The first documented women settlers to land on American soil were Viking women named Gudrid and Freydis, around the year 1100. They came over with their husbands, one of them pregnant, traveling with all the trappings and comfort that a Viking ship had to offer. Living conditions were far from ideal to say the least. Back then, the journey could take months all depending on the weather and the route. The Vikings who made this journey usually lived off of salted meats and pickled fish. Once that ran out, they would eat rats and mice onboard just for survival. This is really no condition for any human, let alone a pregnant woman, to travel in. But they did it, with the goal of adventure, love for their husbands and the hope of a better life for their imminent families.
Once they arrived, their husbands turned back and the women were expected to stay and establish all of the amenities that a functioning town would possess: farming, building shelter, hunting. There were some Viking men left behind but they largely depended on the local Native Americans to show them the ropes…and they did! These women became expert farmers and provided for their families. They appreciated the Indians and realized that without their help, they would have no chance for survival. They ran a tight ship…only on land!
One night, a vigilante tribe came and invaded their small community. Terrified and determined to protect their loved ones, then pregnant Freydis “ grabbed a handy weapon, took out her swollen breasts ‘an whetted the sword upon them’ according to a Viking chronicler.” This sight completely freaked out the invading Indian tribe and they ran away.
CAN YOU IMAGINE?!?!? The instinct to protect is SO GREAT, that in a moment of sheer courage (and complete insanity), you slice off your breast to scare the invaders away? And what’s more, IT WORKED!! This is a testament to the courage of women everywhere.
I constantly hear stories of women risking their own lives for the good of their families. You don’t have to look very far, even today, to see women in Africa, India, the Middle East, even in America, who endure the most brutal and vile treatment, literally sacrificing themselves, for the survival of their families. I am constantly amazed by women who can conjure up this courage and I use them as my inspiration in daily life. Whenever I think there is a task too great, or too difficult to accomplish, I think of the women in our past who have fought for me to be here today. Their purpose was to pioneer new land and to protect their loved ones. Ours is similar just to a lesser degree.
I read this true story in an amazing history book which documents women’s contribution to the establishment of America. Although these true accounts are largely over looked in school textbooks, knowing that someone is telling their story makes me feel a sense of gratitude. The book is called America's Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines and it is by New York Times writer, Gail Collins. I hope you get it and read it because there are so many other amazing stories about women and our history in there. For example, the first attorney in the U.S. was a woman! We have a long history of amazing women to be proud of. While it is great that Women’s History Month exists, we need to celebrate their lives and appreciate their legacies every day!
Danielle Azoulay is currently studying for her MBA at Zicklin School of Business in NYC while working full time for "the man". She ran her first half-marathon in January 2009 and has been busy starting BikeStop, a company that is focusing on bike parking solutions for cities who are becoming more cycling oriented. She documents her passion for all things green on her environmental blog:www.AdvocateofGreen.com. Join Danielle on her quest to green it up!
Amy Owen | 