What is the Valkyrie symbol? Meaning, origins and myths explained

The Valkyries are among the most recognisable figures in Norse mythology — powerful female beings said to choose which warriors live and die in battle. But what about the so-called “Valkyrie symbol”?

The term is widely used today, especially in connection with tattoos and jewellery. However, unlike some other Norse symbols, there isn’t one single historical “Valkyrie symbol” with a clear origin.

Instead, most designs are modern interpretations inspired by Norse mythology. Here’s what we actually know about Valkyries, the symbols associated with them, and what they represent.

Designs like this are popular today, but they are modern creations inspired by Norse mythology rather than authentic Viking Age symbols..

Who were the Valkyries?

First things first, who were the Valkyries? These mythological female figures associated with battle and death are usually depicted as strong, beautiful armour-clad women who ride their horses through the sky over battlefields. 

The word “Valkyrie” comes from the Old Norse words val (“to choose”) and kyrja (“slaughter”), so it literally means “choosers of those who are killed”. According to Norse mythology, the Valkyries chose which fallen warriors would be taken from the battlefield. Many of these were brought to Odin’s hall, Valhalla. But, some sources also suggest that the goddess Freyja received a share of the slain, welcoming them to her realm, Fólkvangr.

One of the best-known figures linked to the Valkyries is Brynhild, a legendary warrior and daughter of King Budli. The goddess Freyja is sometimes associated with the Valkyries, as she also receives fallen warriors, but she is not a Valkyrie herself.

And it is Brynhild that the fictional character known as Valkyrie in the Marvel comics and films is actually based on.

What’s the difference between Shield Maidens and Valkyries?

Shield Maidens and Valkyries are often depicted as the same. Shield Maidens were human warriors (at least in legend), whereas Valkyries were supernatural beings. The important difference is that Valkyries are mythological figures with divine powers and ancestry, while Shield Maidens are of human descent. 

Confusingly, though, Shield Maidens are often depicted as also having super-human powers! The best-known Shield Maiden was Lagartha, the wife of Viking warrior Ragnar Loðbrók.

What is the Valkyrie symbol?

Modern “Valkyrie symbols” are often depicted with wings on either side, representing the idea of Valkyries flying through the air on horseback, with a double or single staff running below the Winged Helm. Some versions show the wings surrounding a Nordic Knot, which is also known as the Valknut, or Odin’s knot, and is often associated with death and the afterlife, particularly in connection with Odin. Other versions include the Helm of Awe symbol in the centre, which is often associated with courage and protection. However, this symbol comes from later Icelandic magical texts rather than the Viking Age itself.

There’s no writing on the traditional image, but Valkyrie symbol text, such as Viking runes, can sometimes be seen alongside the symbol itself. The Shield Maiden Valkyrie symbol is similar to the traditional Valkyrie symbol, with wings, a long double staff and usually with a Nordic knot in the centre.

Unlike symbols such as the Valknut or the Helm of Awe, there is no single, historically attested “Valkyrie symbol” from the Viking Age. Many of the designs seen today (especially in tattoos and jewellery) are modern interpretations inspired by Norse mythology rather than authentic ancient symbols.

This helps explain why so many different designs are referred to as “Valkyrie symbols” today.

For more on Valkyrie symbols and meanings, check out our post on Viking tattoos and their meanings.

Where does the Valkyrie symbol come from?

Nobody really knows the Valkyrie symbol origins, but it is thought that the wings represent the speed with which the Valkyries can fly through the air, and that Odin’s knot is a symbol of the transition between life and death. 

What does the Valkyrie emblem symbolize?

The Valkyrie symbol has come to represent many attributes, in particular courage, physical strength and the empowerment of women. So it’s not surprising that the Valkyries have a loyal band of followers, who choose to show their support of Valkyrie Norse symbols through jewellery or tattoos.

Many people are drawn to Valkyrie symbols for tattoos because they’re associated with strength, independence and female empowerment. However, it’s worth remembering that most designs are modern interpretations rather than historically accurate Viking symbols.

What animals represent Valkyries?

Valkyries are sometimes linked to birds, particularly in imagery connected to battlefields. Ravens, however, are more strongly associated with Odin, the chief god in Norse mythology, though they often appear in scenes involving death and war.

Swans are also associated with the Valkyries, who are sometimes known as “swan maidens”, because they often disguised themselves as swans so that they could fly away.

If a male human steals a Valkyrie’s swan feathers, legend has it that the Valkyrie will fall in love with and marry him.

Valkyries are also associated with horses as they are sometimes depicted as riding winged horses over the battlefields.

Is Valkyrie good or evil?

The traditional characteristics associated with Valkyrie are bravery, strength, courage and fairness.

However, the Valkyries were also fearsome fighters who had the power to decide who would be chosen to enter Valhalla and who would remain dead.

In some stories, the Valkyries are depicted as cunning and scheming women who used these powers for malevolent purposes.

What is the symbol on Valkyrie in Marvel’s Thor films?

Sharp-eyed viewers may have noticed a symbol tattooed on Valkyrie’s wrist in the Marvel superhero and Avengers films.

This is not the actual Valkyrie symbol, but a stylised version that has been adapted with a trident added to the bottom of the staff.  

Separating myth from modern interpretation

The idea of a “Valkyrie symbol” is powerful, but it’s important to separate historical fact from modern interpretation. While Valkyries themselves are deeply rooted in Norse mythology, many of the symbols associated with them today are contemporary creations inspired by those ancient stories.

Have you come across a Valkyrie symbol or design that caught your eye? Let us know in the comments below.

See also:
Where to find Vikings in Sweden
The coollest, craziest Viking hairstyles
All you need to know about Viking weddings