THE VALKYRIES OF NORSE MYTHOLOGY
THE VALKYRIES
The Valkyries are an iconic and well-known aspect of the Norse Myths. There is certainly some confusion surrounding their origins and history, which were considered to be more demonic and evil than what we know them to be today. Their primary role is to influence the fates of warriors in battle and to take those worthy of entering Valhalla up to Óðinn’s hall, where they will fight and feast until the final battle - Ragnarǫk.
They are known as ‘Óðinn’s girls,’ and essentially, they serve the role of building his personal army - The Einherjar. They are known to serve the einherjar their mead as told to us in the 36th stanza of the Poetic Edda’s Grímnismál. The amount of valkyries varies from source to source, and many of them exist merely in list form. I won't pad out this eBook with a page for each Valkyrie, instead, I’ll write about the notable valkyries, and list the more obscure ones alongside the bindrune and the translation of their name.
Below I've listed all of the Valkyries that I could find, with the Old Norse name, Younger Futhark runic translation & a short synopsis. My Norse Mythology Encyclopedia eBook contains the entire Encyclopedia with over 150 pages and 250+ Bindrunes that I created for each name. I think you'll really enjoy reading through it!
THE KNOWN VALKYRIES
Brynhild | Old Norse Brynhildr | Runes - ᛒᚱᚢᚾᚼᛁᛚᛏᛦ
Brynhildr is one of the more prominent Valkyries in Norse Mythology, and a significant character in the saga of the Vǫlsungs.
Her story revolves around her fateful encounter with the hero Sigurðr, with whom she falls in love and has his child - Áslaug. Sigurðr was the one to rescue her from her slumber, which she was cursed with by Óðinn. Sigurðr would eventually betray Brynhildr and marry another woman, and Brynhildr would move on to marry Gunnar.
Geirahöd | Old Norse Geirahǫð | Runes - ᚴᛅᛁᚱᛅᚼᚢᚦ
Geirahǫð is one of the Valkyries of Norse Mythology, referenced in several manuscripts of the poem Grímnismál. Not much is known about this Valkyrie, other than her name, like many others, being a synonym for battle.
Geirahǫð’s name can be split into two parts - Geirr, meaning ‘spear,’ and höð, meaning ‘battle.’ Her name reinforces the significance of the Valkyrie presence during conflicts, as the choosers of the slain and the ones who bring the worthy to Valhalla.
Geiravör | Old Norse Geiravǫr | Runes - ᚴᛅᛁᚱᛅᚢᛅᛦ
Geiravör is one of the Valkyrie mentioned in the Þulur, a section of Snorri’s Prose Edda that lists various Norse Mythology figures. The latter part of her name ‘vör’ could be the same as the name of the goddess Vör. Her name in this sense would be ‘spear-vör’ or ‘spear-goddess.’
Snorri frequently references the gods and goddesses in allusive ways within his work, so I personally believe that this could have been the case, thus reinforcing the connection between Valkyries and Goddesses within the Norse myths.
Geirdriful | Old Norse Geirdriful | Runes - ᚴᛅᛁᚱᛏᚱᛁᚠᚢᛚ
Geirdriful is one of the more obscure Valkyries of Norse Mythology, listed only in Snorri Sturlusons Þulur. Her name translates to ‘spear-flinger’ reinforcing the imagery of valkyries wielding spears and being associated with battle.
Not much else is known about this figure, and given that she is noted only in a list of names and only by Snorri, it’s likely that she serves very minimal relevance within the broader Mythology.
Geirönul | Old Norse Geirǫnul, Geirrǫnul, Geirǫmul or Geirǫlul | Runes - ᚴᛅᛁᚱᛅᚾᚢᛚ, ᚴᛅᛁᚱᛅᛘᚢᛚ & ᚴᛅᛁᚱᛅᛚᚢᛚ
Geirǫnul is an interesting Valkyrie, as her name comes with three other spellings: Geirrǫnul, Geirǫmul and Geirǫlul. The exact meaning of her name is unknown, but it could possibly mean something along the lines of ‘one who charges forward/whirls with the spear’.
While not much is known about Geirǫnul, her presence in the Grímnismál suggests a level of importance, and her name shares similarities with Odins name ‘Geirǫlnir’. It’s entirely possible that she serves an important role in choosing the dead that go to Valhalla.
Geirskögul/skögul | Old Norse Geirskǫgull/skǫgull | Runes - ᚴᛅᛁᚱᛋᚴᛅᚴᚢᛚ / ᛋᚴᛅᚴᚢᛚ
Geirskǫgull is a Valkyrie that appears in various different sources, suggesting a more prominent role in the wider Mythology. Geirskǫgull is attested in the Þulur, and Skǫgull is attested in Grímnismál and Völuspá. Her name means ‘spear-battle’ or just battle, the Old Norse for which is Skǫgull.
It’s highly likely that Geirskǫgull is a cognate of skǫgull ‘battle’, and while they are sometimes listed separately, I personally believe that they are one in the same.
Göll | Old Norse Gǫll | Runes - ᚴᛅᛚ
Göll is a Valkyrie whose name translates roughly to ‘noise, battle’. Not much is known about this elusive figure as her only appearance is within a þulur [list] from the 36th stanza of the poem Grímnismál.
Göndul | Old Norse Gǫndul | Runes - ᚴᛅᚾᛏᚢᛚ
In Norse mythology, Göndul is a valkyrie with her name meaning "wand-wielder." She is mentioned in various sources, including Heimskringla, Sörla þáttr, and the Poetic Edda.
In Heimskringla, Gǫndul and Skǫgul are sent by Odin to choose fallen warriors for Valhalla, and she plays a crucial role in the narrative, particularly in the story of King Haakon's death and journey to Valhalla. In Sörla þáttr, she instigates a conflict between two kings through seduction and manipulation, showcasing her enigmatic and influential character in Norse mythology.
Gǫndul's appearances in different texts highlight her significance as a valkyrie with a complex and multifaceted role in shaping the destinies of heroes and kings.
Gunnr | Old Norse Gunnr/Guðr | Runes - ᚴᚢᚾᛦ / ᚴᚢᚦᛦ
In Norse mythology, Gunnr, also known as Guðr, is a valkyrie whose name means "war" or "battle." She is a powerful and fierce figure among the valkyries, responsible for selecting and guiding fallen warriors to Valhalla, the hall of Odin.
Her name reflects her role in the cosmic battle, where she plays a crucial part in choosing those worthy of joining the ranks of the Einherjar, the honoured dead who will fight alongside the gods during Ragnarǫk.
Gunnr was also a feminine name used at the time, and one that is still used to this day.
Herfjötur | Old Norse Herfjǫtur | Runes - ᚼᛁᚱᚠᛁᛅᛏᚢᛦ
In Norse mythology, Herfjǫtur is a valkyrie who is believed to possess the power to choose the fate of warriors in battle. Her name, which means either "Host Fetter" or "Fetter of the Battlefield," suggests her role in determining the outcome of conflicts.
Herfjǫtur is one of the many forces playing a significant role in guiding the fallen heroes to their afterlife, either in Valhalla or Fólkvangr, and is a symbol of fate's influence on the battlefield.
Herja | Old Norse Herja | Runes - ᚼᛁᚱᛁᛅ
In Norse mythology, Herja, a valkyrie, is mentioned in the extended list of names known as the Nafnaþulur in the Prose Edda. Herja's name is linguistically linked to the Old Norse "herja" and Old High German "herjón," both signifying "devastate," and it traces its origins back to the Proto-Germanic term *Herjaza.
While Herja's connection to a Continental Germanic goddess named Hariasa suggests a shared linguistic root, it remains uncertain whether Herja was an original goddess' name among the North Germanic people, leaving room for independent development as a "goddess of war," as suggested by Rudolf Simek.
Hlaðguðr Swan-white | Old Norse Hlaðguðr Svanhvít | Runes - ᚼᛚᛅᚦᚴᚢᚦᛦ ᛋᚢᛅᚾᚼᚢᛁᛏ
In Norse mythology, Hlaðguðr svanhvít is a valkyrie known for her prominent role in selecting fallen warriors to be taken to Valhalla. Her name, which translates to "Swan-White," reflects her ethereal and graceful nature.
While not much else is known about this figure, Hlaðguðr svanhvít's presence among the valkyries highlights her importance in guiding the souls of heroic warriors to their afterlife in the great hall of Odin.
Hildr | Old Norse Hildr | Runes - ᚼᛁᛚᛏᛦ
In Norse mythology, Hildr, whose name means "battle," is a valkyrie mentioned in various Old Norse sources. She is known for her role as Hǫgni's daughter and Hedin's wife in the Hjaðningavíg, where she possesses the unique power to resurrect fallen warriors on the battlefield, perpetuating the eternal conflict between Hedin and Hǫgni.
Hildr appears alongside other valkyries in poems like Völuspá and Darraðarljóð, although the term "hildr" is a common noun for "battle," making it sometimes unclear when the poets were referring to the valkyrie as a personification of battle itself.
Hjalmthrimul | Old Norse Hjalmþrimul | Runes - ᚼᛁᛅᛚᛘᚦᚱᛁᛘᚢᛚ
In Norse mythology, Hjalmþrimul is a valkyrie whose name translates to "Helmet-Clatterer." While she is not extensively featured in the surviving Norse texts, her name suggests a valkyrie associated with the clamor of battle and the protection of warriors.
Like many valkyries, Hjalmþrimul would have played a role in guiding fallen heroes to the afterlife and ensuring their place in Valhalla. She is listed alongside many other Valkyries in the Nafnaþulur at the end of Snorri's Prose Edda.
Hervör alvitr | Old Norse Hervǫr alvitr | Runes - ᚼᛁᚱᚢᛅᛦ ᛅᛚᚢᛁᛏᛦ
In Norse mythology, Hervǫr alvitr (Old Norse, possibly meaning "all-wise" or "strange creature") is a valkyrie. She is attested in the Poetic Edda poem Völundarkviða as the sister of the valkyrie Hlaðguðr svanhvít and as the seven-year wife of the skilled smith Völundr.
Hervǫr alvitr embodies the warrior spirit and is a divine figure associated with guiding fallen warriors to their rightful place in Valhalla to train for the final battle - Ragnarǫk.
Hjörþrimul | Old Norse Hjǫrþrimul | Runes - ᚼᛁᛅᚱᚦᚱᛁᛘᚢᛚ
Hjǫrþrimul is a valkyrie whose name means something along the lines of 'sword warrioress.' Her name stems from two words, Hjǫrr meaning 'sword' and þrima, which means 'noise or battle.' She appears in the 3rd stanza of the poem Darraðarljóð and in Snorri's Þulur.
Hlökk | Old Norse Hlǫkk | Runes - ᚼᛚᛅᚴ
Hlökk a valkyrie in Norse mythology whose name translates to "noise, battle." She is mentioned as one of the 13 valkyries listed in the Poetic Edda poem Grímnismál and is also featured in both Nafnaþulur lists found in the Prose Edda.
Her presence in both the prose and poetic edda suggests a more important role than some of the other valkyries, but other than be referenced in those lists, not much else is know about her.
Hrist | Old Norse Hrist | Runes - ᚼᚱᛁᛋᛏ
In Norse mythology, Hrist is a valkyrie with a name that likely means "shaker" or "quaker." While Hrist is not as prominently featured as some other valkyries, she is mentioned in Grímnismál, one of the poems in the Poetic Edda, as one of the 13 valkyries who serve in the halls of the god Odin. She's also listed in Snorri's Nafnaþulur.
As a valkyrie, Hrist would have played a significant role in selecting fallen warriors for Valhalla and aiding in the battles of the Norse gods.
Kára | Old Norse Kára | Runes - ᚴᛅᚱᛅ
Kára, a valkyrie in Norse mythology, is mentioned in the prose epilogue of the Poetic Edda poem Helgakviða Hundingsbana II.
This epilogue discusses the belief in reincarnation in the pagan religion, suggesting that the valkyrie Sigrún and the hero Helgi Hundingsbane were reborn as another couple in a subsequent life. In this new incarnation, Helgi becomes Helgi Haddingjaskati, and Sigrún takes on the identity of Kára, described either as "the wild, stormy one" or "the curly one."
The epilogue of the poem seems to allude that more information about their story can be found in a work called Káruljóð, which has been lost to time.
Mist | Old Norse Mist | Runes - ᛘᛁᛋᛏ
In Norse mythology, Mist, whose name means "cloud" or "mist" in Old Norse, is counted among the valkyries. She is mentioned in the valkyrie lists found in the Poetic Edda poem Grímnismál and the Nafnaþulur valkyrie lists, although no further details about her are provided.
Mist's name is associated with the idea of riding through the air and over water, at least this is suggested by Rudolf Simek, reflecting the supernatural and ethereal nature of the valkyries as they gather fallen warriors for Valhalla.
Ölrún | Old Norse Ǫlrún | Runes - ᛅᛚᚱᚢᚾ
In Norse mythology, Ǫlrún is a valkyrie mentioned in the Poetic Edda poem Völundarkviða. Her name 'Ǫlrún' could possibly be translated as "Ale Rune," and she is identified as the daughter of Kiár of Valland.
Ǫlrún's presence underscores her role as a valkyrie associated with mead and feasting in the warrior afterlife, suggested by her name's connection to ale and runes.
Randgrid | Old Norse Randgrid/Randgríðr | Runes - ᚱᛅᚾᛏᚴᚱᛁᛏ / ᚱᛅᚾᛏᚴᚱᛁᚦᛦ
In Norse mythology, Randgríðr is. a valkyrie mentioned in both the Poetic Edda poem Grímnismál [Stanza 36] and the Nafnaþulur at the end of the Prose Edda.
Her name means something along the lines. Ff the shield destroyer' and other than that, not much else is known about this valkyrie and her antics.
Ráðgríðr | Old Norse Ráðgríðr | Runes - ᚱᛅᚦᚴᚱᛁᚦᛦ
Ráðgríðr is another valkyrie in Norse mythology that not much is known about. Her name possible means "the bossy" and she is mentioned in Stanza 36 of Grímnismál in the Poetic Edda.
Reginleif | Old Norse Reginleif | Runes - ᚱᛁᚴᛁᚾᛚᛅᛁᚠ
Reginleif is one of the 13 valkyries mentioned in Grímnismál stanza 36, and her Old Norse name translates to "daughter of the gods." Aside from that, not much else is known about this valkyrie and her role in the broader mythology.
Róta | Old Norse Róta | Runes - ᚱᚢᛏᛅ
Róta is the only valkyrie that I could find mentioned in Gylfaginning, aside from the valkyrie Skuld, who is also one of the Norns.
Her name could possible be something along the lines of "sleet" or "storm" derived from the Old Norse noun róta, but that's about all I could find on this one.
Sanngriðr | Old Norse Sanngriðr | Runes - ᛋᛅᚾᚴᚱᛁᚦᛦ
Sanngriðr is an obscure valkyrie in Norse mythology, mentioned in the poem Darraðarljóð, a section of Njál's saga. Like many of the valkyries, not much is really known about this figure and she is mentioned basically in passing only.
You can find this in chapter 157 of Njal's saga, verse 3. She is mentioned alongside Hildr, Hjalmþrimul and Svipul.
Sigrdrífa | Old Norse Sigrdrífa | Runes - ᛋᛁᚴᚱᛏᚱᛁᚠᛅ
In Norse mythology, Sigrdrífa, also known as Brynhildr, is a valkyrie of great significance. She is introduced in the Poetic Edda's "Sigrdrífumál," where she awakens from a deep sleep after being surrounded by a wall of fire by the god Odin as punishment for disobedience. Her name means "inciter to victory."
Sigrdrífa imparts her wisdom and knowledge to the hero Sigurd, sharing powerful runes and foretelling his destiny while revealing her own tragic tale of love and betrayal.
Sigrún | Old Norse Sigrún | Runes - ᛋᛁᚴᚱᚢᚾ
In Norse mythology, Sigrún is a valkyrie who plays a prominent role in the heroic poem "Helgakviða Hundingsbana II." Her name means "victory-rune" and she. is the valkyrie that is said to be reborn as Kára after her death.
She is the daughter of King Hǫgne and is deeply in love with Helgi Hundingsbane, a legendary hero. Sigrún's unwavering devotion and her attempts to aid Helgi in his battles against her own kin highlight her fierce and loyal character.
Skalmöld | Old Norse Skalmǫld | Runes - ᛋᚴᛅᛚᛘᛅᛚᛏ
In Norse Mythology, Skalmǫld is. a lesser-known valkyrie mentioned only in Snorri's Nafnaþulur, the last section of Skáldskaparmál within his Prose Edda.
Her name translates to something like "sword-time," further emphasising the divine connection between the valkyries and battles in Norse Myth.
Skeggöld / Skeggjöld | Old Norse Skeggǫld / Skeggjǫld | Runes - ᛋᚴᛁᚴᛅᛚᛏ / ᛋᚴᛁᚴᛁᛅᛚᛏ
Skeggǫld, alternatively Skeggjǫld, is one of the valkyries listed in stanza 36 of the poem Grímnismál in the Poetic Edda. Her name means "battle-axe" or something like "axe-age." suggesting a connection with the valkyries and battles, a very consistent theme throughout their names and characteristics.
Wikipedia states that she appears in Snorri's Nafnaþulur, but I checked and couldn't find her listed there.
Skuld | Old Norse Skuld | Runes - ᛋᚴᚢᛚᛏ
Skuld, whose name means "Debt" or "Future," is one of the three Norns responsible for shaping the destiny of both gods and mortals in Norse Myth.
Alongside her sisters, Urðr and Verðandi, Skuld weaves the threads of fate at the roots of Yggdrasil, the World Tree. She is often associated with the concept of what is yet to come, emphasising the inevitability of destiny and the inescapable nature of fate in the Norse cosmology. She's also listed as a Valkyrie in at least two poems.
Given that the one norn listed as a valkyrie is the norn associated with the future, it makes sense that Skuld would play a pivotal role in choosing which warriors are worthy to enter Valhalla.
Sveid | Old Norse Sveið | Runes - ᛋᚢᛅᛁᚦ
Sveið is one of the lesser known valkyries in Norse Mythology, only being listed in Snorri's Nafnaþulur. The meaning of her name is not known for certain, but "vibration" and "noise" are possibilities.
Svipul | Old Norse Svipul | Runes - ᛋᚢᛁᛒᚢᛚ
Svipul, a valkyrie featured in the Poetic Edda poem Völuspá, plays a mysterious and significant role in Norse mythology. While her name suggests foresight or change, her exact attributes and actions are not explicitly described in the surviving texts. Svipul's presence among the valkyries highlights her connection to the fate and destiny of warriors, but outside of a few passing mentions, not much else is known about her antics.
She is mentioned in Darraðarljóð alongside Snorri's Nafnaþulur.
Þögn | Old Norse Þǫgn | Runes - ᚦᛅᚴᚾ
Þǫgn is a valkyrie mentioned in Snorri's Nafnaþulur, and her name translates to "Silence." Aside from this, not much is known about this mysterious figure.
Thrima | Old Norse Þrima | Runes - ᚦᚱᛁᛘᛅ
Þrima is another valkyrie mentioned in Snorri's Nafnaþulur. Her name translates to 'fight,' but other than that, not much else is known.
Thrud | Old Norse Þrúðr | Runes - ᚦᚱᚢᚦᛦ
Þrúðr is an important valkyrie in Norse Mythology. She is the daughter or Thor and Sif, and her name translates to 'strength' or 'power,' reflecting her fathers role as. a strong and powerful god.
In the 36th stanza of Grímnismál, she is listed among many other valkyries that serve the Einherjar their mead in Valhalla.