I was so intrigued doing a deep dive into the story of Joan of Arc. It saddened me to be reminded of how she died and that she was only 19 years old. Her bravery was something to be admired. Her strength and resilience inspired me to research other warrior women of that time, whether good or bad that we may not have known about, so let’s explore two of these women and take a deeper dive into these historical figures.
During the medieval period, there were lots of wars, famines, and diseases and many of these things shook society to its core. While Joan of Arc is probably the most famous there are 5 other women that I would like to highlight.
Margaret of Anjou
Margaret of Anjou was a Lancastrian matriarch and the wife of Henry VI of England, and she led several armies while contending for the throne of England during the “War of The Roses”. Her life was marked by fierce political struggles and personal sacrifice. Born in 1430 to the ruling house of Anjou, Margaret was thrust into the turbulent politics of 15th-century England through her marriage to Henry. Despite being married to a king whose reign was characterized by bouts of insanity and political instability, this made things difficult because the king was required to be present and proactive in everyday government. She was everything Henry was not.
One person that gave her problems was Richard, Duke of York, not only was he King Henry VI’s closest male relative but also harbored clear ambitions for the throne. During one of Henry’s incapacitating episodes, Richard was appointed as Protector, posing a significant threat to Margaret and, as she believed, to Henry’s reign. With the country teetering on the brink of civil war, Margaret initially outmaneuvered Richard by excluding him from the King’s Council and stripping him of his title of Protector. However, Richard was not easily deterred; he played his hand decisively by capturing Henry VI at the Battle of St Albans in 1455, asserting himself as the de facto ruler. This move left Margaret as the sole leader of the Lancastrian faction, committed to defending her husband’s legacy and the House of Lancaster.
Margaret emerged as a leader to be feared in her own right. She staunchly defended her husband’s reign and her son’s inheritance amidst the chaos of the Wars of the Roses, a dynastic conflict that tore England apart.
Margaret’s most notable and dramatic contribution to history was her unwavering commitment to preserving her family’s claim to the throne. With her husband incapacitated by mental illness, Margaret took on the role of de facto leader of the Lancastrian cause, rallying support and leading armies into battle. Her leadership was instrumental in key battles, including the Second Battle of St Albans in 1461, where her forces achieved a decisive victory. Despite these efforts, her son Edward’s claim to the throne was ultimately thwarted by the Yorkists, leading to a tragic downfall. After years of relentless struggle, Margaret’s hopes were crushed with the death of her son at the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471 and the capture and eventual demise of Henry VI. Her life thereafter was one of sorrow and exile, dying in poverty in 1482.
Despite the ultimate failure of her efforts, Margaret of Anjou remains a powerful medieval warrior woman far beyond her time.
Tomoe Gozen
Tomoe Gozen, a legendary figure from Japan’s late Heian period, and scholars debate whether she is a historical figure. Her name, synonymous with bravery and martial prowess, is often associated with the Genpei War, a tumultuous conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans for control of Japan. As a samurai, Tomoe was not only skilled in combat, but also displayed a remarkable blend of strength, loyalty, and leadership. Born into a time of constant conflict, Tomoe Gozen broke the conventions of her era, proving that courage and skill in battle were not limited by gender.
Tomoe’s story is primarily known through the Tale of the Heike, a literary epic that chronicles the rise and fall of the Taira clan and the ascension of the Minamoto clan. She served under Minamoto no Yoshinaka, a prominent leader of the Minamoto clan and her master, and possibly her lover. Her feats on the battlefield were extraordinary; she was described as a warrior with “white skin, long hair, and charming features,” who could match any man in strength and bravery. In battle, Tomoe was known for her exceptional archery skills, her ability to handle multiple swords with ease, and her fierce fighting spirit. One of her most famous exploits involved her single-handedly defeating a group of enemy soldiers and beheading a formidable opponent in combat.
One of her most famous exploits occurred during the Battle of Awazu in 1184. As Yoshinaka’s forces were overwhelmed by rival Minamoto forces, Tomoe Gozen was among the few who remained by his side. In a dramatic confrontation, she is said to have decapitated a renowned enemy general, demonstrating her lethal skill and fearlessness. Despite her loyalty and martial talents, Yoshinaka, facing inevitable defeat, urged her to flee, possibly to preserve her honor or ensure that his final moments were not marred by the presence of a woman, reflecting the complex dynamics of gender and honor in samurai culture
Despite her legendary status, the historical details of Tomoe Gozen’s life remain shrouded in mystery. Some accounts suggest that after the fall of her master, Yoshinaka, she was forced into a more traditional role, possibly becoming a nun or living out her life in obscurity. Others suggest she continued to live as a warrior. Regardless of the specifics, Tomoe Gozen’s legacy is a powerful symbol of female strength. Her story challenges the traditional narratives of medieval Japan, highlighting the roles that women could and did play in shaping history. Tomoe’s life is a reminder that heroism and leadership know no gender, and her legend continues to inspire and captivate those who hear her tale.
In looking at the lives of Margaret of Anjou and Tomoe Gozen, it’s clear that medieval warrior women played roles that went far beyond the expectations of their time. Margaret, with her unyielding fight to secure the English throne for her family, and Tomoe, with her legendary feats on the battlefields of Japan, both showed remarkable bravery and determination. Their stories highlight how women, even in the most male-dominated societies, found ways to assert their strength and influence history.
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