Norse mythology contains many strange names and terms, as they are of Germanic origin. Some of them sound familiar, whether from movies, TV series, video games, etc. However, their true meaning isn't always entirely clear. A prime example is the famous Valkyries, who were very important to the Vikings. These female figures play a fundamental role in Norse belief and are closely associated with those who fell in battle. To clear up any confusion, this article will explain what Valkyries are.
Besides answering this question, we'll also talk about their mission, where they live, how many there are, and how they were typically depicted in Norse mythology. If you're interested in the topic, I recommend you keep reading.
What are the Valkyries: Myth and mission
Author: Manfred Werner (Tsui)
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The word "valkyrie" originates from Old Norse. It translates as "chooser of the slain." These mythological figures are female warrior deities who served Odin, the Allfather, according to Norse legends. Their name is fitting, as their mission was to select both men and women who died in battle to take them to Valhalla and Fólkvangr.
According to Norse mythology, the Norns informed Odin about the end of creation, known as Ragnarök . The Norns are three female beings, each with the power to see the past, present, or future. They are the equivalent of the Fates of Roman mythology and the Moirai of Greek mythology. After receiving this information, the Allfather decided to raise an army to confront the monsters that threatened to destroy everything he had created.
Thus, he created Valhalla. It is an immense hall located in Asgard, the world of the gods. The Valkyries are responsible for bringing the most heroic and distinguished fallen warriors there, so they can prepare for Ragnarök. These chosen ones are called "einherjar." Each day they must fight each other until they die, but they are revived at nightfall to celebrate a grand feast with fine food and mead. On some occasions, they are joined by Odin himself, and other deities important to the Vikings.
In order to win the battle at the end of the world, Odin seeks to acquire as much power and knowledge as possible. For this reason, he asks the goddess Freya to teach him Seidr magic , as she is the most skilled and expert in it. However, the goddess worries that the Allfather will become an all-powerful being, impossible to control if he loses his mind. Therefore, she agrees to share her knowledge with him if, in return, he gives her half of the fallen chosen by the Valkyries, to which the god agrees. Thus , half of those slain in battle go to Valhalla, under Odin's command, and the other half go to Fólkvangr, Freya's abode. In this context, it is also interesting to explore how these figures relate to other aspects of Norse mythology.
Where do the Valkyries live?
Now that we know what valkyries are and what their mission is, let's clarify where they live. Contrary to popular belief, these divine warriors did not live in Valhalla with the einherjar, but rather had their own building called the "Vingólf." This was located right next to the great hall dedicated to heroes fallen in battle. According to mythology, the valkyries' home had more than 540 doors through which selected slain could enter so that the warriors could heal them and offer them mead. Furthermore, it is also where they themselves train for combat.
How many are the Valkyries?
Author: LCC16
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Many Valkyries are mentioned in various Germanic literary works. However, we will highlight the most important ones:
- Gunnur: In several sources she is represented as the most remarkable of the Valkyries for her prestige, courage and skill in handling all kinds of weapons.
- Hilda: Noted for his talent when handling the bow and arrows. His name means "battle".
- Brunnhilde: This Valkyrie is of utmost importance in the Volsunga Saga. She was banished to Midgard, the mortal world, by Odin after betraying him. Her name translates as "battlemail." In the nordic mythology, Brunhilda plays a prominent role.
- Thud: Apart from being a strong, brave and very skilled warrior, Thrud stands out for being the daughter of Thor, and, therefore, the granddaughter of Odin. Her name means "strength". Other Valkyries that have been important in the story of how Thrud became one of these warriors are Aungrey, Geiravör, Skalmold, Mist, Randgrid, Skeggold, Herja and Sanngrid.
It should be noted that each of them possessed a special skill. These could include proficiency with certain weapons, knowledge of runes and specific types of magic, healing powers, and so on. Furthermore, they were all deeply devoted to Odin. They obeyed the Allfather's commands without question, except for one instance when Brunhilde disagreed with Odin's perspective. She was banished and went on to play a pivotal role in the Volsunga Saga.
What are the Valkyries: Representation
Valkyries were generally depicted as beautiful young women. They typically wore gleaming armor, spears, and helmets. As formidable warriors, they possessed superhuman strength and incredible skill in wielding various weapons, such as swords, bows, and shields. They are often associated with winged horses, which they ride across the skies from Asgard, the world of the gods, to Midgard, the world of mortals, to collect those fallen in battle. However, some experts believe they may also have been depicted as wolves.
I hope that with all this information it has become clear to you what Valkyries are. These divine warriors appear in various Norse myths. Now you can distinguish them from the other Nordic goddesses!
