Special Sub-Topic: Valkyries - Who Were They? Click Here To Play: Valkyries - Who Were They?

The valkyries were the warrior maidens of Oden. They served him in battle and in Asgaard. They chose which warrior was brave enough to be taken to Valhalla. What does valkyrie mean?

Chooser of the slain. Their name is in Old Norse 'valkyrja'. Val- meaning something that has to do with battle. Oden is sometimes called Valfather. Compare to the name of his home - Valhalla.

What animal represents the valkyries?

Raven. The corpse-eating Raven also represents Odin, and the Celtic warrior goddess Morrigan or Morgane. They are probably related.

The valkyries is probably the mythological equivalence to the fighting women who sometimes appeared in Norse armies. They were called 'skjaldmeyjar'- what does that mean?

Shieldwomen. It means 'women with shields' and the valkyrjes is often depicted with a one-handed weapon, a sword or a spear, in one hand and a shield in the other.

Freja is perhaps the foremost goddess in Norse mythology. She is the goddess of love and fertility but also the leader of the valkyries. She and Oden shares the fallen men but she has the first pick. Which of these is a name for Freja as a valkyrie?

Valfreja. Valfreja is Freja as a valkyrie. (See question 1) Vanadis is her name as the goddess of the Vanir. Gefn means the giver - she is the giver of fertility. And Hoern is Freja in her role as protector of the flax - an important crop.

When the valkyries weren't supervising a battle they were waitresses in Oden's hall. True or False?

True. Their chore was to serve mead to the warriors they had brought there.

Three valkyries are mentioned as those who most often ride down to the battles of earth. They are Gunn, Rota and one more. She is also mentioned as one of the norns along with Urd and Verdandi. Who is she?

Skuld. Skuld is mentioned as both a valkyrie and a norn. We are not sure whether it really is the same woman, butit is not impossible.

The names of the valkyries reflect what their task is. Now I will name some of the valkyries and you will tell me what their names mean. Herfjoetur?

War-Fetter.

Gunnr?

Battle.

Sigrun?

Victory Rune.

Sigrdrifa?

Victory Blizzard.