Alf and Alfhild
A Geatish princess who became a pirate queen.
Alf and Alfhild are figures from the Gesta Danorum, in which Alfhild, a Geatish princess, becomes a shieldmaiden and leads a fleet of female pirates. The story follows Alf's pursuit of Alfhild, their eventual marriage, and the later fate of their family.
Quick Facts
- Alfhild's father
- King Siward of Geatland
- Alf's father
- King Sigar of Denmark
- Alf's comrade
- Borgar of Scania
- Alfhild's daughter
- Gurid
- Gurid's husband
- Halfdan (son of Borgar)
- Gurid's son
- Harald (king of Denmark)
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The events would have taken place in the 5th century.
- Saxo Grammaticus' Gesta Danorum is the original story, based on old folktales or songs.
- Alfhild's chamber was guarded by a lizard and a snake.
In popular culture
Later retellings use variant spellings such as Alwilda, Alvilda, Alvild, Alvilde, Alfhilda, Avilda, Alvida, Altilda, and Ælfhild. In the 1800s, whaling crews carved scrimshaw featuring Alfhild or Alwilda. Carlo Pallavicino wrote L'Amazzone Corsara, ovvero L'Alvilda, regina de Goti in 1686. Antonio Vivaldi composed the opera Alvilda regina de' Goti in 1731. Torquato Tasso wrote a tragedy, Il re Torrismondo, in which Alvida commits suicide. The Dutch musical Alvida de schone piraat features her as Alvida. The manga One Piece includes the female pirate Alvida, named after her, who also appears in the anime and live-action adaptations. The anime Fena: Pirate Princess has an antagonist named Alvida. In the mobile game Persona 5: The Phantom X, she appears as Awilda, a persona for Motoha Arai.
More in Maritime Folklore
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