Valkyrie

A valkyrie is a female figure from Norse mythology who guides the souls of the dead warriors to Valhalla, the hall of the god Odin.

There, the warriors become einherjar, who prepare for the final battle of Ragnarök.

Valkyries are also known as lovers of heroes and sometimes as daughters of royalty.

They are often depicted with helmets, swords, shields, and sometimes with ravens or swans.

Valkyries have been the subject of many works of art, music, literature, and film.

One of the most famous examples is the opera cycle Der Ring des Nibelungen by Richard Wagner, which features the famous Ride of the Valkyries.

Another example is the 2008 thriller film Valkyrie, which tells the story of the 20 July plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler and use the Operation Valkyrie plan to take control of Germany.

Valkyries are fascinating and powerful figures in Norse mythology and culture.

They represent both the glory and the tragedy of war, as well as the bond between the gods and the mortals.

A valkyrie is a fantasy creature inspired by Norse mythology.

She is a female warrior who chooses the slain on the battlefield and brings them to Valhalla, the hall of Odin.

She is often depicted as a beautiful woman with long blonde hair, wearing armor and a helmet, and carrying a spear and a shield.

She may also have wings or ride a flying horse.

She flies above the fields of war
With keen eyes and steady hand
She seeks the bravest of the fallen
To join her in the god's land

She wears the helm
Of a valiant Nordic fighter
She wields the spear and shield of steel
Of a fearless soul igniter

She is the valkyrie, the chooser
Of those who die with honor
She is the escort, the protector
Of those who dwell with Odin

A Valkyrie is not a Viking, but a mythical figure in Norse mythology.
Vikings were the seafaring people who lived in Scandinavia from the 8th to the 11th centuries.
They raided, traded, and explored across Europe and beyond.
Valkyries, on the other hand, were supernatural beings who served the god Odin and had the power to decide who lived and who died in battle.
They also escorted the souls of the fallen warriors to Valhalla, the hall of the gods, where they would feast and fight until the end of the world, known as Ragnarök.

Valkyries were often depicted as beautiful women riding on horses, wolves, or boars, wearing helmets and shields, and carrying spears.
Sometimes they flew through the air and sea, or transformed into swans.
They were also associated with ravens, which were symbols of Odin and death.
Valkyries had different names and roles, depending on the source.
Some of them were daughters of royalty, some were lovers of heroes and mortals, and some were connected to fate and destiny.

Valkyries appear in various sources of Norse literature, such as the Poetic Edda, the Prose Edda, the Heimskringla, and the sagas.
They also feature in the poetry of skalds, who were court poets and historians.
Some of the most famous valkyries are Brynhildr, Sigrún, and Gudrún, who have tragic love stories with heroes like Sigurd and Helgi.
Valkyries are also mentioned in some runic inscriptions and charms, and have been found on amulets and other artifacts.

Valkyries have influenced modern culture in many ways.
They have inspired works of art, music, literature, and film, such as Richard Wagner's opera cycle The Ring of the Nibelung, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, and Marvel's Thor franchise.
They have also appeared in comic books, video games, and poetry, such as Neil Gaiman's American Gods, God of War, and W.H. Auden's The Lay of the Last Survivor.
Valkyries are still seen as symbols of strength, courage, and beauty in popular culture.