V is for Valkyrie
Hello!
Valkyries are beautiful, powerful warrior-maidens who serve Odin, the Allfather of the gods, guiding fallen warriors to their destiny in the afterlife.
The word “valkyrie” comes from the Old Norse valkyrja, meaning “chooser of the slain.” These celestial figures were believed to descend upon battlefields, selecting which warriors would die and which would survive. Those deemed worthy were taken to Valhalla, Odin’s great hall, where they would feast and train for Ragnarok—the final battle at the end of the world.
In some myths, valkyries are described as daughters of Odin, while in others, they are mortal women elevated to divine status. They are often associated with ravens and wolves, creatures linked to Odin and the brutal realities of war. Some stories even portray them as lovers of mortal heroes, blurring the line between the divine and personal fate.
In modern fantasy, valkyries are often reimagined as warrior-goddesses, angelic figures, or even supernatural bounty hunters. They frequently appear in books, films, and games as formidable fighters, clad in shining armour and wielding legendary weapons. Their portrayal varies—from noble protectors of the fallen to fearsome avengers of the gods.
In some stories, valkyries are given individual personalities and complex motivations, rather than serving only as Odin’s enforcers. They may struggle with their duty, question their role in the cycle of war, or even defy the gods in pursuit of their own path.
Valkyries represent courage, fate, and honour. Their presence on the battlefield signifies both the glory of victory and the inevitability of death. They embody the idea that heroism is not just about survival but about facing one’s destiny with bravery.
They also symbolise the power of women in mythology and fantasy. Unlike many ancient depictions of female figures, valkyries are not passive or confined to domestic roles—they are active participants in battle, decision-makers in the fate of men, and divine figures who wield power over life and death.
The valkyrie remains one of the most enduring and inspiring figures in mythology and fantasy. Whether seen as warriors, guides of the fallen, or independent beings seeking their own destiny, they continue to capture the imagination.
References: https://norse-mythology.org/gods-and-creatures/valkyries/; https://snargl.com/angelic-creatures/valkyrie/
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Colours of Fantasy (FREE DOWNLOAD)
Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?
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Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!
Caroline
