1224isy-blog asked:

Notes on Valkyries and the like?

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I do enjoy a good, open-ended question, so thank you for asking! Though, it is still a bit of an informal post on my behalf, but still it should be worthwhile. 

The Valkyries are quite an interesting feature in Norse and Germanic mythology. They appear quite frequently in literary sources, from the Eddas to the Sagas. Given that this is such a huge topic, I will provide a little taste of a few things I have encountered, which should be interesting. (I actually will be including the Valkyries in my next crash course lesson next week, but this post will have a bit more detail probably).

Valkyries are fascinating. I always love seeing a kick-butt, strong woman figure (especially in a historical context). They are a powerful force that have many responsibilities and have great influences. They are quite active in events and are rather common in literary works. They also provide a “role model” for powerful, non-supernatural women. They are the famine rendition of the berserker, and equally frightening to face (if not more so), mind you.

It is always best to start with some basics (not all know about them too well). The Valkyries are women who serve in Valhalla. They are sent by Odin to the ravaged fields of war where they decide the fates of men; who shall die and who shall rise to Valhalla. It is said in the Prose Edda that the youngest norn, Skuld, also rides along with to decide. Norns are similar to the Valkyries, shaping the lives of men at the Well of Urd. Though, there are more than just those in Asgard.

I will continue by discussing some references to Valkyries in primary sources such as Volsunga saga and Njal’s Saga. There is some rich insight to be had when seeing their symbols and characteristics in practice. This is a somewhat long post, so if you’d like to keep reading, click below. I at least recommend checking out the poem from Njal’s saga, if you are interesting in Valkyries (see below).

In Völsunga Saga

Though, it seems most information about the nature of Valkyries come from the tales they have been woven into. One of the most famous Valkyries/Shield-maidens is probably Brynhild of the Volsunga saga. There are a number of possible illusions to Valkyries in this sagas. I will discuss a few:

This is possibly a reference to Odin’s Valkyries, though obvious debatable. However, any supernatural woman (that is not a goddess) is a likely candidate to being a Valkyrie. Based on this passage, Valkyries performed more roles than deciding the fates to battle. They were definitely the “messengers” for Odin, in a sense.

Here is one that is far more familiar to their usual role. A great battle has occurred and Odin’s shield-maidens come in to decide their fates. They are a fearful and impressive sight, as can be felt in those last words: “it was like looking into a fire…”

Allusions to battle fill Brynhild’s character. Her name is made up of words that pertain to war and battle, like many names of Valkyries did. Bryn from the word Brynja, which mean “mail coat” and hildwhich means “battle”. In other words, these are women who one would never mess with. Even their names emphasize their prowess for battle.

I think what is most interesting about Brynhild and Valkyries is the symbolism they have in defining human elements and ideals surround war and women. Brynhild at this moment is not so much a literal Valkyrie, but definitely alludes to being such, or acting as such. I find the symbolic depth of the Valkyrie equally significant to point out. Shield-maidens are much like Berserkers in that they are both related to some mythological component.

In Njal’s Saga

One of the most detailed poems about Valkyries is actually in Njal’s saga. It tells, with much attention, the gruesome reality behind the Valkyries and their relationship with war. The context behind this poem is that there was just a massive and significant battle that just took place in Ireland, the Battle of Clontarf. In this battle, the first and only Irish High King fell. It was a battle over control of Dublin among Irish kings, and many Vikings did get involved.

Here is the full poem, Darraðarljod (The Song of Dorrud):

A wide harp
warns of slaughter;
blood rains
from the beam’s cloud.
A spear-grey fabric
is being spun,
which the friends (valkyries)
of Randver’s slayer (killed by Odin himself)
will fill out
with a red weft.

The warp is woven
with warriors’ guts,
and heavily weighted
with the heads of men.
Spears serve as heddle rods,
spattered with blood;
iron-bound is the shed rod,
and arrows are the pin beaters;
we will beat with swords
our battle web.

Hild sets to weaving
and Hjorthrimul 
and Sanngrid and Svipul, (names of the valkyries)
with swords drawn. 
Shafts will splinter,
shields shatter;
the dog of helmets
devours shields.

We wind and wind
the web of spears
which the young king
has carried on before.
Let us go forth
amongst the fighters
when our dear ones
deal out blows.

We wind and wind
the web of spears,
and then stand by
our stalwart king.
Gunn and Gondul,
who guarded the king,
saw the bloody shields
of the brave men.

We wind and wind
the web of spears,
there where the banners
of bold men go forth;
we must not let
his life be lost —
valkyries decide
who dies or lives.

The men who inhabited
the outer headlands
will now be leaders
in the lands.
I declare the mighty king
doomed to death.
The earl has fallen
in the face of the spears.

And the Irish will
endure an evil time
which will never lessen
as long as men live.
Now the web is woven
and the war-place reddened;
the lands will learn
of the loss of men.

Now it is gruesome
to gaze around,
as blood-red clouds
cover the sky;
the heavens will be garish
with the gore of men
while the slaughter-wardens
sing their song

Our pronouncement was good
for the young prince;
sound of mind
we sing victory songs.
May he who listens
learn from this
the tones of spear-women
and tell them to men.

Let us ride swiftly
on our saddle-less horses
hence from here,
with swords in hand.

I do not wish to add much commentary to this, since I think much of it speaks well for itself. Also, since it is such a long poem, I don’t wish to bore with tedious analysis. Though, I am honestly not entirely prepared to do that at this time. I would happily do so at a later date, of course. 

I hope this is answer was what you had hoped for. It was quite open-ended, so I provided a little bit of insights on what I already knew of. It is not exactly and in-depth academic study, but it is an interesting discussion of sorts nonetheless. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to send an ask or a message. Otherwise, I hope you enjoyed this post!

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Sources:

1. Sturluson, Snorri, The Prose Edda. London: Penguin Classics, 2005. 44-45.
2. Byock, Jesse L, Saga of the Volsungs. London: Penguin Classics, 1999. 36, 50, 75.
3. Anonymous. Njal’s Saga. Translated by Robert Cook. London: Penguin Classics, 2001. 303-307
4. Dukes-Knight, Jennifer. “Mythology & Vikings in Ireland,” Lecture, Viking History, University of South Florida, 2015.
5. Image: The Ride of the Valkyries (1909) by John Charles Dollman.