⚔️ Valkyries

The Valkyries - Choosers of the Slain

Odin's warrior maidens who select fallen heroes from battlefields to bring to Valhalla. Divine shield-maidens who serve the Einherjar mead and decide the fates of warriors in combat.

The Shield-Maidens of Odin

The Valkyries ("choosers of the slain") are fierce warrior women who ride through battlefields on flying horses, selecting which warriors will die and which will live. Those they choose are brought to Valhalla to join Odin's army of Einherjar. In Valhalla, the Valkyries serve as cupbearers, bringing mead and meat to the heroes.

Famous Valkyries

• Brynhildr: The most famous Valkyrie, punished by Odin for disobeying him, placed in an enchanted sleep surrounded by fire until awakened by Sigurd
• Göndul: A war Valkyrie who decides battles
• Skögul: Another battle Valkyrie, companion of Göndul
• Hildr: "Battle" - leads the eternal battle of Hjadningavig
• Geirahöd: "Spear of Battle"

The Valkyries embody both beauty and terror - maidens of death who decide the fates of warriors. They are neither good nor evil, but agents of destiny, ensuring the bravest warriors come to serve Odin in the final battle.