what is a valkyrie

In Norse mythology, a Valkyrie is one of a host of female figures who guide souls of the dead to the god Odins hall Valhalla. The word Valkyrie derives from Old Norse valkyrja, which means chooser of the slain. Valkyries were considered handmaidens of Odin, the All-Father and chief god in Norse mythology. They were often depicted as fierce and beautiful women, often riding winged horses and wearing armor. Valkyries were skilled warriors in their own right, and some stories suggest they would also join the battle themselves. Valkyries would travel to a battlefield to choose who among the fallen was worthy to be brought to Valhalla and ultimately fight alongside the Norse gods at Ragnarok. They were also thought to have the power to cause the death of the warriors they did not favor. Old Norse literature made references to purely supernatural Valkyries and also to human Valkyries with certain supernatural powers. The number of Valkyries is given as 9, 12, 13.