Norse mythology · 3 chapters

The Valkyries and Valhöll

Half the battle-slain feast in Odin's hall, chosen by his warrior maidens

Odin's great hall Valhöll stands at the center of Asgard, its roof thatched with golden shields, its walls made of spear-shafts. Half of those who die gloriously in battle are selected by the Valkyries, Odin's shieldmaidens who ride above battlefields choosing the slain. These warriors become the Einherjar, who feast on boar's meat and mead each night, and fight to the death each day, only to be healed before evening. They train for Ragnarök. The other half of the battle-slain go to Freyja's hall Fólkvangr. Among the most celebrated Valkyries is Brynhildr, whose punishment for defying Odin, placing a thorn of sleep upon a king he hadn't chosen to fall, shapes the entire Völsung saga.