Valhalla

Walhalla (1896) by Max Brückner

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Hild, Thrud and Hløkk by Frølich

Hundingsbane

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Gylfe stood boldly before Odin by George Wright

AM 738 4to Valhöll

Heimdallr and valkyries by Frølich

Valhalla is a majestic, enormous hall located in Asgard, ruled over by the god Odin in Norse mythology. According to the myths, Valhalla is where Odin houses the dead whom he deems worthy of dwelling with him. These dead are known as the Einherjar, warriors who died in battle and are brought to Valhalla by Valkyries to prepare for the events of Ragnarok, the end of the world in Norse belief.

Etymology

The name "Valhalla" derives from Old Norse Valhöll, which is a compound of two words: valr, meaning "slain warriors" and höll, meaning "hall". Thus, Valhalla translates to "the hall of the slain".

Description

In the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, two of the most important sources for Norse mythology, Valhalla is described as a splendid palace, roofed with shields, where the warriors feast on the flesh of a boar that is resurrected each day and drink mead that flows from the udders of a goat named Heiðrún. The hall is so large that it has 540 doors, through each of which 800 warriors can walk abreast. The walls of Valhalla are adorned with spears, and coats of mail are strewn over its benches. A wolf hangs in front of the western door and an eagle hovers above it.

Inhabitants

The primary inhabitants of Valhalla are the Einherjar, the warriors who died in battle and were deemed worthy by Odin. These warriors spend their days training for Ragnarok, fighting one another to hone their skills. At night, they feast and recover from their wounds, only to repeat the cycle the next day. In addition to the Einherjar, Valhalla is also home to various creatures, including the aforementioned goat Heiðrún and the stag Eikþyrnir, which stands atop Valhalla and feeds from the tree Læraðr.

Ragnarok

Valhalla plays a significant role in the events leading up to Ragnarok. It is from Valhalla that Odin will summon the Einherjar to fight alongside the gods against the giants in the final battle. This battle will result in the death of many gods, including Odin himself, and the destruction of the world, only for it to be reborn anew.

Cultural Impact

Valhalla has had a significant impact on modern culture, inspiring various works of art, literature, and music. It is often used as a symbol of honor, glory, and the afterlife in warrior cultures. The concept of Valhalla continues to be a popular subject in the study of Norse mythology and Viking history.