Valkyries are mysterious female beings who serve Allfather Odin and the majestic hall of Valhalla, where fallen warriors are granted a glorious afterlife. They teach us that honor, death, and destiny are often intertwined, and courage is a requirement for a good and worthy life.
The Valkyries: Choosers of the Slain
The word “Valkyrie” comes from Old Norse valkyrja, meaning “chooser of the slain.” The Valkyries are usually depicted as women warriors who ride across the battlefield, selecting which warriors will die and which will live. Those chosen by the Valkyries are not simply victims of fate; rather, they are honored individuals deemed worthy of joining an afterlife fit for heroes.
From the honoured fallen heroes, the Valkyries choose half of the worthy to dwell in Freyja's Hall in Folkvangr; and half to dwell in Odin's Hall, Valhalla.
In early Norse texts such as the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, Valkyries are described as both fearsome and beautiful. They are often portrayed wearing armor, carrying spears, and riding swift horses (no wings on the horses, the Pegasus is Greek) through the sky or across the sea. Their presence on the battlefield is both awe-inspiring and terrifying, as it signals imminent death—but also the promise of eternal glory.
Valkyries are not merely passive agents of Odin’s will. In some stories, they display individuality, emotion, and even defiance. For example, certain Valkyries, such as Brunhilde (read about Brunhilde here), fall in love with mortal men, defying their divine duties. These narratives add depth to their characters, portraying them as complex beings caught between duty and desire.
Valhalla: The Hall of the Fallen
Valhalla, meaning “Hall of the Slain,” is one of the most iconic elements of Norse mythology. Located in Asgard, the realm of the Gods, it is described as a vast and magnificent hall ruled by Odin. Its roof is said to be made of shields, its rafters of spears, and it is illuminated by the glow of swords.
Warriors who are chosen by the Valkyries are brought to Valhalla, where they become known as the Einherjar. These warriors spend their days engaging in combat, fighting and killing each other in preparation for Ragnarok—the end of the world. Each evening, they are miraculously restored to life and gather for a grand feast.
The feasting in Valhalla is legendary. The warriors consume the meat of a magical boar that regenerates daily and drink mead from the udder of a divine goat. The Valkyries serve them food and drink, reinforcing their role not only as choosers of the slain but also as caretakers of the honored dead.
The Role of Odin
Odin, the Allfather, is central to the relationship between Valkyries and Valhalla. As the God of war, wisdom, and death, he relies on the Valkyries to gather the bravest warriors for his army. This army will ultimately fight alongside the Gods during Ragnarok, a cataclysmic battle that will determine the fate of the cosmos. Read about Ragnarok here - part 1 and here part 2.
Odin’s selection process reflects a broader Norse worldview in which fate (wyrd) is unavoidable, yet honor and bravery define a person’s legacy. To die in battle and be chosen for Valhalla is considered the highest honor, ensuring eternal recognition and purpose.
While Valkyries are most commonly associated with war, their symbolism extends beyond the battlefield. They can be seen as representations of fate, guiding the destinies of individuals and shaping the outcome of events. In this sense, they are closely related to the Norns, who weave the threads of fate.
Cultural Legacy
The influence of Valkyries and Valhalla extends far beyond the North. They have inspired countless works of art, literature, and music. One of the most famous examples is Richard Wagner’s opera Die Walküre, part of his Ring Cycle, which popularized the image of Valkyries riding through the sky.
In modern times, these figures appear in films, television series, video games, and literature, often reimagined for contemporary audiences. Despite these adaptations, the core themes of honor, sacrifice, and destiny remain intact, demonstrating that courage and honor are timeless.
To be a chosen by the Valkyries and enter Valhalla is a compelling vision of the afterlife, one that emphasizes bravery, honor, and eternal struggle. The Valkyries, as choosers of the slain, serve as both harbingers of death and guides to glory, while Valhalla stands as a testament to the Norse ideal of a warrior’s paradise.
Bibliographical References
Larrington, Carolyne. The Poetic Edda. Oxford University Press, 2014. ISBN: 978-0199675340
Sturluson, Snorri. The Prose Edda. Penguin Classics, 2005. ISBN: 978-0140447552
Simek, Rudolf. Dictionary of Northern Mythology. D.S. Brewer, 2007. ISBN: 978-0859915137
