Concubines and Wives in Medieval Scandinavia

During the Viking Age and early medieval period, it was not uncommon for chieftains to have a concubine alongside their marriage. An Icelandic proverb states: "Better to be a rich man's concubine than a poor man's wife".

In this lecture, Auður Magnúsdóttir, associate professor of history at the University of Gothenburg, explores the story of Melkorka - a slave woman who became the concubine of an Icelandic chieftain, but who later turned out to be an Irish princess captured by Vikings. Her fate opens a window into a larger history of intimacy, power, and social mobility in medieval Scandinavia. Drawing on historical sources and sagas, the lecture examines why such relationships were so common, how the Church attempted to enforce monogamous marriage, and how women themselves appear in the historical record. Were concubine relationships always the result of coercion - or could they also offer security, status, and influence?

The lecture is a collaboration between the Department of Historical Studies at the University of Gothenburg and Gothenburg City Museum. Seating is limited - book via the link and arrive at least 5 minutes before the start time, otherwise your place will be released if there is a queue. Unbooked places are released until the programme begins. The lecture is included in the museum's admission fee. Cancellations are made via bokningar.stadsmuseet@kultur.goteborg.se.

If you need a sign language interpreter, contact stadsmuseum@kultur.goteborg.se at least 14 days before the event, and an interpreter will be arranged.