What is "valkyries"?

Valkyries are female figures in Norse mythology who were believed to be powerful and divine beings tasked with selecting warriors who would die in battle and bringing them to the afterlife in Valhalla, the hall of slain warriors ruled by the god Odin. The word "Valkyrie" comes from Old Norse valkyrja, which means "chooser of the slain".

In Norse mythology, Valkyries are often depicted as beautiful and fierce warrior maidens who ride through the skies on winged horses and wield weapons such as swords and spears. They are said to wear armor and helmets adorned with feathers, and their presence on the battlefield was seen as a sign of impending death for the warriors they chose.

Valkyries were believed to be Odin's handmaidens, serving as his messengers and agents of death. They were also associated with the goddess Freyja, who was the ruler of the afterlife realm of Folkvangr. In some stories, Valkyries were said to be the daughters of Odin and mortal women, while in others they were thought to be supernatural beings created by the gods.

According to Norse mythology, Valkyries would choose which warriors would die in battle and then escort them to Valhalla, where they would feast and fight alongside the gods until the final battle of Ragnarok. Those who were not chosen by the Valkyries would be taken to Hel, the realm of the dead ruled by the goddess of the same name.

One of the most famous Valkyries in Norse mythology is Brynhild, who appears in the Volsunga Saga and the Poetic Edda. Brynhild is a powerful warrior maiden who falls in love with the hero Sigurd, only to be betrayed and ultimately meet a tragic end. Her story has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music over the centuries.

In modern popular culture, Valkyries are often portrayed as strong and independent female warriors who defy societal expectations and fight for justice and freedom. They have appeared in a variety of forms, from comic books and video games to movies and television shows.

One example of a modern interpretation of Valkyries is the Marvel Comics character Valkyrie, who is based on the Norse mythological figure. In the Marvel Universe, Valkyrie is a member of the superhero team the Avengers and possesses superhuman strength, speed, and agility. She is depicted as a fierce warrior who fights alongside her fellow heroes to protect the world from evil.

Another example of modern Valkyrie imagery can be found in the popular video game series "God of War", which is based on Norse mythology. In the game, Valkyries are powerful boss enemies that the player must defeat in order to free their spirits and gain valuable rewards. The Valkyries in "God of War" are depicted as formidable opponents with unique combat abilities and personalities.

Overall, Valkyries have captured the imagination of people for centuries with their combination of beauty, strength, and mystery. Whether as divine messengers of death in ancient Norse mythology or as fierce female warriors in modern popular culture, Valkyries continue to be symbols of power and resilience. Their legacy lives on in art, literature, and folklore, reminding us of the enduring appeal of these legendary figures.