Sigrid the Proud

Sigrid the Proud, also known as Sigrid the Haughty, Sigr Storrda, or Sigrid Tostadottir, was a Swedish monarch who defied social convention. She lived from from 927 until approximately 1014 CE. Erik the Victorious, king of Sweden (c. 970–995 CE), was her husband, although she opted to rule alone after he passed away. She was courted by Vissavald of the Kievan Rus and Harald Grenske of Norway, but she realized they were simply after her for her land and fortune. To deter other suitors, she brought them to a party where, after they and their men passed out from drinking too much, she barred the doors and burnt them to death. Her historical veracity is in question, so this juicy tale might just be a myth.

She was reputedly sought after by the notorious Olaf Tryggvason (r. 995–1000 CE), who forced Norway's people to become Christians by torturing them, but he requested she become a Christian first. He slapped her in front of everyone when she refused, and Sigrid promised retaliation. The Battle of Svolder, where Olaf was killed, is supposed to have been planned by her after she wed Sweyn Forkbeard for his connections and influence.