March 14, 2025 • 10 mins
The Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, hosted by Jane M. Bell, takes listeners on an engrossing journey through history, focusing on women warriors from Serbia, Viking lands, and Japan. Bell recounts the remarkable tales of Milunka Savić, a Serbian woman who excelled in battle, even capturing 23 Bulgarian soldiers single-handedly. The podcast then delves into the legends of Viking shieldmaidens and the story of Hervor, offering evidence that these women warriors were real. Finally, the listeners are transported to Japan to explore the history of Onna-Bugeisha, fearless female samurais like Empress Jingu and Tomoe Gozen. These inspiring stories of courage, resilience, and bravery illuminate the contributions of women to history and invite listeners to uncover more untold stories.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Welcome to The Bell's Books and Blog podcast, the place
where history, mystery, and suspense converge. I'm your host, author
Jane M. Bell. Today we're celebrating Women's History Month by
exploring the incredible stories of female warriors who defied the
norms and led armies into battle. We'll travel to Serbia
to uncover the story of the most decorated female soldier
(00:25):
in history. Then we'll journey to the North to delve
into the legends and realities of Viking shield maidens. Finally,
we'll head to Japan to learn about the Anna Bageisha,
Japan's fearless female samurai. These are tales of resilience, cunning,
and unyielding spirit. So stay tuned and get ready to
be inspired by these amazing women warriors who have shaped history.
(00:50):
Let's begin our journey in Serbia with the awe inspiring
story of Malunka Savage, a name that deserves a prominent
place in history books. Born in a small, quiet villa
in the late nineteenth century, Molunka's early life gave no
hints of the extraordinary path she would soon embark on.
In nineteen twelve, Serbia was engulfed in the turmoil of
the First Balkan War. When the government drafted her sick
(01:13):
brother to fight, Molunka didn't hesitate. Determined to protect him,
she chopped off her hair, disguised herself as a man,
and took his place. It was a daring decision that
would change her life's trajectory forever. On the battlefield, Molunka
quickly distinguished herself as a formidable soldier despite the dangers.
She fought valiantly through nine grueling missions, earning numerous medals
(01:36):
for her bravery. But on her tenth mission, her courage
was put to the ultimate test. A piece of shrapnel
struck her chest, and as doctors tended to her wound,
they discovered her secret. Malunka was a woman. Faced with
this revelation, her commanding officer was at a crossroads. Traditional
rules dictated her dismissal, but her undeniable skill and valor
(01:59):
presents and a compelling case for her to stay. Courageous
and resolute, Malunka refused to leave and stood her ground,
declaring I want to keep fighting for Serbia. Her unwavering
determination swayed her superiors, and she returned to the front lines,
continuing to prove her Medal in both the Balkan Wars
and World War I. Throughout her military career, Malunka's remarkable
(02:22):
achievements won her the respect of both comrades and enemies.
She even single handedly captured twenty three Bulgarian soldiers during
one battle, an unbelievable feat that highlighted her tactical prowess
and sheer bravery. By the war's end, she had amassed
twelve medals for bravery from Serbia and its allies, including
the French Legion of Honor and the Russian Cross of
(02:43):
Saint George. Yet, despite her unparalleled heroism, recognition in post
war Serbia was scant. With the war behind her, Malunka
faced new battles on the home front. She married a banker,
had a daughter, and adopted three more children. Husband abandoned
the family. She took on the role of both mother
and provider, working as a cleaning lady to make ends meet.
(03:07):
During World War II, her relentless spirit shone once again
as she ran an infirmary for the resistance, only to
be captured and beaten by the Nazis. It was only
due to a German officer recognizing her as a war
hero that she was spared execution. Milunka Savitch's later years
were marked by poverty and hardship. She died from a
stroke in nineteen seventy two, her incredible contributions largely overlooked
(03:31):
during her lifetime. Her story is a poignant reminder of
the sacrifices made by women throughout history and the resilience
they embody even when facing great adversity. Now let's shift
our gaye northward to the rugged lands of the Vikings,
where the fierce and legendary shield maidens come to life.
When we think of Vikings, images of towering, bearded men
(03:54):
wielding battle axes often come to mind. These Norse warriors
were indeed formidable, but Viking sagas tell of women who
fought just as bravely beside them the renowned shield maidens.
One of the most fascinating of these warriors is Hervore,
a legendary figure in Viking lore. Her Vore's story is
steeped in both history and myth, making her an enduring
(04:16):
symbol of female courage and strength. She was born into
a family of fierce warriors and berserkers, though she never
met her father, who had died in battle before her birth.
Instead of learning the traditional skills expected of young girls,
Hervore trained in the arts of archery, sword fighting, and
horseback riding. By adulthood, she had surpassed every young man
(04:38):
in her village in combat. Hervore's most famous tale involves
her quest to claim the cursed sword Turfing, a weapon
of immense power and deadly consequences. Tearfing was said to
be so lethal that even the smallest cut could kill.
Driven by a belief that the sword was her birthright,
Hervore embarked on a perilous journey to the island of Samso,
(04:58):
where her father and uncles were buried. Ignoring the warnings
of her terrified crew, she boldly confronted her father's ghost,
demanding that he relinquished the sword. Despite his pleas about
the sword's curse that, once drawn, it demanded blood, hervor
remained undeterred and eventually claimed Turfing, wielding it without succumbing
to its madness. For centuries, the stories of shield maidens
(05:22):
like Hervore were passed down through Viking sagas, leaving historians
puzzled about their authenticity. Did these warrior women truly exist
or were they merely mythologized symbols of Viking culture. Skepticism
lingered until a remarkable archaeological discovery in the late eighteen
hundreds changed the narrative. In Burka, Sweden, archaeologist unearthed a
(05:43):
high status Viking grave. The burial site contained an array
of weapons and military artifacts, signaling the deceased's importance as
a warrior. For over a century, these remains were assumed
to belong to a man until osteologist Anna Kelstrom re
examined the bones and found on characteristics that suggested otherwise.
A DNA analysis confirmed it. This prestigious burial belonged to
(06:07):
a woman, providing the first concrete evidence that female Viking
warriors were real. This groundbreaking discovery not only validated the
tales of shield maidens, but also reshaped our understanding of
Viking society. Strength and valor not gender, determined one's place
as a warrior. While it's essential to remain cautious and
(06:28):
not conclusively turn every saga into historical fact, this evidence
breathes new life into the stories of women who may
have fought alongside Viking men. Shield Maidens, once thought to
be mere legends, now stand as a testament to the
bravery and resilience of women in Nordic history. Now, let's
continue our journey eastward to Japan, where the Ana Bugaisha,
(06:50):
Japan's fearless female samurai, made their indelible mark on history.
Long before samurai culture became synonymous with male warriors, women
were all also mastering combat techniques and leading troops into battle.
One of the earliest and most notable Ona bugaisha was
Empress Jingu in two hundred a d. She led a
bold military campaign to conquer Korea, defying societal norms that
(07:13):
confined women to domestic roles. Jingu proved her tactical brilliance
on the battlefield, earning herself a revered place in Japanese history.
Her leadership set a powerful precedent for generations of female
samurai to come. Next, we have the legendary Tomo Gozen,
whose tales of valor are etched into the annals of
the Genpei War, which raged from eleven eighty to eleven
(07:35):
eighty five. Tomo Gozen was an exceptional archer, swordswoman, and
horse rider. Her unparalleled skill in battle and strategic acumen
earned her the title of Japan's first female general. She
is best remembered for leading three hundred samurai against two
thousand Taira warriors and emerging as one of the few survivors.
(07:56):
In another battle, she famously beheaded the enemy's greatest warrior,
Honda no Moroshigae, cementing her legacy as a battlefield legend.
Despite such feats, the prominence of anabugaisha began to wane
as the nature of warfare evolved. The rise of centralized
feudal lords and changes in military tactics reduced the necessity
for women warriors. However, the spirit of the anabugaisha was
(08:19):
reignited during the Boshin War of eighteen sixty eight by
Nikano Takeiko. At just twenty one years old, Tokeiko led
the Joshitai, a group of female warriors against imperial forces.
Trained in the art of naganata combat. She demonstrated exceptional
marshal prowess in the Battle of Azu. Takeiko and her
warriors fiercely defended their territory, but faced overwhelming odds. During
(08:43):
the battle, Tokeiko was fatally shot. To prevent the enemy
from taking her head as a trophy, she asked her
sister to behead her and her sister complied, burying Tokeiko's
head under a pine tree, where a monument now stands
in her honor. Takeiko's death marked the end of the
ana bugisha, as the samurai class was soon abolished following
the Imperial Court's victory. The legacy of these women warriors
(09:06):
was largely forgotten as history came to portray samurai as
exclusively male. Yet the stories of Empress Jingu, Tomoe Gozen,
and Nikano Takeiko remind us of a time when women
defied societal norms and prove their valor on the battlefield.
And so as we reflect on the impactful legacies of
these incredible warriors, it's clear that the ana bu Geisha
(09:28):
were not exceptions, but representations of an unyielding spirit that
transcended gender. Their contributions to history are a testament to
the courage and strength of women who fought to carve
out their place in a world that often sought to
exclude them. What a journey we've taken today, from the
battlefields of Serbia with Malunkasavich, to the Viking shores with
(09:50):
the legendary shield Maidens, and finally to the samurai era
of Japan with the fearless Anna Bugaisha. Each story stands
as a powerful testament the resilience and bravery of women
warriors who have shaped history. I hope these tales have
inspired you as much as they've inspired me. Remember, history
is filled with untold stories waiting to be discovered. I
(10:13):
encourage you to dig deeper, explore more, and uncover the
incredible legacies of female warriors. You've been listening to The
Bells books and blog podcast. If you want to delve
further into the details, be sure to check out the
show notes for any links and articles mentioned in today's episode.
Don't forget You can now tune into the audio version
of this blog on platforms like Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify,
(10:37):
and many others. Thanks for joining me today Until next week,
keep questioning, keep exploring, keep reading, and of course, keep
the past alive.
Welcome to The Bell's Books and Blog podcast, the place
where history, mystery, and suspense converge. I'm your host, author
Jane M. Bell. Today we're celebrating Women's History Month by
exploring the incredible stories of female warriors who defied the
norms and led armies into battle. We'll travel to Serbia
to uncover the story of the most decorated female soldier
(00:25):
in history. Then we'll journey to the North to delve
into the legends and realities of Viking shield maidens. Finally,
we'll head to Japan to learn about the Anna Bageisha,
Japan's fearless female samurai. These are tales of resilience, cunning,
and unyielding spirit. So stay tuned and get ready to
be inspired by these amazing women warriors who have shaped history.
(00:50):
Let's begin our journey in Serbia with the awe inspiring
story of Malunka Savage, a name that deserves a prominent
place in history books. Born in a small, quiet villa
in the late nineteenth century, Molunka's early life gave no
hints of the extraordinary path she would soon embark on.
In nineteen twelve, Serbia was engulfed in the turmoil of
the First Balkan War. When the government drafted her sick
(01:13):
brother to fight, Molunka didn't hesitate. Determined to protect him,
she chopped off her hair, disguised herself as a man,
and took his place. It was a daring decision that
would change her life's trajectory forever. On the battlefield, Molunka
quickly distinguished herself as a formidable soldier despite the dangers.
She fought valiantly through nine grueling missions, earning numerous medals
(01:36):
for her bravery. But on her tenth mission, her courage
was put to the ultimate test. A piece of shrapnel
struck her chest, and as doctors tended to her wound,
they discovered her secret. Malunka was a woman. Faced with
this revelation, her commanding officer was at a crossroads. Traditional
rules dictated her dismissal, but her undeniable skill and valor
(01:59):
presents and a compelling case for her to stay. Courageous
and resolute, Malunka refused to leave and stood her ground,
declaring I want to keep fighting for Serbia. Her unwavering
determination swayed her superiors, and she returned to the front lines,
continuing to prove her Medal in both the Balkan Wars
and World War I. Throughout her military career, Malunka's remarkable
(02:22):
achievements won her the respect of both comrades and enemies.
She even single handedly captured twenty three Bulgarian soldiers during
one battle, an unbelievable feat that highlighted her tactical prowess
and sheer bravery. By the war's end, she had amassed
twelve medals for bravery from Serbia and its allies, including
the French Legion of Honor and the Russian Cross of
(02:43):
Saint George. Yet, despite her unparalleled heroism, recognition in post
war Serbia was scant. With the war behind her, Malunka
faced new battles on the home front. She married a banker,
had a daughter, and adopted three more children. Husband abandoned
the family. She took on the role of both mother
and provider, working as a cleaning lady to make ends meet.
(03:07):
During World War II, her relentless spirit shone once again
as she ran an infirmary for the resistance, only to
be captured and beaten by the Nazis. It was only
due to a German officer recognizing her as a war
hero that she was spared execution. Milunka Savitch's later years
were marked by poverty and hardship. She died from a
stroke in nineteen seventy two, her incredible contributions largely overlooked
(03:31):
during her lifetime. Her story is a poignant reminder of
the sacrifices made by women throughout history and the resilience
they embody even when facing great adversity. Now let's shift
our gaye northward to the rugged lands of the Vikings,
where the fierce and legendary shield maidens come to life.
When we think of Vikings, images of towering, bearded men
(03:54):
wielding battle axes often come to mind. These Norse warriors
were indeed formidable, but Viking sagas tell of women who
fought just as bravely beside them the renowned shield maidens.
One of the most fascinating of these warriors is Hervore,
a legendary figure in Viking lore. Her Vore's story is
steeped in both history and myth, making her an enduring
(04:16):
symbol of female courage and strength. She was born into
a family of fierce warriors and berserkers, though she never
met her father, who had died in battle before her birth.
Instead of learning the traditional skills expected of young girls,
Hervore trained in the arts of archery, sword fighting, and
horseback riding. By adulthood, she had surpassed every young man
(04:38):
in her village in combat. Hervore's most famous tale involves
her quest to claim the cursed sword Turfing, a weapon
of immense power and deadly consequences. Tearfing was said to
be so lethal that even the smallest cut could kill.
Driven by a belief that the sword was her birthright,
Hervore embarked on a perilous journey to the island of Samso,
(04:58):
where her father and uncles were buried. Ignoring the warnings
of her terrified crew, she boldly confronted her father's ghost,
demanding that he relinquished the sword. Despite his pleas about
the sword's curse that, once drawn, it demanded blood, hervor
remained undeterred and eventually claimed Turfing, wielding it without succumbing
to its madness. For centuries, the stories of shield maidens
(05:22):
like Hervore were passed down through Viking sagas, leaving historians
puzzled about their authenticity. Did these warrior women truly exist
or were they merely mythologized symbols of Viking culture. Skepticism
lingered until a remarkable archaeological discovery in the late eighteen
hundreds changed the narrative. In Burka, Sweden, archaeologist unearthed a
(05:43):
high status Viking grave. The burial site contained an array
of weapons and military artifacts, signaling the deceased's importance as
a warrior. For over a century, these remains were assumed
to belong to a man until osteologist Anna Kelstrom re
examined the bones and found on characteristics that suggested otherwise.
A DNA analysis confirmed it. This prestigious burial belonged to
(06:07):
a woman, providing the first concrete evidence that female Viking
warriors were real. This groundbreaking discovery not only validated the
tales of shield maidens, but also reshaped our understanding of
Viking society. Strength and valor not gender, determined one's place
as a warrior. While it's essential to remain cautious and
(06:28):
not conclusively turn every saga into historical fact, this evidence
breathes new life into the stories of women who may
have fought alongside Viking men. Shield Maidens, once thought to
be mere legends, now stand as a testament to the
bravery and resilience of women in Nordic history. Now, let's
continue our journey eastward to Japan, where the Ana Bugaisha,
(06:50):
Japan's fearless female samurai, made their indelible mark on history.
Long before samurai culture became synonymous with male warriors, women
were all also mastering combat techniques and leading troops into battle.
One of the earliest and most notable Ona bugaisha was
Empress Jingu in two hundred a d. She led a
bold military campaign to conquer Korea, defying societal norms that
(07:13):
confined women to domestic roles. Jingu proved her tactical brilliance
on the battlefield, earning herself a revered place in Japanese history.
Her leadership set a powerful precedent for generations of female
samurai to come. Next, we have the legendary Tomo Gozen,
whose tales of valor are etched into the annals of
the Genpei War, which raged from eleven eighty to eleven
(07:35):
eighty five. Tomo Gozen was an exceptional archer, swordswoman, and
horse rider. Her unparalleled skill in battle and strategic acumen
earned her the title of Japan's first female general. She
is best remembered for leading three hundred samurai against two
thousand Taira warriors and emerging as one of the few survivors.
(07:56):
In another battle, she famously beheaded the enemy's greatest warrior,
Honda no Moroshigae, cementing her legacy as a battlefield legend.
Despite such feats, the prominence of anabugaisha began to wane
as the nature of warfare evolved. The rise of centralized
feudal lords and changes in military tactics reduced the necessity
for women warriors. However, the spirit of the anabugaisha was
(08:19):
reignited during the Boshin War of eighteen sixty eight by
Nikano Takeiko. At just twenty one years old, Tokeiko led
the Joshitai, a group of female warriors against imperial forces.
Trained in the art of naganata combat. She demonstrated exceptional
marshal prowess in the Battle of Azu. Takeiko and her
warriors fiercely defended their territory, but faced overwhelming odds. During
(08:43):
the battle, Tokeiko was fatally shot. To prevent the enemy
from taking her head as a trophy, she asked her
sister to behead her and her sister complied, burying Tokeiko's
head under a pine tree, where a monument now stands
in her honor. Takeiko's death marked the end of the
ana bugisha, as the samurai class was soon abolished following
the Imperial Court's victory. The legacy of these women warriors
(09:06):
was largely forgotten as history came to portray samurai as
exclusively male. Yet the stories of Empress Jingu, Tomoe Gozen,
and Nikano Takeiko remind us of a time when women
defied societal norms and prove their valor on the battlefield.
And so as we reflect on the impactful legacies of
these incredible warriors, it's clear that the ana bu Geisha
(09:28):
were not exceptions, but representations of an unyielding spirit that
transcended gender. Their contributions to history are a testament to
the courage and strength of women who fought to carve
out their place in a world that often sought to
exclude them. What a journey we've taken today, from the
battlefields of Serbia with Malunkasavich, to the Viking shores with
(09:50):
the legendary shield Maidens, and finally to the samurai era
of Japan with the fearless Anna Bugaisha. Each story stands
as a powerful testament the resilience and bravery of women
warriors who have shaped history. I hope these tales have
inspired you as much as they've inspired me. Remember, history
is filled with untold stories waiting to be discovered. I
(10:13):
encourage you to dig deeper, explore more, and uncover the
incredible legacies of female warriors. You've been listening to The
Bells books and blog podcast. If you want to delve
further into the details, be sure to check out the
show notes for any links and articles mentioned in today's episode.
Don't forget You can now tune into the audio version
of this blog on platforms like Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify,
(10:37):
and many others. Thanks for joining me today Until next week,
keep questioning, keep exploring, keep reading, and of course, keep
the past alive.
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