Awilda the Danish Pirate Princess
What comes next could be the perfect plot for a Disney film. But it is not, it is a pirate and Danish founding saga. Awilda or Alwilda was a daughter of Synardus, King of Gotland in the 5th century.
Awilda the Pirate Princess in : The Pirates own Book, by Charles Ellms 1837 (x)
Now comes what always happens in such legends: she was supposed to be married, but she didn't want to be, and was spat upon in a tower guarded by two poisonous snakes. But a young crownprince named Alf (the ancestor of the Danish throne) managed to overcome these snakes. But Awilda was no longer there, her female friends had managed to get her out of the tower and take her to a ship disguised as a man. Awilda was so thrilled by the life on board that she declared herself a pirate and set off with her friends to explore the coasts of Denmark. Alf, now called away to defend his country, sailed towards her and a great battle ensued between the two. However, she was defeated and he uncovered her by taking off her helmet.
Awilda on a scrimshaw ditty box, made by a sailor, mid 19th century (x)
The two immediately fell in love and were married on the spot. Alf led his pirate bride home where they lived together as King and Queen of Denemark and founded the Royal House of Denemark.
Well, as you may have noticed, the story of Alf and Awilda is clearly in the realm of myth, even if some like to try to see her as a real historical pirate.