Valkyrie helmut and spear / Ed’s Toy Box (CC)Ĭonfusingly, though, Shield Maidens are often depicted as also having super-human powers! The best-known Shield Maiden was Lagartha, the wife of Viking warrior Ragnar Loðbrók. However, the important difference is that Valykries are mythological figures with divine powers and ancestry, while Shield Maidens are of human descent. Shield Maidens and Valkyries are often depicted as the same – they had the same jobs and a similar appearance. What’s the difference between Shield Maidens and Valkyries? The best-known Valkyries are Freya, who represents love, fertility, death and battle, and Brynhild, a highly regarded warrior and daughter of King Budli.Īnd it is Brynhild that the fictional character known as Valkyrie in the Marvel comics and films is actually based on. The word “Valkyrie” comes from the Old Norse words val (“to choose”) and kyrja (“slaughter”), so it literally means “choosers of those who are killed”.Īnd according to Norse mythology, the Valkyries did indeed choose which dead soldiers to be picked up and taken to Odin in Valhalla, where they would then remain for the rest of eternity. Who were the Valkyries?įirst things first, who were the Valkyries? These traditional female Norse warriors are usually depicted as strong, beautiful armour-clad women who ride their horses through the sky over battlefields. Read on to find out all you need to know about Valkyrie symbol meanings and origins.
But we’ve done some digging into the past to help you out!
Valkyrie symbols and meanings are mired in mythology and legend, which have been adapted and amended in many different versions over the years. But what does the Valkyrie symbol mean and where does it come from? Getting a Norse Valkyrie symbol tattoo has become increasingly popular, for both men and women, so you might see it here and there. In particular, it represents their views on death, destiny and fate. One of the best known symbols of ancient Norse mythology, the Valkyrie symbol is a sign of female power and prestige and represents the Norse way of life. The Valkyrie symbol: what is it, and what does it mean? by Amanda Tomlin
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