User:J.Chris7/LGBT themes in mythology

Valkyries in Norse Mythology
The Valkyries were shieldmaidens for Oden that watched over the battle field choosing which warriors would be taken to Valhalla and the ones that wouldn't. There's been a lot of speculation that these shieldmaiden's were lesbian or possibly a third gender. Mainly these mythological woman challenged gender roles as they were seen as effeminiate and masculine. The Valkyrie mainly was another name for the third gender, they posed both attributes of male and female roles. it was only when their helmet was removed for marriage; they would then resolve into a feminine form and could not go back to the blurred roles they were before.

Thor The Transvestite
In one tale Thor was to dress up as Freya and be wed to the giant king Thyrem. This had to happen because the giant king had stole athors hammer and Asgard was not safe while Mjölnir was not in possession of Thor. Though Thor was extremely against this plan as it was dishonorable and unmanly. He and Loki dressed as women when to the giant homeworld and during the wedding ceremony before Thyrem could kiss Thor, Mjolnir returned to him and he slayed the whole wedding reception. Though Thor was completely against this plan it still shows some elements of crossdressing and transgender undertones.