One of the best-known Female Archetypes of ancient Norse mythology is the Valkyrie. They are symbols of female power and courage and represent fierce women warriors with supernatural powers. In particular, the Valkyrie represents the ancient Norse views on death, destiny, fate and courage. 

Who were the Valkyries?

First things first, who were the Valkyries? These traditional female Norse warriors are usually depicted as strong, courageous armour-clad women who ride winged horses through the sky surveying the battlefields. 

The word “Valkyrie” comes from the Old Norse words val (“to choose”) and kyrja (“slaughter”), so it literally means “choosers of the slain”. 

And according to Norse mythology, the Valkyries did indeed 

choose who to save of the dead and take to Odin in Valhalla, 

where they would then remain for the rest of eternity. For a 

Viking, celebrating in the halls of Valhalla was indeed a noble

 afterlife.

The best-known of the Valkyries is the Goddess Freya and 

Brynhild. Freya was considered the leader of the Valkyries and

 dispatched them to the battlefields. She is the Viking Goddess 

of love, fertility, death and battle.

Brynhild was a highly regarded warrior and daughter of King

 Budli. And it is Brynhild that the fictional Valkyrie character in 

the Marvel comics and films is actually based on.

What’s the difference between Shield Maidens 

and Valkyries?

Shield Maidens and Valkyries are often depicted as having 

similar jobs and similar appearance in Norse mythology. 

However, the important difference is that Valykries are 

mythological figures with divine powers and ancestry, while 

Shield Maidens are of human descent. The best-known Shield 

Maiden was Lagartha, the wife of Viking warrior Ragnar Loðbrók.

What is the Valkyrie symbol?

The traditional Valkyrie symbol has wings on either side to represent the Valkyries flying through the air on their horses, with a double or single staff running below the Winged Helm.Some versions show the wings surrounding a Nordic Knot, which is also known as the Valknut or Odin’s knot and means “knot of those fallen in battle”. Other versions have the powerful Helm of Awe symbol in the middle, which represents courage and fearlessness. The Helm of Awe is often in the centre of the Valkyrie symbol. There’s no writing on the traditional image, but Valkyrie symbol text, such as Viking Runes (A Divination Tool), can sometimes be seen alongside the symbol itself.

The Valkyrie symbol origins are varied, but it is thought that the wings represent the speed with which the Valkyries can fly though the air, and that Odin’s knot is a symbol of the transition between life and death. The Valkyrie symbol has come to represent many attributes, in particular Courage, physical strength and The Empowerment of Women. So it’s not surprising that the Valkyries have a loyal band of followers, who choose to show their support of the Valkyrie Norse symbols and unite under their wings as a symbol of female strength and empowerment. 

What animals represent Valkyries?

Valkyries are often associated with birds, in particular black ravens. In Norse mythology, ravens would often accompany the Valkyries on the battlefields as they were not only messengers but also scavengers in charge of cleaning the battlefield. In Norse mythology, the raven is symbolic of mind, thought and wisdom. The God Odin was seen in mythological texts as being accompanied by two ravens: Hugin who represented the power of thought and information; and the other, Mugin represented the mind, and its ability to intuit meaning rather than hunting for it. Ravens in many cultures are associated with death, physic powers, and wisdom among many others  

Swans are also associated with the Valkyries, who are sometimes known as “swan maidens”, because they had special armor made of feathers that could provide a means of escape - they could fly away. Legend had it that if a male human stole a Valkyrie’s swan feathered armor, the Valkyrie will fall in love with the thief.

Valkyries are also associated with horses as they are sometimes depicted as riding winged horses over the battlefields as well as boars.

Is Valkyrie good or evil?

The traditional characteristics associated with Valkyrie are bravery, strength, courage and fairness. However, the Valkyries were also fearsome fighters who had the power to decide who would be bought back to life and who would remain dead. They were the 'Choosers of the Slain,' and ultimately had the power of choice. 

Hence, Valkyrie Intuitive, LLC

Valkyrie Intuitive is about awakening and empowering your inner warrior so that you can decide what stays and what goes in your life. Having the courage and strength to make the changes you need to live an authentic life.

Text and image source: Routes North .