Study › Runes & Norse › The Names of the Valkyries
The poems name many valkyries, and their names are made of war: Hrist, "shaker", Mist, "cloud", Hildr, "battle", Göndul, "wand-wielder", and more. Few have stories of their own; their names are the story.
What are the names of the valkyries?
The poems name many valkyries, and their names are made of war. In Grímnismál Odin wishes that Hrist, 'shaker', and Mist, 'cloud', would bring him a horn to drink, and names others who carry ale to the einherjar: Skeggjöld, 'axe-age'; Skögul, 'shaker'; Hildr, 'battle'; Þrúðr, 'power', who is also a daughter of Thor; Hlökk, 'din'; Herfjötur, 'host-fetter'; Göll, 'tumult'; Geirahöð, 'spear-fight'; and Randgríð, Ráðgríð and Reginleif. In Völuspá the seeress sees six ride out over the world: Skuld, who is also a Norn, with her shield, Skögul, Gunnr, 'war', Hildr, Göndul, 'wand-wielder', and Geirskögul, 'spear-Skögul'. Snorri gathers more in the name-lists of his Edda. Few of them have a story of their own; their names are the story.
Read about the valkyries and Brynhild.
Questions
How many valkyries are there?
The poems name over a dozen, and Snorri lists more.
Which valkyrie is also a Norn?
Skuld.