Valkyrie - shieldmaiden. As far as we know, this pendant is the first reproduction of a valkyrie found in England, Wickham Market, Suffolk, 9th century. According to Norse mythology, a Valkyrie is a female figure who in battle chooses those who may die and those who may live. She also leads about half of the chosen fallen soldiers to the so-called Hall of the Fallen, Valhalla.
- Material: silver 925
- Size: 1.7 x 3.4 cm
- Weight: 6 g
- The loop for threading the chain is hidden on the other side of the jewel
The Valkyries were originally probably demons of death, but are gradually depicted more as beautiful maidens and demigoddesses (specifically they were among the dís, the lesser female protective goddesses). They are also called "valkyrjar" - "those who choose who dies", "Odin's maidens" and "Maidens who grant Odin's wishes". A valkyrie is a kind of messenger of fate - only those who were to die in a given battle could see her; the valkyries themselves had the power to determine who was destined for death. After the battle, their job was to escort the dead warriors to the Valhalla ("hall of the fallen in battle"). In the Valhalla itself, the task of the Valkyries is to serve the fallen warriors, making sure they have enough food and mead. They are depicted armed (spear, shield, helmet and other armour), sometimes riding on horseback - indeed, they are said to have ridden winged horses into battle. According to surviving reports, even in reality Germanic women sometimes actively intervened in battles.