Curiously enough, there are several strong female characters throughout Norse tradition. I suppose you could go so far as to say that most of their deities are shown as being "strong and tough", which would include women and men. Most of the female deities I am familiar with were of dual-nature, being depicted as both strong but nuturing at the same time.
I think something that is interesting is the amount of female deities you'll find in Norse tradition. There are more than just a handful, which is sometimes uncommon. Not only are there a multitude of female Goddesses, there are female giants, female priestesses, etc. The volvas were pretty interesting, and they were largely populated with women. Not to mention, most of the female deities were extremely active throughout the stories and played more than just the role of a "wife to so-and-so".
Hel is one of my favorite Goddesses, because I see her as being strong and respected.
Extremely well put. Broaden the horizons or discussion, and you will find many female characters who were pivotal in the history or mythology of a belief system.
Morrigan, the Goddess of War, but also of change which brings new life. Airmid, a healing Goddess of the Tuatha de Danann, who guards a spring with water that can bring the dead back to life (clearly a very important role). Aerten, who ruled over the outcomes of battles, to have her on your side was to ensure that you would always triumph (symbolized by a double-bladed axe).
Really, when you look at any culture with a clear mind and inquisitive attitude, you will find many female characters who ruled over thing equally, if not more important, as male entities.
Exactly, yet the Norse beliefs fall short for women in terms of the afterlife. That's what has always puzzled me. When females were not considered "lower" than men, why then were extraordinary women not offered an equally extraordinary afterlife?
