900-Year-Old Warrior May Have Been Non-Binary, According to Study…READ MORE

In a world where gender roles and identification spark heated debate, a 2021 discovery provides intriguing evidence of a non-binary individual living nearly 1,000 years ago.

In 1968, archaeologists in Finland unearthed a burial site containing a body accompanied by a sword and jewelry. Published in the European Journal of Archaeology, recent DNA analysis has revealed that the remains belong to a female warrior, suggesting she may have been non-binary. “Biology does not directly dictate a person’s self-identity,” explained Ulla Moilanen, the study’s lead author and an archaeologist at Finland’s University of Turku.

DNA Sheds Non-Binary Light

Nearly 50 years after the discovery, DNA analysis has illuminated the identity of the soldier. The chromosomes did not align strictly with male or female, leading scientists to believe the warrior was non-binary and may have had Klinefelter syndrome.

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Klinefelter Syndrome as a Possible Cause

Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition where a male is born with an extra X chromosome. According to the Mayo Clinic, it affects approximately 1 in 600 males and often goes undiagnosed until adulthood. Early signs include weak muscles or delays in motor skills, while older boys and teens may experience delayed or absent puberty, enlarged breast tissue, emotional variability, and less facial or body hair. Adult men with this syndrome may notice increased belly fat and decreased sexual desire. Such conditions can contribute to gender identity complexities, including feelings of being neither fully male nor female, thus aligning with a non-binary identity.

A Well-Respected Warrior

Although the remains were “badly damaged,” scientists obtained a small sample for testing, revealing that the genetic data most closely resembled an XXY karyotype. This finding supports the notion that the individual may have had Klinefelter syndrome. Scientists also believe the warrior was well-respected. “A respected person whose gender identity may well have been non-binary,” noted Ulla. In Early Middle Ages communities, individuals with evident Klinefelter syndrome traits might not have been seen strictly as male or female.

“The abundant collection of objects buried in the grave is proof that the person was not only accepted but also valued and respected,” Ulla explained, highlighting the warrior’s potential status.

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Gender Roles in Medieval Scandinavia

Medieval Scandinavian societies had complex views on gender roles. While typically an “ultra-masculine environment” where feminine roles and clothing were often disrespected, some individuals did not adhere to typical gender norms and were valued by society. This context further complicates the determination of the warrior’s non-binary identity.

Non-Binary Choices

Individuals identifying as non-binary generally make that decision for themselves, whereas those with Klinefelter syndrome may not necessarily identify as non-binary. Regardless, this discovery challenges traditional views of gender roles and promotes greater acceptance of non-binary identities.

Wider Excitement

The discovery has excited scientists worldwide. Leszek Gardela, a researcher at the National Museum of Denmark, noted, “It is a well-researched study of an interesting burial. It demonstrates that early medieval societies had very nuanced approaches to and understandings of gender identities.”