Valkyries: Beyond the Sagas and Legends

About this episode

The episode explores the evolution of Valkyries from Old Norse poetry to modern interpretations.

We know them as the winged choosers of the slain and the fierce female warriors of Valhalla—but who are the Valkyries, really? Are they divine escorts, mortal women with supernatural gifts, or something else entirely? Or perhaps all of the above? Today, we’re pulling back the veil on these enigmatic wish-maidens to explore how they evolved from the terrifying omens of Old Norse poetry into the complex heroines of modern fantasy. I’m joined by an incredible panel: authors KS Barton and Johanna Wittenberg, the co-hosts of Shieldmaiden: @WomenoftheNorseWorldPodcast podcast, and academic researcher from the @universityofleeds , Sif Brookes from the @valsif channel. Together, we’re exploring and examining the sagas, the legends and twenty-first century conceptions in 'Valkyries: Beyond the Sagas and Legends'. Join us as we head straight to Valhalla, to find out what it truly means to 'choose the slain'. Episode artwork designed by illustrator Katie Brompton Intro and Ending Soundtrack, 'Into the Wyld' from Svilland TTRPG - Shieldmaidens: Women of the Norse World is a monthly podcast that takes a deep dive into the lives of women in the Viking Age, exploring their roles, experiences…

People in this episode

Host: Becky Hill

Guests: KS Barton, Johanna Wittenberg, Sif Brookes

Topics covered

• Valkyries
• Norse mythology
• female warriors
• Old Norse poetry
• modern fantasy
• sagas
• legends

Keywords

• Valkyries
• Norse mythology
• female warriors
• sagas
• legends
• Old Norse
• fantasy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Leeds, Valsif

Books & works: Shieldmaiden: Women of the Norse World, Into the Wyld

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