# Valkyrie

/ˌvæɫˈkiˌɹiə/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/valkyrie
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a female figure from old Norse stories who chooses which soldiers die in battle. They take the bravest heroes to a special hall called Valhalla.

For teachers: one of a group of supernatural female figures in Norse mythology who decide the fate of warriors in battle. They escort the souls of those slain in combat to the hall of Odin.

## Examples

- The valkyrie rode her horse across the battlefield.
- In the ancient sagas, a valkyrie appears as a powerful spirit who selects the most courageous fallen soldiers for the afterlife.
- Wagner's famous opera cycle brought the image of the valkyrie into the modern consciousness, depicting them as warrior maidens descending from the sky on winged steeds.

## Usage notes

- Often capitalised when referring to the specific mythological figures.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.