Valkyries: From Norse Mythology to Modern Pop Culture Icons

You know what a valkyrie is, or at least you probably think you do. So, since you’ve found yourself in my Tavern, let me regale you with tales of the mighty Norse Maidens of Death—their secrets, romances, and how they still seem to be watching over the cultural battlefield of today. Grab a drink, grab a seat, and don’t worry about the story; stories are always on the house.

The Origin of Valkyries

If you’ve never heard of Valkyries or you’ve passed through a magic portal to end up in the Tavern by accident, allow me to provide some context. Why should we care about Valkyries, and where do they come from? Valkyries are warrior maidens in the service of the mighty chieftain of the Aesir in Norse myth, Odin. In Norse mythology, there are essentially three groups, think of them as tribes: the Aesir, the Vanir, and the Jotnar.

The Aesir are the denizens of Asgard and the kin of the Clan of Odin, including notable figures like Thor, Baldr, and Tyr. The Vanir, from the realm of Vanaheim, are rivals of Odin, featuring deities such as Freyja, goddess of beauty and cats, Njord, lord of the sea, and Freyr, god of fertility. These two groups fight frequently until their shared hatred of the Jotnar justifies a truce, though it comes only after the wisest man in all the land loses his head trying to barter peace between them.

The Jotnar, essentially the monsters of Norse myth, are another tribe entirely. Though often portrayed as antagonists, they are not inherently evil. Nevertheless, their goal of destroying Odin and ending the world certainly paints them in a sinister light.

Valkyries in Action

So, where do Valkyries fit into all that drama? Odin, self-declared king of all the gods, discovers a prophecy from a powerful seer called the Voluspa. This prophecy foretells that a great wolf and a giant snake will kill him and his children. In response, Odin begins shanghaiing souls of warriors to form his personal guard, the Einherjar, using the Valkyries to choose and harvest the greatest warriors from the battlefield to protect him from impending doom.

The name Valkyrie means "chooser of the slain," and their role is critical in Odin’s strategy. They don’t appear often in Norse texts, with mentions in Grimnismal and Gylfaginning, but the most prominent stories are found in the Sagas. For instance, in "Eric's Saga," three Valkyries fall in love with warriors, then transform into swans and fly away. In the "Volsung Saga," we encounter the tale of Sigurd and Brynhildr, adding depth to their romantic and mystical dimensions.

One of the most vivid images of Valkyries comes from "Njal’s Saga": "Blood rains from the cloudy web / On the broad loom of slaughter. / The web of man, grey as armor, / Is now being woven; the Valkyries / Will cross it with a crimson weft. / The warp is made of human entrails." This brutal depiction describes Valkyries weaving the fate of warriors on a giant, visceral loom, symbolizing their role as choosers of fate who decide the outcomes of battles.

Valkyries’ Evolution Over Time

Initially, Valkyries were seen as Odin’s servants and psychopomps guiding warriors to Valhalla. Over time, they took on shamanistic characteristics, becoming more mystical and connected to fate and destiny. As Norse culture evolved, Valkyries were humanized, depicted as lovers and guardians of specific warriors. However, with the rise of Christianity in medieval Europe, their prominence faded.

In the 18th century, Valkyries experienced a revival, particularly through the works of Richard Wagner and other artists. Despite Wagner's controversial reputation, his operas helped shape the modern image of Valkyries as fierce and noble warriors. This revival was instrumental in cementing their place in cultural memory.

Modern Depictions and Popular Culture

In the 21st century, Valkyries are everywhere—from video games and comic books to novels, movies, manga, anime, and even popular art. Their presence in media ranges from "Marvel’s Thor" to the "God of War" video game series, reflecting their transition from feared and revered figures to cultural icons. Valkyries have become pop stars, and trends of people dressing up as "valkyries and shieldmaidens" are all over social media.

Do You Want More on Valkyries?

For our Patreon's Studious Dragons, there is a beautifully designed Lore Sheet PDF that includes images and even more detailed information on Valkyries, even a family clan story is thrown in for your enjoyment.