Some of you are probably already upset by my use of the term
‘warrior women’ but I just really love alliteration. This list could probably
more accurately be called top ten female soldiers, but warrior women is so much
more fun don’t you think? Anyway this list is about women who are also
soldiers, and heroes. Known for their physical abilities and often associated
with their incredibly cool weapons these fantastic women are just like their
male counterparts only female. It doesn’t matter what else you say about them,
in the event of any combat situation, these are the girls you want on your
side.
10. Kendra Young (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)
Buffy could be considered a soldier in her own right but it’s the
slayer that was called after Buffy brief death at the end of Season 1 that
really fits the bill. While Kendra only
appeared in a small number of episodes the idea of a girl that was raised to be
the slayer was an intriguing one. Unfortunately Kendra was disciplined to the
point of detriment, and it ultimately led to her downfall. Poor Kendra was too
easily controlled – a life of obedience will do that to you – but during her
short stint on the show she captured my heart.
9. Cameron (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles)
Technically she’s a robot from the future but as she was designed as
a soldier/ assassin and her physical appearance is based of a real woman, I
decided she counts. She’s completely amazing because essentially she is Arnold
Schwarzenegger from the second and third Terminator
films but female. Okay so she’s not perfect but she kicks butt and get’s the
job done. Her character is somewhat inconsistent but overall intriguing (as
more than just an adolescent boys fantasy).
8. Mulan (Once Upon a Time)
Mulan is already a pretty cool warrior woman in her own right, but I
am particularly fond of the depiction in Once
Upon a Time. She is a warrior and an expert soldier. She can hold her own
against any man in the kingdom. Mulan’s armor is practical, which is unfortunately
a rarity for female characters, and she’s not afraid to admit when she needs
help (although she doesn’t like it). Plus she’s been known to rescue the
occasional fair maiden (particularly a sleepy soul by the name of Aurora).
7. Martha Jones (Doctor Who)
Although Martha is technically a healer not a warrior, during the
final of Series 3 (post 2005) she spends a year fighting the resistance against
the Master, which turns her into a disciplined and dangerous soldier. Martha is
practical and incredibly intelligent. She keeps her cool in terrifying
situations and while she is generally very compassionate she can be ruthless
when necessary. Perhaps her best quality is that she understands the importance
of the individual. Always taking the time to get to know the people around her.
6. Diana Prince (Wonder Woman)
She’s an Amazonian princess – do you need any more explanation than
that? In the 1970s television series Wonder
Woman, which is set during WWII, the Amazonian princess took the identity
of Navy Yeoman Petty Officer First Class. Basically she fought Nazi’s (when she
wasn’t busy rescuing her boyfriend). In the second and third season it was less
soldiers and more espionage but Wonder Woman is and always will be the ultimate
warrior woman… why have they not made a movie yet?
5. Allison Argent (Teen Wolf)
Introduced as a typical ‘love interest’ for the protagonist hero
Allison became so much more. Constantly battling with her internalized misogyny
Allison is determined to not be that girl. This leads her to make some terrible decisions
out of fear. But whether or not you agree with her actions, you can’t deny that
Allison is a badass warrior. Allison Argent is a natural hunter it’s much
better to be on her good side than not. Her archery skills are exceptional and
when given all the facts she has proven she can save the day on many occasions.
4. Xena (Xena: Warrior Princess)
What would a list about warrior women be without Xena? She is the
warrior princess after all… of course she doesn’t always use her skills for
good. But considering the fact that this series is basically one long
redemption arc it’s good that she was so very very bad. Xena is a master
swordsman and her signature weapon is the chakram. She also is pretty good with
pressure points, which comes in handy when trying to get information. After
learning the error of her ways, Xena travels the world fighting for good, and
she’s damn good at it.
3. Brienne of Tarth (Game of Thrones)
Brienne of Tarth is a true knight in a world of pretenders. She’s
loyal, headstrong, honourable and chivalrous. Brienne is part of Renly
Baratheon’s Kindsguard but don’t hold that against her. She’s not the first
knight to be taken in by a pretty face. After Renly’s death she pledges fealty
Catelyn Stark and after being tasked with rescuing Sansa she never wavers from
her goal. Brienne is awash with contradictions, so beholden to the romantic
ideals of chivalrous culture but never fully accepted by it. Brienne of Tarth
is a true warrior woman.
2. Kara “Starbuck” Thrace
(Battlestar Galactica)
One of the most controversial things the Battlestar Galactica remake did was recast fan fave Starbuck as a
woman. It was a risk but it certainly paid off because Kara “Starbuck” Thrace
is one of the most interesting television characters ever. She’s a gifted Viper
pilot with an attitude and her willingness to sacrifice herself for others
borders on suicidal although that shifts slightly over the series run. She’s a
complex character and a brilliant pilot – she does have a bit of trouble with
the obeying orders part of soldier life though.
1. Zoe Washburne (Firefly)
Before she was Zoe Washburne this wonderful warrior woman reached
the rank of Corporal under Sergeant Malcolm Reynolds. She is a true Browncoat and
for her and Mal the war never really ended. She’s incredibly loyal, but also
rather snarky. While she almost always follows Mal’s orders she’s not afraid to
voice her opinion. She’s handy with a gun and level-headed in dangerous
situations (even after the worst she is able to maintain control and keep
fighting). It’s understandable as she was a carrier military; it was her job to
remain calm as the people around her died. Zoe Washburne is everything a
soldier should aspire to be and the ultimate warrior woman.
There you have it, my top ten warrior women. I know there are so
many that I wanted to put on the list, but after days of contemplation this is
these are the women that made the final cut. Feel free to disagree, I’m always
open to suggestions.
