Warrior Goddesses

The warrior goddesses stand up for their beliefs; they are the ultimate personification of the strong woman or warrior archetype. Whilst many of these deities are goddesses of war and revenge, it is also possible to be a peaceful warrior, leading by example and using intellect to slay prejudice and outdated ideas. 

Despite the fact that in the majority of ancient cultures around the world, woman did not play an active role on the battlefield, there are numerous warrior goddesses. They reflect the many different faces of war from the pointless death and destruction of war to the glories of victory.

I wanted to explore this aspect of the goddess, as I was born in Norfolk, an area of Britain with a long history of warrior woman. Where Boudicca the Queen of the Iceni tribe, battled against the invading Romans after they had raped her daughters.

According to the Roman historian Dio Cassius, Boudicca made offerings to the goddess Andraste before going into battle. She is the first of the many warrior goddesses you will discover in the list below.

List of Warrior Goddesses 

Andraste (British) – Goddess of victory in battle and ravens. She was worshipped by the Iceni tribe.

Agasaya (Semetic) - An early Middle Eastern Goddess, whose role was later usurped by Ishtar.

Alecto (Greek) - She is one of the Furies, as goddess of anger she influences human conflicts, inciting the Trojan war.

Anut (Egyptian) - A warrior goddess, defender of the Sun God and protector or the Pharoah in battle.

Artemis (Greek) - This virgin goddess stood up for her rights to chastity and to live according to her own values.

Athena (Greek) - A great battle strategist, however she disliked pointless wars and preferred to use her wisdom to settle disputes. She also sponsored and advised many of the heroes in Greek mythology.

Bast (Egyptian) - The war goddess of the Lower Niles, she protected the Pharaoh and his warriors during battle. As the cat goddess she is also very protective of the young.

Badb (Irish) - A shape- shifting goddess who symbolizes life, death, wisdom and inspiration. She is an aspect of the goddess Morrigan.

Bellona (Egyptian) – Goddess of destructive warfare and sibling/partner of the war God Mars.

Durga (Hindu) – Fierce, demon fighting goddess and protector.

Enyo (Greek) – Goddess of Destructive warfare and sibling/partner of the war god, Ares.

Eirene (Greek) - This Greek goddess of peace. She has the inner strength and wisdom to use diplomacy in the face of the warmongering deities.

Freya (Norse) – As the goddess of war she was entitled to the souls of half of the bravest warriors. They spent the afterlife with her in the land of Folkvangr.

Kali (Hindu) – Dark goddess of death, destruction and time. She is depicted with four arms, in one she carries a sword and another the head of a demon. She wears jewellery made from skulls and blood adorns her breasts.

Macha (Irish) – The wild goddess who battles against injustice to woman and children.

Menhit (Egyptian) - Considered by many historians to be an aspect of Sekhmet. Her name translates as “she who slaughter.” Also known as Menchit.

Minerva (Roman) – Roman equivalent of the goddess Athena.

Morrigan (Irish) – A terrifying crow goddess associated with war and death.

Nemain - (Irish) This war goddess represents the blood thirsty frenzy and chaos of war. Her battle cry alone had the power to kill.

Nike (Greek) – Personification of victory in both battle and peaceful competitions.

Pax - (Roman) - She was the personification of peace in Roman mythology.

Pele (Hawiian) – Jealous, volcano goddess of destruction and violence.

Sekhmet (Egyptian) – The lioness headed goddess of Upper Egypt her name means “powerful one.” Also known as the “lady of slaughter” because in her aspect as the “eye of Ra,” she stained the battlefields red with the blood of humans.

Victoria (Egyptian) – She is the Egyptian version of the Greek goddess of Victory.

Valkyries (Scandinavian) - These shapeshifting goddesses are associated with war. They travelled the battlefields, taking those who died valiantly in battle, to a glorious afterlife in Valhalla.

The Warrior Goddess Archetype

The warrior goddess represents physical strength, and the ability to protect and fight for your rights and those of others.

Whilst the shadow side of the warrior reflects the need to win at all costs, abandoning ethical principles to prove your supremacy. This could reflect a narcissistic personality that goes on the attack when their ego or beliefs feel threatened. 

If you are drawn to work with this goddess Archetype you may require the Warrior spirit to help you to stand up for your rights and set firm boundaries. This stereotype is helpful if you want to take control in your life, stand up to bullies and no longer accept the role of the victim.

You may also choose to call upon the Warrior to champion the cause of others.

Conversely, the Warrior may appeal to you if you want to celebrate the victories you have achieved in a just cause or slaying your inner demons. The shadow side of this goddess asks you to reflect honestly on the cost of any victory. Has this been at the expense of others or your values and integrity? 

The shadow warrior can also represent people who choose to be mercenaries, fighting wars for money and glory.