Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Everyday Life • Mythology

Valkyrie

In Norse mythology, a valkyrie is one of a group of female figures associated with Odin and battle.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Valkyries are female figures in Norse mythology who choose slain warriors for Valhalla. Their name comes from Old Norse and means 'chooser of the slain'.

What it is

Valkyries are female beings in Norse mythology connected to Odin and the fate of warriors. Their name is Old Norse for 'chooser of the slain,' reflecting their role in selecting which warriors die and are worthy of Valhalla.

Why it matters

Valkyries have been widely adapted in later literature and popular culture, including Marvel Comics, shaping modern perceptions of warrior women. The myth also appears in Canadian education and museum exhibits on Viking history.

Key details

Some accounts describe valkyries riding horses, wearing helmets and shields, or flying. Norse sources vary on whether they are supernatural beings or human-like figures. Individual names like Brynhildr and Sigrún appear in later retellings.

In short

  • Valkyries are female figures in Norse mythology associated with Odin.
  • Their name means 'chooser of the slain'.
  • They select slain warriors for Valhalla.
  • Modern portrayals include Marvel Comics.
Canadian angle

The word and myth of Valkyries are familiar to Canadian readers through Norse studies, literature, and popular culture, including comics, films, and museum or educational coverage of Viking history.

Quick questions

What are Valkyries in Norse mythology?
Valkyries are female mythological figures associated with Odin who choose slain warriors and guide them to Valhalla.
What is the role of Valkyries?
Their central role is to choose warriors who die in battle and decide who is worthy of Valhalla; some traditions also give them broader responsibilities in battle and the afterlife.
What does Valkyrie mean?
It means 'chooser of the slain,' from Old Norse valkyrja.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valkyrie
    Supports: Basic definition, Old Norse etymology, and general overview of the mythological figure.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Valkyrie-Norse-mythology
    Supports: Role of valkyries in selecting the slain for Valhalla and broader mythological descriptions.
  3. Norse Mythology for Smart People — https://norse-mythology.org/gods-and-creatures/valkyries/
    Supports: Meaning of the term, plural form, and summary of valkyries as helping spirits of Odin.