The Legend of the Valkyrie
By
Bob Arrington

The Vikings were Nordic people made up of Danes, Swedes, and Norwegians.  They raided and settled in large areas of eastern and western Europe during the period of the Scandinavian expansion from about 800 to 1100 AD.  The Vikings have a rich history that chronicles their bravery, expert seamanship, exploration, and their heroes.  The Viking (Scandinavian) legends are also rich in mythology.  The Valkyrie of the Vikings is part of this mythology.

Many ancient Scandinavian mythological heroes, some of whom may have been derived from real persons, were believed to be descendants of the mythological gods.  Some of these are Sigurd the Dragon Slayer, Helgi Thrice-Born, Harald Wartooth, Hadding, Starkad, and the Valkyries.  The Valkyries, a band of warrior-maidens that include Svava and Brunhild, served Odin as choosers of slain warriors.  It’s believed Brunhild was the leader of the Valkyries.  The Valkyries road through the air in brilliant armor and directed many of the battles.  They would select slain heroes, the bravest and most valiant, and transport these dead heroes to Valhalla, which is the Great Hall of Odin.  In Valhalla, the slain warriors would spend the days fighting (keeping in shape) and the nights feasting waiting for Ragnarok, which is the day of the final world battle in which all the gods will perish and new reign of peace and love would be established.

The Valkyries are featured in the famous opera “Die Walkuere” (The Valkyries, 1856) by the German composer Richard Wagner, the most famous song being Ride Of The Valkyries.