What does walkyrie mean?
A walkyrie is a noun for a female figure from Norse mythology who chooses among the slain in battle and determines which of them will enter Valhalla. In modern fantasy and literature, the word is often used more loosely for an imposing, supernatural female warrior, although that broader sense can obscure the figure's original role as a chooser of the dead. Walkyrie is a less common spelling variant of valkyrie, the form now dominant in English, and its dramatic associations make it more suited to mythology, opera, fantasy, and historical storytelling than to ordinary prose. The word is especially useful when discussing Old Norse religion, Wagner's operas, and modern works that borrow from the tradition of the choosers of battle dead. Its northern European inheritance is evident in related forms such as German Walküre. It remains a vivid choice for creating a formidable, fate-laden female figure.
nounA female supernatural figure of Norse mythology who chooses among those slain in battle and determines which of them will enter Valhalla. The term is also used more broadly for an imposing or formidable female warrior in fantasy and literature.
- A female mythological chooser of the slain in Norse tradition, associated with Valhalla.
- A formidable supernatural female warrior in modern fantasy and literature.
"The summons came in the voice of a walkyrie, calling the fallen hero to Odin's hall."
"The warning came in the voice of a walkyrie, summoning the fallen hero to Odin's hall."
"The novelist cast her queen as a walkyrie, severe and terrible in her judgment."
The regular plural adds -ies to form walkyries.
"The three walkyries gathered above the battlefield."
A walkyrie's terror lies in her authority: she decides which of the slain are sent to Valhalla.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of walkyrie
English walkyrie is a variant spelling of valkyrie. Both continue Old Norse valkyrja, a compound formed from valr, meaning 'the slain' or 'corpse,' and kýrja, meaning 'chooser' and associated with 'choose.' German Walküre and modern Icelandic valkyrja preserve related forms with the same Norse origin.
How walkyrie is actually used
This is a literary and mythological word rather than everyday vocabulary, and it is especially common in fantasy and historical storytelling. Although modern usage sometimes treats the figure simply as a female warrior, her traditional role is that of a chooser of the slain.
Easily confused with walkyrie
Walkyrie is a less common spelling variant of valkyrie, not a different kind of mythological figure.