This is why 'Vikings' star Katheryn Winnick is proud to play Lagertha

When Katheryn Winnick (Lagertha) first played the role of a strong female warrior in “Vikings,” critics were concerned about the historical accuracy when it comes to the role of women in the show's era. Now, a DNA report of an actual female warrior has confirmed the kind of role women played at that time, and Winnick is proud to share the news with fans and the world at large.

“It's finally official! DNA proves that Viking women were powerful warriors,” Winnick wrote on Instagram (see below). The proof she’s referring to comes from The American Journal of Physical Anthropology. The study was published after studying the skeleton of a military officer of the time. The body revealed to be that of a female warrior.

In a video posted on YouTube, Dr Sean Duffy, professor of medieval history at Trinity College in Dublin, said there was a level of sophistication in the Scandinavian society during the Viking age with regards to the rights of women. Dr Elizabeth Ashman Rowe, Reader in Scandinavian history at University of Cambridge, echoed the same sentiment and said the women in this period had more rights compared to other societies of the time, like the right to choose a husband and get divorced.

Winnick said she had the “privilege” of meeting the archeologist who made this “remarkable” discovery. The actress added she was “proud” to play the role of Lagertha on the show.

Watching women in strong roles will not be the only thing fans will get to see in season 6. Winnick will be making a directorial debut next season.

Filming of “Vikings” season 6 has begun, and some of the cast members are in Ireland shooting their scenes. Cast member Alexander Ludwig (Bjorn Lothbrok) has confirmed the start of production as well (see below).

It's finally official! DNA proves that Viking women were powerful warriors. Since I started portraying Lagertha, I've had to deal with a lot of critics who didn't believe that women could've been actual warriors. The American Journal of Physical Anthropology just confirmed by genomics that a female Viking warrior existed and was buried in the highest order. I had the privilege to go to Sweden last year and meet the archeologist and see this remarkable finding first hand. __ #proudtoplayLagertha
A post shared by Katheryn Winnick (@katherynwinnick) on Sep 18, 2017 at 8:38am PDT