The Dahomey Warriors

Not much is known about how the Dahomey Warriors came to be or even what happened to the last of them. But thankfully, oral history, pockets of eye witnesses and pieces of written diary entries, has patchworked their legacy to tell their story.

Who were The Dahomey Warriors?

The Dahomey Kingdom (1625 -1894) was home to the only appointed elite female warrior troop in history. In what is now modern day Benin, the Dahomey warriors  were fearless female warriors, known most commonly as the Dahomey Warriors or the Dahomey Amazons.

Not much is known about how the Dahomey Warriors came to be or even what happened to the last of them. But thankfully, oral history, pockets of eye witnesses and pieces of written diary entries, has patchworked their legacy to tell their story.

What are the myths surrounding the origins of the Dahomey Warriors?

Royal ancestry 

Oral legend states that the Dahomey Warriors were descendants of Hangbe, who was the twin sister of the King of Dahomey; Akaba. It is thought that Akaba died in battle and like most kingdoms the younger brother, Agaja dethroned his older sister Hangbe to become King. However, there was a political dispute that prevented Agaja from claiming the throne straight away and so Hangbe became acting Queen. Queen Hangbe was a warrior. She led men and women in battle and it is believed that during her reign (which could have ranged from three months - to three years) she gradually established an all female troop; the Dahomey Warriors.

Protectors of Dahomey Kingdom 

Another myth surrounding the origins of the Dahomey Warriors and probably the most popular and logical theory is that Dahomey Warriors were formed to protect their kingdom. The kingdom of Dahomey was outnumbered by their enemies, most notably the Yoruba tribe. It was during this time that the rise of the European slave trade took place and villages were raided for the strongest men. So it is thought that the ruling Kings of Dahomey were forced to conscript women into the military. With their main objective to protect the King and their kingdom. It is often said that the female warriors were married to the King, however he never actually consummated his marriage with any of the women. It is therefore widely considered the Dahomey warriors were celibate whilst enlisted.

How powerful were the Dahomey Warriors?

Throughout history we have seen women in positions of power; Queen Nzinga of Angola (1583–1663) and Queen Elizabeth I of England (1533 - 1603) to name a couple. But we’ve never seen an all female troop before or since the Dahomey Warriors, this is why they are such an important part of history, even if there are elements of controversy, they are not to be dismissed or forgotten.

The Dahomey Warriors in popular culture 

The warriors represent a part of history that is rarely shown, celebrated or respected. They were strong, trained warriors, loyal, ready to die for their King and highly esteemed…..without any sexual innuendo. The historical army has inspired blockbuster films such as The Woman King and Marvel's Black Panther comic and film universe.

Gender equality in the Dahomey Kingdom 

The position and regard they had in their Kingdom was cemented further by the nation's religion, Vodou or Voodoo. The Dahomey people worshipped the Creator which is of dual cosmogonic principle, Mawu (the female goddess) and Lisa (the male god). They believed their universe could only work with the male and female working together as equals. The basis of this religion was sustained in the Dahomey Kingdoms politics, religion and of course military. Characteristics that are also present and highlighted in the formidable Dora Milaje Army.

What happened to the Dahomey Warriors?

At the end of the 19th century, the Dahomey kingdom found themselves fighting the French who were in a race with other European countries to get their slice of the pie on the colonisation of Africa. Ultimately, the Dahomey lost the battle to the French. But their last enemies were full of praise for their courage. A French soldier praised them as:

“warrioresses… fight with extreme valor, always ahead of the other troops. They are outstandingly brave … well trained for combat and very disciplined.” A French Marine, Henri Morienval, thought them “remarkable for their courage and their ferocity… flung themselves on our bayonets with prodigious bravery.”

We don’t know exactly what happened to the surviving Dahomey warriors. Many sources claim that the last of the the Dahomey Warriors, a woman named Nawi was discovered living in a remote village died at the age of 100 in 1979. Other sources suggest that the last of Dahomey’s died in the 1940s and they struggled to find meaning outside of their army, which is something that is common with modern day war heroes/veterans. But one thing is for certain, the Dahomey Warriors did exist; they were strategic leaders, fearless warriors, ruthless soldiers and respected protectors.