Princesses Behaving Badly 2 (Pages 32 - 75)

 

Olga of Kiev

She married Igor, ruler of Kievan Rusi. When her husband was killed by the Drevlians, she took her revenge and killed them. The Drevlians were a neighboring tribe with which the growing Kievan Rus' empire had a complex relationship. She was made saint in the Orthodox Church.

Khutulum

Khutulum (c. 1260 – c. 1306) was a Mongol princess, descendant from Genghis Khan, who refused to marry anyone who couldn't beat her at wrestling, which was her favourite sport.  A prince tried but was defeated. Khutulum eventually married for love. 

Khutulun is thought to be the basis for the character of Turandot, who has been the subject of a number of Western works. While in Mongol culture she is remembered as a famous athlete and warrior, in Western artistic adaptations she is depicted as a proud woman who finally succumbs to love.

Lakshmibai

Lakshmibai 1827–30, or 1835 – 18 June 1858) was the widow of the Maharajah, and she had to fight the British. There is a legend saying that she ran away from the palace, with her adopted son strapped to her back. The queen consort of the princely state of Jhansi from 1843 to 1853, she assumed its leadership after the outbreak of conflict and fought several battles against the British. Her life and deeds are celebrated in modern India and she remains a potent symbol of Indian nationalism.

Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut (c. 1505–1458 BC) was the woman who became Pharaoh in Egypt. When her father died, the heir was Prince Thutmosis, son of a minor concubine. He became Thutmosis II and married Hatshepsut. He died three years later, and his son succeeded him as Thutmosis III, who was a baby. Hatshepsut ruled as a regent, but he made herself pharaoh of Egypt. At her death Thutmosis III took over, and he erased every trace of Hatshepsut. 

Wu Zetian

Wu Zetian was a concubine, and she managed to become Empress. When she had a daughter with the emperor, she smothered the baby to death, and she claimed that the empress had killed her. The emperor imprisoned her as well as the second favourite concubine, and Wu had them beaten cruelly and killed in a vat of wine. When the emperor died, he tried to control her son and heir, and when she couldn't, she sent him to exile and became the empress. 

Njinga of Ndongo

Njinga (c. 1583 – 17 December 1663) took the throne after poisoning her brother. She first ruled as regent for her nephew but she had him murdered. During her reign she took 50 - 60 husbands, calling them concubines and ordering to dress as women.