Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Northern Mythology—Valhalla—The Valkyrior explained
This chapter introduces Northern (Scandinavian) mythology, describing the creation of the world from the giant Ymir, the gods Odin, Vili, and Ve, and the formation of Midgard.
What happens
This chapter introduces Northern (Scandinavian) mythology, describing the creation of the world from the giant Ymir, the gods Odin, Vili, and Ve, and the formation of Midgard. It details the structure of the universe supported by the ash tree Yggdrasil, the abode of the gods in Asgard, and the joys of Valhalla where fallen heroes feast and fight. The Valkyrie are described as Odin's messengers who choose the slain. The chapter also covers Thor and his hammer, other gods like Frey and Bragi, and the mischievous Loki and his monstrous children: the wolf Fenris, the Midgard serpent, and Hela (Death). A story is included of how Thor paid a mountain giant for building a fortress, involving Loki's deceit.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Immortality
Valhalla offers an afterlife for heroes who die bravely in battle, while Iduna's apples grant eternal youth to the gods.
Fate and Free Will
The Norns (Urdur, Verdandi, Skuld) dispense fate, engraving runes on a shield, while Odin seeks to gather heroes to influence the final battle.
Characters to notice
- Odin
Chief of the gods, ruler of Asgard and Valhalla, inventor of Runic characters, sends Valkyrie to choose slain heroes.
- Thor
Odin's eldest son, god of thunder, possesses a hammer, belt of strength, and iron gloves; his name gives Thursday.
- Loki
Calumniator of the gods, contriver of fraud, father of Fenris, Midgard serpent, and Hela; forced himself into the company of the gods.
- Frey
God presiding over rain, sunshine, and fruits of the earth.
- Freya
Goddess of love, music, spring, and flowers; fond of elves and love ditties.
- Bragi
God of poetry, records deeds of warriors.
- Iduna
Wife of Bragi, keeps apples that restore youth to the gods.
- Heimdall
Watchman of the gods, placed on borders of heaven to guard against giants; has acute hearing and sight.
Key passages
“He is of the giant race, but forced himself into the company of the gods, and seems to take pleasure in bringing them into difficulties, and in extricating them out of the danger by his cunning, wit, and skill.”
Loki, though born a giant, insinuated himself among the gods, delighting in both causing and solving problems through his cleverness.
Describes Loki's dual nature as troublemaker and problem-solver.
“The Valkyrie are warlike virgins, mounted upon horses and armed with helmets and spears. Odin... sends them down to every battlefield to make choice of those who shall be slain.”
The Valkyrie are warrior maidens who ride to battlefields to select which heroes will die and join Odin in Valhalla.
Explains the role of the Valkyrie as choosers of the slain.