Hekja

An AI representation of Hekja

### Relatives

Ma (Mother), Pa (Father), 2 Brothers, Freydis (Adoptive mother), Thorvard (Adoptive father), Erik The Red (Adoptive grandfather), Erik (Adoptive younger brother), Finnbogi's Daughter (Adoptive younger sister),Snorri (Husband)

## Biographical information

### Place of birth

A small village near the mountains on the coast of Denmark

## Appearances

### Debut

Chapter 2, pg. 4

*"A slave has nothing. No belongings, no past that anybody cares to know, no future unless her mistress gives her one. My songs are all I have. If you tell them, they will own those too."* - Hekja, to Snorri the Skald when he discovers her singing voice (Chapter 25: Yule Feast)

**Hekja Eriksdottir** (b. 987 CE) is the main protagonist of *They Came on Viking Ships* (also known as Rover) by Jackie French. In the orientation, she was a young girl, from a small coastal village in Scotland, on her first summer of milking (a rite of passage for girls in her village). Her life is changed when Vikings raid her home, she is captured, and made to serve as a thrall to Freydis Eriksdottir, Despite her circumstances, Hekja's resilience, running skill and adaptability earns the respect of her masters and she becomes an essential member of their society. Throughout her journey, she finds solace in her singing talent and her loyal dog, Snarf. She is the only daughter of Ma and Pa, has two older brothers, and is later adopted by her master, Freydis Eriksdottir.

Hekja’s character inspires modern audiences as she embodies the resilience and determination of women. Her story provides a more nuanced understanding of the Viking era, reminding us of the significant roles women played during those times.

## Description

Hekja is a thrall (slave) with a profound talent for singing. Her life takes an unexpected turn when a Viking longship, led by Leif "the Lucky" Eriksson, invades her small coastal village in Scotland. As the only captured survivor of the raid, Hekja becomes the thrall (slave) to Thorvard's wife, Freydis Eriksdottir, and travels with them back to Bratthalid, Greenland. Throughout the course of the novel, Hekja's strength and spirit guide her through her new life. She becomes a valued member of the Viking society as a runner, despite her status as a thrall. Her ability to adapt and the respect she garners from her masters reflects her resilience and the depth of her character.

During her adventures, Hekja is accompanied by her loyal dog, Snarf, who remains her companion and comfort through her trials and tribulations.

Later, Hekja accompanies Freydis and her crew on an expedition to 'Vinland' (North America). She demonstrates courage and determination, which impressed Freydis who keeps Hekja as a trusted ally. Hekja is later adopted by Freydis and marries Snorri the Skald.

## Character Traits

Hekja is depicted as resilient, kind, and brave. Her ability to adapt to different situations and environments showcases her strength and resourcefulness. Even though she is a slave, she manages to garner respect from her masters due to her ability as a runner and her singing ability.

Her kindness is shown in her interactions with other characters in the book, including her dog Snarf. Despite her challenging circumstances, she never loses her compassion and maintains her humanity throughout.

## Trivia

* Hekja's songs, scattered throughout the book, were composed by author Jackie French herself.
* Hekja's loyal dog, Snarf, was inspired by French's own dog who had a similar loyalty and spirit.
* Despite being a work of fiction, "We Came on Viking Ships" draws on real historical events and figures. Freydis Eriksdottir, for example, was a real person – the daughter of Erik the Red.