When you think of duels, the mental picture is usually a gentleman in a frock coat, pistol in hand, staring down an opponent at high noon. But the world of combat also has its own roster of daring dames who swapped pistols, swords, and even jousting lances to settle scores. This top 10 female list dives into the most unforgettable clashes where women took the stage, proving that honor and rivalry were not just a man’s game.
Why the top 10 female duels matter
10 Petticoat Duel
The so‑called “Petticoat Duel” erupted in 1792 when Mrs. Elphinstone jabbed Lady Almeria Braddock with a snide remark about her age, implying she was older than she liked to admit. Lady Braddock, feeling her reputation bruised, issued a challenge that led the two women to Hyde Park for a showdown.
They began with pistols, but the exchange left no one wounded—except for Lady Braddock’s hat, which took a direct hit. When the guns proved harmless, the combatants switched to swords. This time Mrs. Elphinstone suffered a cut on her arm. The injury prompted an apology, and the two women reconciled, putting their feud behind them.
9 Duelo De Mujeres
In the romantic backdrop of 16th‑century Italy, two Neapolitan beauties—Isabella de Carazzi and Diambra de Pettinella—found themselves vying for the affection of the dashing Fabio de Zeresola. Unable to share his heart, they agreed to settle the matter with a public duel.
The outcome of the fight remains a mystery, yet the spectacle earned a place in art history. Spanish painter José de Ribera captured the dramatic scene in his 1636 masterpiece titled Duelo de Mujeres, which translates to “women’s duel.”
8 Pauline Metternich And Anastasia Kielmannsegg
In 1892, two Austrian aristocrats—Princess Pauline Metternich and Countess Anastasia Kielmannsegg—found themselves locked in a clash over floral arrangements at a social function in Vaduz. Metternich, the wife of an Austrian ambassador to Paris under Napoleon III, treated every detail of the event with utmost seriousness.
The duel ended inconclusively. Both women emerged with injuries: Metternich sustained a cut on her nose, while Kielmannsegg received a slash on her arm. Safety measures were observed; among them, Baroness Lubinska, a medically trained noblewoman, acted as a referee. Oddly enough, the participants even chose to duel without clothing, fearing that fabric could trap debris and cause infection. Lubinska allegedly warned the surrounding men, “Avert your eyes, you lustful wretches!”
7 Agnes Hotot
Agnes Hotot’s duel took the form of a joust rather than a typical sword fight. Born in 14th‑century England as the daughter of the Earl of Dudley, she stepped into the arena when her father fell ill shortly before a scheduled jousting contest with a rival gentleman.
Determined to defend her family’s honor, Agnes donned her father’s armor, concealed her gender, and entered the tilt. Not only did she triumph over her opponent, but she also dramatically removed her helmet after the victory, revealing her true identity. In an era where a woman besting a man in combat was virtually unthinkable, her feat was both shocking and celebrated.
6 Madame De Polignac And Madame De Nesle
This 18th‑century French encounter revolved around the heart of the Duke of Richelieu. Madame de Nesle, feeling threatened by Madame de Polignac’s allure, formally challenged her rival to a duel for the duke’s affection.
The duel’s rules were simple: the combatants could approach no farther than the length of a scarf and could fire at any moment. Madame de Nesle drew first but missed, while Madame de Polignac’s shot struck de Nesle’s shoulder. Despite the bloodshed, neither woman secured the duke’s love.
5 Miss Shelby And Madame Astie De Valsayre
Among the list, this duel stands out for its political stakes rather than petty grievances. In 19th‑century France, American feminist Miss Shelby clashed with French activist Madame Marie‑Rose Astie de Valsayre over which nation boasted superior female physicians.
The argument escalated to a blade‑to‑blade confrontation on the fields of Waterloo, scheduled fifteen days after their heated debate. Madame de Valsayre claimed the delay gave Miss Shelby time to practice, but the preparation proved futile; Shelby suffered a shoulder wound, conceding defeat.
4 Comtesse De Saint‑Belmont
Madame de Saint‑Belmont’s story mirrors Agnes Hotot’s daring cross‑dressing. While managing her French estate during her husband’s captivity, an uninvited gentleman took up residence as if the manor were an inn. After polite letters asking him to leave were ignored, Madame de Saint‑Belmont penned a challenge in her husband’s name—“Le Chevalier de Saint‑Belmont”—and sent it to the interloper.
The man accepted, only to discover his opponent was a woman disguised as a knight. In the duel, she disarmed him, then revealed her true identity, humiliating the intruder and forcing his departure.
3 Julie D’Aubigny
Julie d’Aubigny, a flamboyant 17th‑century French opera singer, mistress, and swordswoman, lived a life as colorful as her wardrobe. At a lavish ball, she attended dressed as a man—not to hide her gender, but to flaunt it.
During the festivities, she spotted a striking young woman, kissed her passionately, and attracted the ire of three suitors vying for the same lady’s affection. The aggrieved men challenged d’Aubigny to a duel. At midnight, the quartet met outside, and one by one, d’Aubigny bested each opponent with skill and flair.
2 Mademoiselle De Guignes And Mademoiselle d’Aiguillon
These two Parisian aristocrats of the 18th century found themselves at odds during a soirée, each insisting she held greater importance in society. The dispute spilled into the garden, where they settled it with knives rather than pistols or swords.
The outcome remains ambiguous; both women sustained injuries. Mademoiselle de Guignes received a wound to her arm, while Mademoiselle d’Aiguillon suffered a cut to the neck. Their encounter illustrates that, though rare, dueling among women did occur in high‑society circles of the era.
1 Marta Duran And Juana Luna
The most recent clash on our list unfolded in 1900 Mexico. Marta Duran attended a ball with the charming Rafael Riquelme, whose attentions soon turned toward Juana Luna. The rivalry ignited a bitter feud between the two women.
The following morning, swords were drawn. After several rounds, Duran was seriously wounded in the second round, and by the third, exhausted from blood loss, she was further injured when Luna struck her sword‑bearing arm. Luna emerged victorious, yet both women ultimately abandoned Riquelme and reconciled. Tragically, Duran’s injuries required a surgeon’s care—a procedure illegal without government permission—leading to additional complications for those involved.