The Valkyries

Lore & Background

Valkyries are attested in the Poetic Edda (a book of poems compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources), the Prose Edda, the Heimskringla (both by Snorri Sturluson) and the Njáls saga (one of the Sagas of Icelanders), all written—or compiled—in the 13th century. They appear throughout the poetry of skalds, in a 14th-century charm, and in various runic inscriptions. The Old English cognate term wælcyrge appears in several Old English manuscripts, and scholars have explored whether the term appears in Old English by way of Norse influence, or reflects a tradition also native among the Anglo-Saxon pagans. In the Poetic Edda, valkyries are mentioned or appear in poems including Völuspá, Grímnismál, Völundarkviða, Helgakviða Hjörvarðssonar, Helgakviða Hundingsbana I, Helgakviða Hundingsbana II and Sigrdrífumál. In Völuspá, a völva tells Odin she saw valkyries coming from far away, listing six by name: Skuld, Skögul, Gunnr, Hildr, Göndul and Geirskögul. In Grímnismál, Odin provides a list of 13 valkyries who bear ale to the einherjar. In Völundarkviða, three valkyries are found spinning linen by a lake, with swan garments nearby; they are taken as wives by three brothers but later fly off to battle. In Helgakviða Hjörvarðssonar, a valkyrie named Sváva gives the name Helgi to a silent young man and later becomes his betrothed. In Helgakviða Hundingsbana I, the valkyrie Sigrún helps the hero Helgi avoid an unwanted betrothal and pledges herself to him after battle.

Reader's Guide

The valkyries hold a central place in Norse mythology as intermediaries between the battlefield and the afterlife, specifically Odin's hall Valhalla. Their role as 'choosers of the slain' underscores the Norse cultural emphasis on fate and the warrior ethos, where death in combat was a path to an honored existence among the einherjar. Beyond their martial function, valkyries appear as lovers and protectors of heroes, blending the supernatural with human relationships. Scholarly theories have been proposed about the relation between the valkyries, the Norns, and the dísir, all of which are supernatural figures associated with fate. Archaeological excavations throughout Scandinavia have uncovered amulets theorized as depicting valkyries. In modern culture, valkyries have been the subject of works of art, musical works, comic books, video games and poetry, reflecting their enduring appeal as symbols of power, choice, and the intersection of life and death. The etymology of the term—from Old Norse valr ('the slain') and kjósa ('to choose')—directly encapsulates their primary function.

Did You Know?

• The word valkyrie derives from Old Norse valkyrja, meaning 'chooser of the slain'.
• Valkyries are attested in the Poetic Edda, Prose Edda, Heimskringla, and Njáls saga, all compiled in the 13th century.
• In the poem Völundarkviða, three valkyries are described as having swan garments and are taken as wives by three brothers.
• The Old English cognate term wælcyrge appears in several Old English manuscripts, though scholars debate whether it reflects Norse influence or an Anglo-Saxon tradition.

Common Misconceptions (Editorial)

- Some believe valkyries are solely warriors who choose the slain in battle, but they also serve mead to the einherjar in Valhalla and appear as lovers or betrothed to mortal heroes. - It is sometimes assumed that all valkyrie lore originates from Norse sources only, but the Old English cognate term "wælcyrge" appears in manuscripts, raising the possibility of a shared Anglo-Saxon pagan tradition.

Why It Matters (Editorial)

The valkyries endure as symbols of fate and valor, bridging the gap between mortal heroism and divine reward. Their dual role—as choosers of the slain and as caretakers of the fallen—reflects ancient Norse values of honor, loyalty, and the inevitable cycle of battle and afterlife. This mythic blend of war and hospitality continues to captivate modern audiences, shaping portrayals in literature, art, and popular culture.