Valkyries

Valkyries

Valkyries

Female spirits in Norse* mythology, the Valkyries were servants of the god Odin*. Originally, the Valkyries were fierce creatures who took part in battles and devoured bodies of the dead on battlefields. They later emerged as beautiful female warriorsclad in armor on horsebackwho rode over battlefields selecting the bravest slain warriors to enter Valhalla*, Odin's great hall in Asgard. During battles the Valkyries carried out Odin's commands, bringing either victory or defeat according to his wishes. After leading slain warriors to Valhalla, the Valkyries waited on them, serving them food and drink.

supernatural related to forces beyond the normaf world; magical or miraculous

In several myths, the Valkyries appeared as giant beings with supernatural powers who could cause a rain of blood to fall upon the land or row ships across the sky on rivers of blood. Some Valkyries caused warriors to die, while others served as protectors, guarding the lives of those most dear to them. Valkyries were often shown as wives of heroes. Brunhilde, one of the most famous Valkyries in mythology, disobeyed Odin and was placed in an enchanted sleep within a wall of fire as punishment.

See also Brunhilde; Norse Mythology; Odin; Valhalla.

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"Valkyries." Myths and Legends of the World. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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Valkyries

Valkyries , in Germanic mythology, warrior maidens of Odin. They presided over battles, chose those who were to die, and brought the souls of the dead heroes back to Valhalla . Chief among them was Brunhild . They were usually represented as riding through the air on horseback, helmeted and carrying a spear. The Valkyries play a prominent role in Die Walküre of Richard Wagner.

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"Valkyries." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Valkyries." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Valkyrie.html

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Valkyrie

Valkyrie in Scandinavian mythology, each of Odin's twelve handmaids who conducted the slain warriors of their choice from the battlefield to Valhalla. The name comes from Old Norse Valkyrja, literally ‘chooser of the slain’.

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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Valkyrie." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Valkyrie." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-Valkyrie.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Valkyrie." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-Valkyrie.html

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Valkyrie

Val·kyr·ie / valˈki(ə)rē; ˈvalkərē/ • n. Scandinavian Mythol. each of Odin's twelve handmaidens who conducted the slain warriors of their choice from the battlefield to Valhalla.

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"Valkyrie." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Valkyrie." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-valkyrie.html

"Valkyrie." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-valkyrie.html

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Valkyries

Valkyries In Norse mythology, warlike handmaidens of the god Odin, who selected and conducted to Valhalla those slain heroes who merited a place with him.

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"Valkyries." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Valkyries." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Valkyries.html

"Valkyries." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Valkyries.html

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Valkyrie

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"Valkyrie." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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