The Women Who Ride to Battle

What do the Valkyries decide on the battlefield?

The Valkyries are women whom Odin sends to every battle. They choose who will die and decide who wins and loses. *Voluspa* describes Valkyries gathered from far away, ready to ride. Among them, Skuld carries a shield.

The same poem also names Skogul, Gunn, Hild, Gondul, and Geirskogul. The women are ready to ride across the earth. *Gylfaginning* also explains that Skuld and the others ride out to choose those who will fall in battle.

The Valkyries also have duties in Valhalla. They carry drinks and look after the tableware and drinking vessels. In *Grimnismal*, Hrist and Mist carry a drinking horn. The poem goes on to name other women who bring ale to the warriors.

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