Last Updated on February 14, 2025
The Valkyries, pronounced VAL-ker-eez, are figures from Norse mythology known as “choosers of the slain.” Their name comes from Old Norse valkyrja (VAL-kur-yah, plural valkyrjur). This term combines valr (“the slain on the battlefield”) and kjósa (“to choose”). 
Valkyries served Odin and Freyja, playing key roles in the fate of warriors. They rode through the skies on horses, their armor glistening like the aurora borealis. During battles, they chose which warriors would die and which would live. Their choices determined the fates of fallen warriors, guiding them to either Valhalla or Fólkvangr.
Valhalla is Odin’s great hall, where the Einherjar (INE-her-yahr), or chosen warriors, train for Ragnarök (RAHG-nah-rohk), the end of the world. Valkyries brought these warriors to Valhalla, ensuring they were honored and prepared for the ultimate battle. There, they served mead and food, embodying both warrior and caretaker roles.
Fólkvangr (FOLEK-vahng-er), Freyja’s realm, provided another destination for the slain. Freyja, the goddess of love, war, and death, received half of all fallen warriors. Her meadow-like domain balanced Valhalla’s martial focus with a sense of peace and beauty. Valkyries guided the dead to Fólkvangr as well, reflecting their deep connection to fate and the afterlife.
The Poetic Edda and Prose Edda describe Valkyries vividly. The poem Völuspá (VUH-luhs-pah, “The Prophecy of the Seeress”) names the Valkyries. These names symbolize their influence over destiny and warfare. Valkyries appear in sagas as both fierce warriors and compassionate figures. They punished the dishonorable but also helped heroes like Sigurd. Their duality, overseeing death yet offering honor, made them powerful and enigmatic.
Today, Valkyries inspire art and culture, reflecting ideals of bravery, beauty, and the mysteries of fate.
The Valkyries
- Brynhildr (Brynhild, Brünnhilde): Warrior
- Eir (Eira, Er): Healer
- Geirahöð (Geirhǫð, Geirhöd): Spear-Battle
- Geiravör (Geiravǫr): Spear-Watch
- Geirönul (Geirrönul, Geirömul, Geirölul): Spear-Fighting
- Geirdriful: Spear-Wielder
- Herfjötur (Herfjǫturr, Herfjöturr): Army-Fettering
- Geirskögul (Geirskogul, Geirskagul): A Spear-Wielder
- Göll (Gull, Gol): Battle Fury
- Ölrún (Alruna): Magical Arts
- Sigrún (Sigrun, Sigruna): Victory-Bearing
- Þrúðr (Thrud): Mighty
- Sveið (Svið, Sviðr): Gentle
- Ráðgríðr (Rathgrídr, Radgridr): Wise
- Róta (Rota, Rotha): Fierce
- Hervör alvitr: All-Wise
- Kára (Cara): Wild Storm
- Hrist: Shaker of Battle
- Hlaðguðr Svanhvít (Hladguth, Svanhvít): Swan-White
- Mistr (Mist): Mist or Fog
- Hlökk (Hlǫkk): Battle Frenzy
- Skeggöld: Battle-Axes and Strife
- Göndul: Visionary
- Hjalmþrimul: Helmet-Clad
- Randgríðr (Randgrid): Shield-Destroyer
- Þrima: Battle Roar
- Hildr: Battle / War
- Sanngriðr (Sangrithr, Sangridr): Fierce
- Hrund (Hrundr): Battle’s Flow
- Skögul (Skögull, Skogul): Fierce
Runes Associated with the Valkyries
The Elder Futhark runes Tiwaz (ᛏ) and Algiz (ᛉ) strongly connect with Valkyries. Tiwaz (pronounced TEE-wahz) symbolizes courage, justice, and leadership, reflecting the Valkyries’ role as guides for brave warriors. This rune’s link to battle and honor mirrors their responsibility on the battlefield. Algiz (pronounced AHL-geez) represents protection, guardianship, and divine connection, aligning with the Valkyries’ duty to shield chosen warriors and guide them to their fates. The shape of Algiz evokes an outstretched hand or antlers, symbolizing defense. Together, these runes reflect the Valkyries’ protective and martial qualities in mythology.
