

Seven Notorious Women Pirates

In this article, we look at the lives and deeds of seven notorious women pirates. There is Teuta, the Balkan enemy of ancient Rome; Alwilda, the Scandinavian princess who chose a life of crime on the High Seas; Maria Lindsey, who terrorized the northern Atlantic; the Irish pirate and folk hero Gr...

What comes next could be the perfect plot for a Disney film. But it is not, it is a pirate and Danish founding saga. Awilda or Alwilda was a daughter of Synardus, King of Gotland in the 5th century.

Awilda the Pirate Princess in : The Pirates own Book, by Charles Ellms 1837 (x)

Now comes what always happens in such legends: she was supposed to be married, but she didn't want to be, and was spat upon in a tower guarded by two poisonous snakes. But a young crownprince named Alf (the ancestor of the Danish throne) managed to overcome these snakes. But Awilda was no longer there, her female friends had managed to get her out of the tower and take her to a ship disguised as a man. Awilda was so thrilled by the life on board that she declared herself a pirate and set off with her friends to explore the coasts of Denmark. Alf, now called away to defend his country, sailed towards her and a great battle ensued between the two. However, she was defeated and he uncovered her by taking off her helmet.

Awilda on a scrimshaw ditty box, made by a sailor, mid 19th century (x)

The two immediately fell in love and were married on the spot. Alf led his pirate bride home where they lived together as King and Queen of Denemark and founded the Royal House of Denemark.

“She was a female pirate, originally the daughter of a 5th century Scandinavian king, who arranged a marriage for her to Alf, the crown prince of Denmark. However, Alwilda refused her father’s choice, and she and some of her female friends dressed like sailors and commandeered a ship. While sailing, they came across a pirate ship that had recently lost their captain, and the pirates elected Alwilda as their captain. The King of Denmark sent his son and a navy ship to battle with the pirates. Prince Alf and his men were able to board the ship and gain the upper hand in battle. Apparently, Alwilda was so impressed with the prince’s courage that she revealed her true identity and agreed to marry Alf. They married on board, and lived happily as King and Queen of Denmark.”

Gender: Female

Pronunciation: al-WIL-da (English); ahl-VIL-dah (German)

Origin: Latin form of the Norwegian and Swedish name Alfhild

Meaning: Elf battle