FAQs
The word valkyrie derives from Old Norse valkyrja (plural valkyrjur), which is composed of two words: the noun valr (referring to the slain on the battlefield) and the verb kjósa (meaning "to choose"). Together, they mean 'chooser of the slain'.
Are Valkyries only female? ›
Yes, all Valkyrie are female. Some earlier depictions portray them as ferocious man-hunters while later depictions portray them more as guides to the afterlife.
What do Valkyries symbolize? ›
In electing these characters to symbolize a mythical past in the Illustrated History of Denmark for the People, the Valkyries become personifications of death, battle, and victory at a time of Northern European romanticism.
What is the Icelandic word for Valkyrie? ›
As defined by A Concise Dictionary of Old Icelandic (Geir Zoëga): valkyrja. f. a chooser of the slain, Valkyrie.
Is a Valkyrie a female Viking? ›
In Norse mythology, a valkyrie (from Old Norse valkyrja "chooser of the fallen") is one of a host of female figures who decide who will die in battle.
Who is the fallen Valkyrie? ›
The Fallen Valkyrie is a hostile enemy found in the Ashlands. They often appear hovering some distance above ground, and periodically fly to nearby locations, as if scouting. The Fallen Valkyrie has multiple attacks, both ranged and melee. At range, it may fire off 2-3 pink spheres at its enemies.
Was Freya a Valkyrie? ›
These examples indicate that Freyja was a war-goddess, and she even appears as a valkyrie, literally 'the one who chooses the slain'."
What is a male Valkyrie called? ›
If you're asking about Norse mythology, there are no male Valkyries. The closest equivalent would be the einherjar, which are the souls of warriors who have died in battle. They fight each other daily in training for Ragnarok, and feast and drink every night.
Who are the 12 Valkyries? ›
In the song Grímnismál (stanza 36) thirteen names are given of valkyries who serve ale in Valhalla: Hrist, Mist, Skeggjöld, Skögull, Hildr, Þrúðr, Hlökk, Herfjötur, Göll, Geirölul (Geirrömul, Geirahöd), Randgríðr, Radgríðr and Reginleifr.
Do Valkyries marry? ›
There are references in old text, such as Volsung Saga, where Valkyries fall in love/marry mortals. Brynhildr(Brunhilda) being the most well known.
Valkyries, winged goddesses who transported those killed in battle to Vallhalla mirror the semi-divine angels who helped humans travel between earth and heaven. Arguably Satan and Loki were the closest parallel between the two religions.
What did Odin do to the Valkyries? ›
This curse was later revealed to having been cast by Odin, out of spite after Freya lost her position as the queen- her stand-in, Sigrun, states that no matter what she did, it was 'not enough' for the Allfather. The curse forces the Valkyries to remain in a physical form, which is an unnatural state to Valkyries.
Who is the queen of the Valkyries? ›
Sigrún is the Valkyrie Queen introduced in God of War (2018). She is one of the nine Valkyries who have been cursed into insanity by Odin.
What does the valkyrie tattoo mean? ›
Valkyries are depicted as beautiful and powerful warriors, representing the ideals of courage, honor, and destiny. This tattoo can also symbolize a connection to the divine feminine and a strong, independent spirit.
What was Freya's valkyrie name? ›
Freya later returns in God of War Ragnarök as a major antagonist, and later the deuteragonist, having relentlessly tried to get her vengeance for three years. After she managed to regain her warrior spirit, she successfully ambushes Kratos and Atreus under the mask of Vanadís, her Valkyrie form.
What is Norse for devil? ›
Contraction of fanden (“the Devil”), from late Old Norse fendinn, perhaps from Frisian with the original meaning "the tempter, he who tempts". Compare Old Norse fjándinn (“the enemy”), definite of fjándi (“enemy, foe, devil”).
Who is the deity Valkyrjur? ›
Also known as Valkyrja and Valkyrjur in Old Norse, and Wælcyrge and Wælcyrie in Old English. Their name means “Chooser of the slain.” They are a group of goddesses who serve as an honour guard to the god Óðin. They decide the outcome of battles, arranging who will live and who will die.
What is the Viking name for Valkyrie? ›
The name in Old Norse, valkyrja, as well as Old English wælcyrge means literally, "chooser of the slain." The word for valkyrie was used by Anglo-Saxon scholars to gloss the names of the Greco-Roman goddeses of vengeance and retribution, the Furies or Erinyes, as well as for the Roman goddess of war, Bellona.
Who is the Valkyrie queen in Norse? ›
Freya was also the Queen of the Valkyries, goddesses who did tasks for Odin.
