The image of the Valkyrie is known from the mythology of the Scandinavian peoples. The ancient Scandinavians considered them the arbiters of the destinies of peoples, because they decided which of the soldiers would win the battle.
Valkyries in the Scandinavian epic
Translated from the ancient Germanic languages, the Valkyrie means "choosing the dead." These warlike girls, according to Scandinavian mythology, decided the fate of warriors on the battlefield. In the most ancient legends and myths, the Valkyries were described as angels of death, who cut the heavenly heights on horseback over fighting warriors. Fulfilling the will of Odin, the supreme god of the Scandinavians, the Valkyries decided who would win and who would forever lay down his sword. They took the souls of the best warriors to a heavenly castle called Valhalla, where the warriors of Odin were now improving in martial art, and the Valkyries served them.
In later myths, the Valkyries are presented in a more romantic way. They are portrayed by beautiful golden-haired virgins with white skin, sometimes taking on the appearance of magnificent swans. Their horses were created from clouds, thanks to their manes from rain, dew and hoarfrost covered the earth. Meanwhile, Anglo-Saxon legends say that some Valkyries descended from elves, while others were chosen by the gods during their lifetime from among the daughters of noble princes.
