Last Updated on November 11, 2024
The Valkyries, also known as “Valkyrjur” in Old Norse, play a central role in guiding the souls of fallen warriors. They are divine maidens who serve Odin, tasked with selecting the bravest of those who perish in battle. These chosen warriors are brought to Valhalla, Odin’s hall, where they prepare for Ragnarök, the prophesied end of days.
Valkyries ride swift horses across the sky, appearing just before or during battle. With fierce beauty and deadly purpose, they decide who will live and die. Warriors deemed worthy join the Einherjar, an elite force destined to fight alongside Odin during Ragnarök. They escort the souls of these warriors to Valhalla, where the heroes train and feast.
These warrior maidens serve both as protectors and bringers of fate. In battle, their presence inspires fear and awe among the living. They have an essential function in upholding the balance between life, death, and the divine order.
In Asatru, the Valkyries symbolize courage, honor, and the pursuit of a noble death. They embody the Asatru value of facing one’s destiny without fear. Followers honor them in rituals and daily life, seeking the strength and determination to live with valor. Valkyries represent not only the transition between life and death but also the ongoing spiritual struggle.
The Valkyries’ Sacred Symbols and Rune
The Valkyries’ role goes beyond guiding the slain. They are often depicted as battle leaders, steering the outcome of conflicts. As such, they serve as powerful symbols of fate and the interplay of divine will and mortal choices. Some, such as Brynhildr, also appear in sagas as central figures with personal narratives of love, betrayal, and redemption.
One Elder Futhark rune closely associated with the Valkyries is Tiwaz (ᛏ). This rune, representing the god Týr, embodies justice, sacrifice, and warrior courage. It resonates with the their responsibility to uphold order by selecting the worthy dead and maintaining the balance between worlds. In rituals, the Tiwaz rune can invoke the Valkyries’ favor, particularly in matters of bravery, leadership, and sacrifice.
Additionally, Valkyries possess a connection to the concept of Wyrd, the unfolding of destiny. Their presence reminds warriors that their fates are sealed, yet their actions in battle still carry weight. Asatru practitioners invoke the Valkyries to honor those who die with honor, trusting in the divine plan while still exercising personal courage and strength.
In Asatru, the Valkyries remain a powerful symbol of fearlessness, fate, and the eternal struggle between order and chaos. Through devotion to their principles, followers find strength in the face of life’s challenges and inspiration to live with purpose.
The Valkyries
- Brynhildr (Brynhild, Brünnhilde): The Warrior
- Eir (Eira, Er): The Healer
- Geirahöð (Geirhǫð, Geirhöd): Spear-Battle
- Geiravör (Geiravǫr): Spear-Cautious
- Geirönul (Geirrönul, Geirömul, Geirölul): Spear-Fighting
- Geirdriful: Spear-Wielder
- Herfjötur (Herfjǫturr, Herfjöturr): The Chain of Battle
- Geirskögul (Geirskogul, Geirskagul): A Spear-Wielder
- Göll (Gull, Gol): Battle Fury
- Ölrún (Alruna): Magical Arts
- Sigrún (Sigrun, Sigruna): Victory-Bearing
- Þrúðr (Thrud): The Mighty
- Sveið (Svið, Sviðr): Guiding
- Ráðgríðr (Rathgrídr, Radgridr): Wise
- Róta (Rota, Rotha): The Fierce
- Hervör alvitr: The All-Wise
- Kára (Cara): Of the Wind
- Hrist: The Shaker of Battle
- Hlaðguðr Svanhvít (Hladguth, Svanhvít): Swan-White
- Mist (Mistr): Mystery
- Hlökk (Hlǫkk): Battle Frenzy
