Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Of the Joys of Valhalla explained
This chapter describes Valhalla, the great hall of Odin, where heroes who have died bravely in battle feast on the boar Schrimnir, which regenerates each night, and drink mead from the she-goat Heidrum.
What happens
This chapter describes Valhalla, the great hall of Odin, where heroes who have died bravely in battle feast on the boar Schrimnir, which regenerates each night, and drink mead from the she-goat Heidrum. Their daily pastime is fighting to the death, only to be healed and return to feast again.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Immortality
The heroes in Valhalla experience a cycle of death and rebirth, feasting and fighting eternally, blurring the line between mortal and immortal existence.
Characters to notice
- Odin
Odin is the lord of Valhalla, feasting with his chosen heroes.
Key passages
“Valhalla is the great hall of Odin, wherein he feasts with his chosen heroes, all those who have fallen bravely in battle, for all who die a peaceful death are excluded.”
Odin's hall, Valhalla, is where he dines with heroes who died courageously in combat; those who pass away peacefully are not admitted.
This establishes the exclusive nature of Valhalla for warriors.
“The flesh of the boar Schrimnir is served up to them, and is abundant for all. For although this boar is cooked every morning, he becomes whole again every night.”
The heroes are served the meat of the boar Schrimnir, which is plentiful because the boar is cooked each day and regenerates each night.
Highlights the magical abundance and cyclical renewal in Valhalla.
“Every day they ride out into the court or field and fight until they cut each other in pieces. This is their pastime; but when meal time comes they recover from their wounds and return to feast in Valhalla.”
Each day the heroes engage in combat, cutting one another to pieces, but they heal in time for the next meal and return to feast.
Describes the eternal cycle of battle and restoration as entertainment.