Z’s Top Five Female Warriors

I’ve been having one of those weeks where I need inspiration to keep going. When you’re overwhelmed, stressed and sick, you sometimes need some external force to kick you sharply in the rear end and remind you that you don’t have time to be any of the above and you’ll be just fine. That kind of inspiration is best provided by my top female warriors – role models whom I’ve looked up to, admired, and maybe even crushed on throughout my childhood.

And now I’m sharing them with you. Of course, this isn’t going to be a comprehensive list. I’m not going to be able to come close to all the top female warriors out there, and a few of my choices are relatively unknown. (Or, y’know, just plain weird… you’ll notice I wasn’t exposed to many comics or cool action movies growing up. Thanks, parental units.) That’s what the comment section is for… do share the warriors I ought to have been inspired by before now!

Beka Valentine from Andromeda

I firmly maintain that the characters in Andromeda were better than those in many of the “better” sci fi series. She had a compelling backstory, kickass fighting style, and great attitude. Also, she quickly became one of my role models when I watched the series growing up (yes, I was a teen while it was originally airing). So when I think of female warriors, Beka will always be one of the first to mind!

Kel from Tamora Pierce’s Protector of the Small series

It’s a book series many of you probably haven’t heard of, since it’s marketed for tween and teen girls and I first read it when I was a tween myself, but it’s a good enough read that I still reread these books. Tamora Pierce writes a lot of strong, independent female warrior characters, which is unusual for fantasy in general. These ones don’t turn into wilting lilies when hard times hit. Keladry of Mindelan in particular was quite an inspiration!

Neytiri from Avatar

I feel the cringes and cheers already. A recent phenomenon, yes, but I found her performance poweful and inspiring. It could have been so much cheesier, but I found her character to be unique, strong, and sensual. She really showed weakness when it was appropriate, and strength when it was necessary. Definitely a warrior female who makes my top ten.

Jo from Supernatural

Another recent one that you may be cringing at if you aren’t a fan of the show. I’m a fan of the show, yes, but I’ll admit that it’s not the greatest show for female role models. Most girls come and go, get killed, or mysteriously vanish. This one turned her role from the sex object and victim into a warrior. She stuck around long enough to get killed – what a surprise! – along with her mother, but she displayed a number of qualities that are sadly lacking in many female warriors: self-respect, femininity, the ability to think for herself, and intelligence as well as the usual beauty of TV show characters.

Seven of Nine from Star Trek: Voyager

How about I close this list with one most people will agree with so I don’t get shredded here? Seven kicks serious rear in skin-tight clothing. I’d like to see a lot of action hero guys try that (no, really). She’s a superstar for fanboys (and some fangirls) to lust over, but she also had a great character and was certainly well-played by Jeri Ryan. Watching her character progress and develop was a treat.

Your Top Female Warriors

I know my choices are weird, but everyone has their own role models, right? Who are yours? Which female characters remind you to keep going when the going gets tough?

Ladies, are you having one of those weeks, too? Take the time to rewatch, reread, or remember your favorite female warrior characters.

Guys, you aren’t left out… female warriors can motivate you, too!