Saint Olga of Kyiv, The Viking Queen

Olga of Kyiv, the first female ruler of the Rus, was a leader unlike any other. Best remembered for her ruthless revenge against the Derevlians—the tribe that murdered her husband—Olga’s calculated brutality secured her grip on power and cemented her legend. Yet she was more than just a warrior queen. Her rule reshaped the Rus, introducing political and administrative reforms that strengthened the state, centralised governance, and fortified cities. She established a structured tribute system, secured key alliances with Constantinople, and laid the foundation for the Christianisation of the Rus. Her infamous Siege of Iskorosten showcased her mastery of psychological warfare, proving that her mind was as sharp as any blade. A ruler of vision, resilience, and contradiction, Olga’s legacy shaped Eastern Europe and paved the way for the rise of one of the most powerful medieval states.